Goulburn's Belmore Park trees receive a health and safety check

But the enduring landmark is at no risk of doing so, according to the council's operations director.

Matt O'Rourke told the most recent council meeting that the Hoop Pine, or Araucaria cunninghamii, near the corner of Montague and Auburn Streets, was in fact "quite stable."

He was basing his comments on an arborist's report the council commissioned to assess the health and stability of all Belmore Park trees.

The report, completed by Canopy Tree Experts in October, 2019, found that while light deadwood could get caught up in the canopy and possibly drop over the path below, there was no sign of movement at ground level. "Unlikely hazardous," the report concluded.

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On arborist advice, the council's outdoor staff have installed two clouts in the tree to monitor its lean. The initial reading was 73.5 degrees.

Trees along the Auburn Street frontage will also have their decomposed granite bases replaced with "quality mulch" to increase moisture penetration. The grand Lady Belmore oak in the park's centre will receive the same treatment.

The arborist identified seven trees that needed maintenance, including removing deadwood, pruning to reduce weight and detailed inspections of their crowns. This work started in mid-December and more would be undertaken in March, a report to councillors stated.

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On arborist recommendation, a Monterey pine, or Cupressius macrocarpa, on the corner of Market and Sloane Streets was removed due to high potential for failure. A heavy branch overhanging on to Sloane Street was initially chopped off, due to public risk. The consultants said the tree had a canker in the compression wood and this was the likely cause of other limb failure.

An English Elm, also near the corner of Market and Sloane Streets, will be inspected to check for further decay in its trunk. Councillors will receive a report if it requires removal.

In December, works staff started planting replacement trees for those ones already removed.

Also in that month, staff cleared bunya nuts from the park's tall bunya trees. The nuts can weigh up to 8kg and pose a safety risk if they drop. Mr O'Rourke said about 150 nuts were collected.

READ MORE:

Bunya tree drops nasty surprise in Belmore Park

Two of Goulburn's Belmore Park trees receive chop

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