The City of Gosnells and trees FAQs

as posted here


Why does the City want to replace Eucalyptus Melliadora in residential streets?
A number of Eucalyptus Melliadora were planted 40 years ago in residential streets. These are all the same species and age and were maintained in the same way. In recent years a number have shed limbs. As a result Eucalyptus Melliadora in streets are now assessed as being dangerous.
What evidence does the City have that the trees are dangerous?
A limb weighing over one tonne dropped into Hume Road last year, narrowly missing a car. On Sunday 13 December a limb dropped from another of the trees planted at the same time. It was over 12 metres long. At least one of the trees removed from Hume Road showed signs of imminent limb drop. These are just three examples of many incidents that the City has to deal with on an on demand basis.
Have people complained about the trees in Hume Road?
Yes. The City has had complaints about the trees from a number of different properties over a prolonged period of time This is a quote from a resident:

“I have two very beautiful trees on the side of my property which are to be removed this week. Whilst very sad that this trees are being removed it has to be done for safety. My outdoor entertaining area is adjacent to this verge and at least 2 or 3 times over the last 6 years I have heard the tree limbs crack and drop. Once a limb nearly caused a car accident. It was around 10 p.m. on a weeknight and I heard a great “crack” and then the limb fell, the next second a car slammed on its brakes hit the medium strip and keep left sign. This driver was visibly shaken and kept saying “It fell out of nowhere”.

“At least every 2nd year I have needed to contact you to request that you come and collect a fallen limb that I have dragged off the street, these limbs are really heavy and could cause a fatality in my opinion.”

Seventy per cent of Hume Road residents wanted the trees removed in 2004. However, a City assessment found them not to be dangerous at that time and refused to remove them. This decision was only reversed after the limb drop last year and a host of other complaints.

But why replace all the trees?
The trees are all the same species, planted at the same time and maintained in the same way. The evidence is they are all reaching the age where limb drops can occur.
Why can't the City lop or prune the tops of the trees to control them that way?

This is known as topping and is not an accepted method of pruning trees, as it creates large open wounds that increase the chance of pest, disease and fungal attack on the tree. This in turn leads to rot and decay beginning in that branch that can then spread into the main stem causing further weakening of the tree.
Further more the resulting regrowth (Which is known as epicormic growth) can have very weak attachments to the branch,  potentially resulting in further branch  loss as they  get bigger and are buffeted by the strong easterly winds that Gosnells experiences.
But trees are important to the environment and these are native trees.
The City has planted nearly 5500 trees in 2009 and removed just 190. The City only removes trees when they are potentially dangerous or interfering with infrastructure (such as roots growing through pipes for example). More trees will go into Hume Road than are being replaced.
Eucalyptus Melliadora is not native to Western Australia. Nor are these naturally occurring trees – they were planted.

What is the City doing about the resident sitting in a tree?
From the first day the City has offered to discuss the issue when the resident leaves the tree. The City has also guaranteed verbally and in writing that the tree will not be removed either before those discussions or while they take place.
Why won’t the City talk with the resident while he is in the tree?
Because that would not be the right way to have a serious discussion about the issue.
Why doesn’t the City just give the resident the written guarantee he is asking for that the tree will not be removed?
Because it would be wrong to do so. What if a limb fell next week or next month? The tree would then have to go and the City would be seen as having lied. The City is happy to have honest discussions but will not be dishonest in order to end the situation.
What will end the situation?
Only the resident can do that. The City has said all along it will not physically remove the resident from the tree. The City hopes he will come down soon as other residents in Hume Road are suffering major disruption to their lives.
The tree contractors have moved on from Hume Road.
Is the City just being stubborn?
No, the City represents 100,000 residents and its decisions have to be rational and benefit the majority. To leave potentially dangerous trees in place would be irresponsible. The City would rightly be heavily criticised if a limb fell and injured or killed someone.
The protestor has many supporters. Does this concern the City?
The City has received more correspondence from residents in support of its stance than against it. Many residents in other streets have urged the City to replace trees they consider dangerous.
So where to from here?
The City hopes the protest ends soon. The City would ask that all people, whether supporters or opponents of the resident, refrain from creating late night noise around the tree. Other people’s lives are being seriously disrupted by anti-social behaviour in the street from a minority of people.



as posted here