25 January 2010

Dangerous Historic Pine Scheduled For Removal

A large macrocarpa pine tree on the northern slopes of North Head is set to be felled in February due to the risk to the public of falling branches in high winds.

The macrocarpa stands at 29 metres with a circumference of almost four metres. Although located away from major roading and visitor track areas, the more than 80 year old tree still has the potential to seriously injure visitors to the reserve if it fell.

The Department of Conservation has been working hard to save the tree following substantial storm damage in mid 2007. The tree was pruned in October 2007 to remove hanging deadwood. However, the crown of the tree has now largely died and fallen and little foliage remains at the top of the tree.

An independent arborist has assessed that further significant pruning of the pine is unlikely to reduce the risk of it falling. Following the arborist’s recommendations, which were supported by the North Shore City Council’s arborist, DOC has decided to fell the tree.

Resource consent was granted to remove the tree in November 2009. The North Head Historic Reserve will be closed for one day between Monday 15 and Friday 19 February 2010 to safely fell the tree. This activity was notified in the North Shore Times and Devonport Flagstaff in January. Visitors to the reserve will be advised on the day of closure by signage at entry points to the reserve. Staff will endeavour to open the reserve as soon as possible after the dangerous work has been completed.

DOC intends to replace the tree once felled. Historic Ranger Nicholas Turoa says “It is hoped the tree will be replaced with a seedling raised from the tree’s seeds, but if unsuccessful, we may replace the tree with a native equivalent such as a pohutukawa”.

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