A dying Norfolk Island pine in North Wollongong will be removed by Wollongong City Council in the interests of public safety.
Tests have shown the tree is dying from a contagious fungus. The infection works its way from the tree’s top to its bottom, and causes the pine to lose its leaves. The fungus also attacks the tree’s trunk, making it to go ‘spongy’.
The tree is in JP Galvin Park, at the entrance to the North Beach car park, and is part of a group of Norfolk Island pines and Canary Island palms that are listed as having local heritage significance.
A Council spokesperson said it was vital Council removed the infected tree.
Council’s experts have predicted the pine will be dead within six months and, by removing the tree, Council is protecting the thousands of people who use this popular area from a significant safety.
“We don’t take the decision to cut down a heritage-listed tree lightly. But with this dying tree the health and safety concerns are too great,’’ a Council spokesperson said.
In 2010, Council removed a Norfolk Island pine tree from JP Galvin Park after it was diagnosed with a contagious fungus. The current tree is the only tree in the area that wasn’t treated after the original pine was taken out. It was left untreated because the soil around the pine couldn’t be dug out and fertilised as pavers surround the tree’s base.
None of the other pines in JP Galvin Park – which runs between the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club and the Lagoon Restaurant – are showing signs of infection.
“There have been a number of trees identified up and down the NSW coast in recent years that have been displaying the same symptoms of infection,” the spokesperson said.
“Experts recommend the removal of these trees to stop the infection spreading. Since Council removed the first pine in 2010, an extensive maintenance program has been underway along the Wollongong foreshore area. However, the ground conditions at the base of this tree meant treatment was not an option, and unfortunately it has become infected and needs to be removed.”
The tree removal is due to take place in the week starting 30 January, and is expected to take about a day. In the interests of safety, there will be full traffic control put in place and about 15 car spaces will be closed off.
Since 2010 Council has planted 20 mature Norfolk Island Pines along the Wollongong foreshore area. Council will continue to monitor all the pines in North Wollongong for signs of infection.