Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Jan 29, 2009 7:24 am Hi gardeners and plant people!
There is a a bit of background with this Council gum tree on our nature strip, and I have tried to have it removed and they refuse to. I noticed yesterday it had developed vertical cracks along one side of the trunk, and wondered if it might possibly die (please, pretty please!). Apart from the fact that there is a star picket embedded in it (my OHS issue for having the tree removed), have I any argument in getting this tree removed due to the 'cracks' and possibility of imminent death?? Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ Like ⋅ Add a comment ⋅ Pin to Ideaboard ⋅ (excuse my budding tree expert on the right ) If not, then what is wrong with it, if anything? Cheers! Henley - Wilshire Mk 3 ... I love my house!! Site start: 4th Feb 09 Handover: 10th Sep 09 Blog: http://stormygirlscastle.blogspot.com/ Build Thread: viewtopic.php?t=7166 Re: Is this gum tree dying? 3Jan 29, 2009 7:44 am What on earth is that protruding from the bottom left hand corner? It sure looks like a metal stake that no-one bothered to take out! Poor tree!
It looks to be a totally inappropriate choice for a suburban street as it's absolutely enormous. If only the people in charge of these things showed a little more responsibility. Given it's deformity, I wouldn't be surprised if it's unwell. Here's hoping it meets a safe ending with an arborist if it can't be saved. Fence, paving, retaining wall - CHECK! Still so much more to do..... Re: Is this gum tree dying? 4Jan 29, 2009 8:03 am Bad news...for you...good news for the tree...these are "tension cracks" caused by the tree growing.
During periods of drought trees often don't grow much, but as soon as it rains they make up for it with enormous amount of growth. Sometimes the girth of a tree expands so rapidly that it can actually split its own bark. Normal, healthy trees should be able to cope with this sort of damage and heal over. If you notice vertical cracks in a tree during or just after the drought, don't be too worried. The tree will recover. Simply keep the water up to it and perhaps apply a little fertiliser. It may be a response to the downpour we had in December which caused a growth spurt....(?) mmm....donuts Homer Simpson 1956- Links: Site Costs Ready Reckoner | H1 Addiction Medical Advice | Château TDL: The Backyard Re: Is this gum tree dying? 5Jan 29, 2009 11:50 am Thanks guys!
I tried to get the Council to remove it as an OH&S issue, due to the star picket which was left there after they planted the tree. My reason was because once the tree had enveloped it all, no one would realise it was there. So, when the tree does eventually come down it could prove diabolical for the person cutting it down. The Council didn't agree with me and said they don't go cutting down healthy trees for the sake of it... They also said they have it on record now with the star picket and will know it's there when it does come down. I'm powerless to do anything about it, as if I try and poison it , they now know I want it out and will acuse me for it. This was a chance, but I guess that won't work either. I am considering ringing the Council up EVERY DAY, when we move back, to come and clean/sweep the street because of their HUGE messy gum tree that looks crap against my nice new house... Disclaimer: If I sound like I'm in a foul mood...blame the heat! Henley - Wilshire Mk 3 ... I love my house!! Site start: 4th Feb 09 Handover: 10th Sep 09 Blog: http://stormygirlscastle.blogspot.com/ Build Thread: viewtopic.php?t=7166 Re: Is this gum tree dying? 6Jan 29, 2009 12:29 pm Yup thats a healthy growing tree - and by the way that its completely enveloped the star picket it's a survivor too - sorry to say but you'll have that one around for a while.
Pity the poor guy that does eventually put a chainsaw into that thing though. That star picket could do some damage. Building Upside down house in Wantirna VIC Current Stage: Procrastination... it's just all too hard.... Blog: http://thereluctantbuilder.blogspot.com/ Re: Is this gum tree dying? 8Jan 29, 2009 8:22 pm It's better than a pole with 456 cables attached to it Stormy!!
Stormy I'm powerless to do anything about it, as if I try and poison it , they now know I want it out and will acuse me for it. but without evidence they can't really do anything.................................. Re: Is this gum tree dying? 9Jan 29, 2009 10:09 pm Eager It's a Spotted Gum. Beautiful trees they are. ...on the floor, not a nature strip in the middle of suburbia! Quote: Stormy, why don't you like it? Being on the nature strip it constantly drops bark, leaves, gumnuts and the odd branch. It is inhabited by 2 ravens that come back to nest every year (although that's good, they are noisy buggers and poo everywhere!). There are possums in it as well, that wee all over the car if it is left outside, and on the odd occasion there have been bats in it too. Do you know how noisy they are? It's HUGE, the neighbours hate the mess it, and it's residents, make, and it does have a slight lean! It also means we have to have root barrier along the whole front of our slab...hence why I wanted the Council to chop it down (as well as the OHS issue), and I've struggled for years to get anything to grow near it. It is also the odd one out in the street, everything else is a Prunis. Should I go on? Donuts...If I suddenly declared the tree was dead after having an arbourist evaluate it's health only a year ago, things would be slightly suss! Especially since it was me that rang the Council after the inspection demanding they reconsider! So, if it's in excellent health (not the news I really wanted to hear!), then I'll have to hound the council to send around the street sweeper weekly to clean up the mess it makes! Maybe they might get the message! Henley - Wilshire Mk 3 ... I love my house!! Site start: 4th Feb 09 Handover: 10th Sep 09 Blog: http://stormygirlscastle.blogspot.com/ Build Thread: viewtopic.php?t=7166 Re: Is this gum tree dying? 11Jan 31, 2009 1:02 pm Eager Okay, point(s) taken! Quote: It makes you wonder how such a tree was planted there in the first place. Exactly! Henley - Wilshire Mk 3 ... I love my house!! Site start: 4th Feb 09 Handover: 10th Sep 09 Blog: http://stormygirlscastle.blogspot.com/ Build Thread: viewtopic.php?t=7166 Re: Is this gum tree dying? 12Feb 05, 2009 4:10 pm Angle grinder and a extension lead and I'd lopp that star picket off asap. Even straight into the bark to get as much as possible and leave no exposed edges. Few years and the scar would hear straight over.
I hate seeing trees with man made scars and physical things embedded into them. Bunnings had a bonsai for over a year with a plastic clip slowly strangling it. It killed me everytime I saw it, always tried to look away, but 'car crash style' was compelled to check if it was still there. Re: Is this gum tree dying? 13Feb 05, 2009 4:24 pm soda Angle grinder and a extension lead and I'd lopp that star picket off asap. Even straight into the bark to get as much as possible and leave no exposed edges. Few years and the scar would hear straight over. Like you it pains me to see it, however at least how it is now the Star Picket is still visible. If you chop the end off now, and someone chops it down next year the person that puts the chainsaw in will have no idea the picket is there and very likely suffer serious injury. The tree is coping fine, the unknown person will most likely not be. Building Upside down house in Wantirna VIC Current Stage: Procrastination... it's just all too hard.... Blog: http://thereluctantbuilder.blogspot.com/ Re: Is this gum tree dying? 14Feb 11, 2009 12:42 pm A beautiful tree, couldn't you change your way of thinking and get to appreciate this tree.
Might be good to get an arborist to look at it for some peace of mind on it's safety though. Regards Penelope The Garden Shed Expert Re: Is this gum tree dying? 15Feb 11, 2009 12:56 pm Stormy then I'll have to hound the council to send around the street sweeper weekly to clean up the mess it makes! Maybe they might get the message! I'd be careful with this....I think you may find that it is YOUR responsibility to maintain the nature strip and then they may start demanding that you do it and if you don't they may bill you for doing it. As for all the bats, possum etc. taking the tree down will deprive them of a home and the tree may have to stay for the animals even whe dead.... Learn to live with nature.... Re: Is this gum tree dying? 16Feb 11, 2009 8:53 pm 3timesbuilda Stormy then I'll have to hound the council to send around the street sweeper weekly to clean up the mess it makes! Maybe they might get the message! I'd be careful with this....I think you may find that it is YOUR responsibility to maintain the nature strip and then they may start demanding that you do it and if you don't they may bill you for doing it. Nature strip...yes my responsibility. The mess that is left in the gutters and all over the road from the tree...not my responsibility. Councils. THEIR asset, they can clean up the road and the blocked drains from all the leaves and crap this tree constantly drops. It is NOT the ideal place for a massive gum. Maybe in a a rural setting, yes, but in suburbia it's just too big IMHO! Henley - Wilshire Mk 3 ... I love my house!! Site start: 4th Feb 09 Handover: 10th Sep 09 Blog: http://stormygirlscastle.blogspot.com/ Build Thread: viewtopic.php?t=7166 Hello. I just bought a few acres in Habana, Mackay, and my horses seem to love hanging around under this tree. I would like to name the paddock after this tree. Can… 0 9528 Fellow Perth dweller. Looks like pruns nigra. It's a dark leaf flowering plum. Doesn't get massive and is easily trimmed deciduous tree. Very popular in small gardens in Perth 7 2759 |