Two Norfolk Island pines to be removed

Image: The ageing Norfolk Island pine Andrew Lysaght Park

Two ageing Norfolk Island Pines will be removed from two areas along Wollongong’s foreshore following advice from qualified arborists that both trees are a risk to public safety.

The pines, one near Puckey’s Lagoon in Stuart Park and the other in Andrew Lysaght Park near City Beach, are believed to be about 90 years old and are in decline. After an extended period of monitoring and assessment by Arborists the trees are now deemed a risk to public safety and require removal.

Council’s Urban Greening Strategy aims to increase the tree canopy in urban city areas and for every tree removed Council plants two trees.

In Andrew Lysaght Park the declining pine was identified more than 12 months ago as not being in peak condition. Its deterioration has accelerated over the past six months. As it’s believed the tree is in poor health and will not improve, it will be removed.

These trees form a part of the prominent line along the City Beach foreshore and in preparation for age affecting the original pines, Council has already planted a series of smaller pines along the eastern side of the carpark. This allows the precinct to retain its current look and feel as the original pines age.

The works on the tree in Andrew Lysaght Park will minimise the risk of disturbance to the grounds of the former Roman Catholic Cemetery.

The Stuart Park pine is located on the southern side of Fairy Creek and is near the car park at the rear of the Lagoon restaurant.