A large Kauri Pine located at the Cairns Botanic Garden has been assessed as dangerous and will be removed in the interests of public safety.
Following the discovery late last week (3 February) of significant decay at the base of the tree, Council undertook an assessment of the tree's condition using tomographic scans and resistograph drilling. The assessment confirmed extensive decay which has compromised the tree's structural integrity.
Council has started preparations for the tree's removal, including the temporary relocation of the nursery.
The tree removal is expected to take between two to three days, weather permitting.
A staged approach to the tree's removal will be undertaken to limit the impact on visitors, although it is expected the Botanic Gardens and the café will need to be closed for one day to allow the canopy to be removed safely.
Division 7 Councillor Max O'Halloran said he was saddened to hear that the tree would need to be removed but stressed public safety always must be Council's first priority.
"I understand that people will be distressed to know this magnificent tree will need to go – it has been part of the Botanic Gardens for many years and removing it is the last thing any of us what to do," Cr O'Halloran said.
"Unfortunately, the wet and damp nature of the Botanic Gardens have created less than ideal conditions that have likely contributed to its decline."
Council has already informed the Friends of the Botanic Gardens and CAFNEC of its plans.
Friends of the Botanic Gardens president Val Schier said the group was absorbing the news the tree needed to be removed.
"We are of course sad that this beautiful tree will need to be removed," Ms Schier said.
"This will have an impact on the operations of our volunteers, but we will be working closely with Council staff to minimise the disruptions and ensure the continuation of our programs."
The tree has a large, two-metre-high wound that extends about a third of its circumference, as well as significant decay to about 45% of the root plate.
"We have had to move quickly to limit the risks given the high use of the gardens and the tree's immense fall zone, which basically takes in all of the buildings in the gardens.
"As I said, public safety is always first, so in this case we have no other choice than to remove the tree."
Council is investigating how it can repurpose sound timber from the removed tree.
