We were called to a site to assess a large Corymbia calophylla (Marri) located within a hospital carpark in Melbourne. The tree was assessed to be mature, in good health and approximately 60 to 80 years old. The tree was large with a height of 18 metres and a canopy spread of 30 metres and of high site significance.
No arboricultural assessment was undertaken in conjunction with the carpark works and installation of underground services, therefore no protection was afforded to this large tree. Luckily the site maintenance manager thought the tree was starting to lean and we were called in to assess the tree’s safety. Upon arrival to the site, cars were parked in close proximity around the base of the tree and immediate action was undertaken to move all cars and people from under the tree’s canopy and the area was isolated.
As you will see from the pictures root severance was undertaken within the tree’s critical rooting zone and complete tree failure was considered highly likely given the extend of the root zone damage and subsequent heaving of the tree’s base to the north away from the building.
Unfortunately the only cause of action was to remove the tree ASAP as the tree posed a significant hazard to person and property; however if appropriate arboricultural advice was obtained the tree could have been retained within the carpark area and provided shade and an amenity to the site that will not be replaced for many years (if ever).