MOUNT Gambier City Council will remove and replace 13 trees around the town hall over the next two years following an assessment by an independent arborist.
Of 27 trees assessed in the Cave Gardens precinct, 13 Oriental Plane Trees located on Commercial Street, Bay Road and Watson Terrace were found to be of poor structure with a likelihood of continued branch failure.
The trees were planted in 2013 and have since had a history of branch failure, especially during strong winds.
“When council received these trees as seedlings, they didn’t have one solid trunk,” city infrastructure manager Nick Serle explained.
“They had multiple trunks which has caused the issues with them splitting in half in the wind.
“Council was advised they were a smaller variety and we now understand they will still grow quite a bit larger and these issues will likely be ongoing.
“Right now we are pouring resources into maintenance of these trees, which is not ideal.”
Mr Serle said the trees would be replaced with London Plane Trees in the same position as the current trees where possible.
“The London Plane Trees have a form more suited to the windy conditions,” he said.
“The replacement trees will be planted in the same position where possible, however major underground services along the two major roads dictated the positioning of the initial plantings.
“It might not be possible to plant the new trees in the same place so the position of the replacement trees will be determined on an individual basis.”
In order to minimise the aesthetic impact, council will stage the replacement of the trees over two years at a cost of around $10,000.
“The significant cost is due to the location of the trees,” Mr Serle said.
“We need to remove and replace them carefully without damaging utilities.”
