In October, Tree Logic was set the task of transplanting a large maturing Azarole Hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus) located in old Salvation Army site where it had been planted 60 years earlier, to Victory Park in the very heart of Traralgon which is literally across the road.

The tree is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as being of state botanical significance as the only known example of this specie or hybrid in Victoria. With the help of Rob Bodenstaff (Arbor Centre, WA), BS Callow, Gyra Engineering and various local sub-contractors including P & D Cranes, Maffra Trenching and RTL Transport; Tree Logic set about process for transplanting the 40 tonne tree.

How we did it

A root ball of over 5 meters in diameter was carefully excavated, roots were trimmed and the ball framed. A steel raft frame was constructed under the tree so that it may be lifted with a crane and placed on a transport vehicle. The base lift method of transplant was chosen over the more common practice of pin lifting, to reduce damage to the tree and to take a much larger root ball. Once lifted on to transport the tree was driven across the Princess Highway into Victory Park. The tree was planted proud of existing site grade to avoid any potential water logging of the root ball, was mulched and the site cleaned up.

The job was completed within 5 days. LaTrobe City Council will look after the tree for the next 2 - 5 years until it becomes re-established in the landscape. Parks and Gardens staff lead by Mick Cantwell were trained by Tree Logic in the nuances of managing and maintaining the tree over this critical period and we will be dropping in from time to time to see how the tree fares. Early indications are that it’s a happy team at Hawthorn.

Lee Carr Tree Logic’s Office Manager and Wayne Bloxidge Team Leader Outdoor Services from Tree Logic recently attended the 9th National Street Tree Symposium in September joining others passionate about sustainability practices in their industry.
A big thank you to everyone who supported the Tree Logic Stand at the Symposium.

With increased crowding within urban sprawl, the need for greater emphasis on wise use of water and reduced water use.
Street verges becoming the future water catchment areas by directing water runoff into nature strips rather than into the stormwater systems. Use this water for street tree production/improvements before it becomes wasted/lost to our bays and oceans.
Greater emphasis on species selection. Field demonstrations showed an interesting look at root development of elms and native gums that may improve the tree selection process. Fine matted roots to the canopy edge on elms and large far reaching roots on gum trees.
Much broader and improved look at risk assessment of mature trees and trees in general in urban settings. Greater management of targets and tree crown management rather than a narrow focus on tree removals. Especially when considering cavity and hollow defects.

The long-awaited release of the newly registered Bayer SilvaShield® Injectable Tree Insecticide has arrived.

Current practice has many applicators using non-registered products such as Confidor® to undertake trunk injections.  Confidor was formulated as a soil drench and while some control may be achieved, there are chemicals in Confidor that actually inhibit uptake through the tree’s vascular system and reduce the effectiveness of any control.

Better Results
Bayer’s SilvaShield is a specifically formulated trunk injectable that has been in testing for some time. If you are an owner of trees that are likely to receive trunk injection as a control option this season, you should specify that SilvaShield is to be used to maximize your tree management spending.

Tree Logic offer a range of trunk injection equipment to allow applicators to make the best use of SilvaShield with the Arborjet (US) product range now available in our online store.

Refillable Injectors Coming Soon
Tree Logic has also been working on developing a small low-cost refillable trunk injector that will be perfect for the application of SilvaShield.  These small refillable injectors are in the testing stage now and are likely to be available in the next few weeks, Stay Tuned!!

At present, Harbour Esplanade is only partially complete. The roadway south of Bourke Street is yet to be developed and parts of the Victoria Harbour waterfront remain at the original elevated level with the old wharf structures.  A functional review undertaken by VicUrban identified several issues that require consideration, including lack of weather protection and confusion between pedestrian, cyclist and tram routes.

VicUrban appointed a team of consultants lead by a joint venture between Black Kosloff Knott and Taylor Cullity Lethlean (BKK/TCL) to develop concept designs for Harbour Esplanade.
Tree Logic is working as a sub-consultant to BKK/TCL providing arboricultural information to the areas of tree selection, tree planting systems complimentary to Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), tree stock assessment and procurement, and tree maintenance scheduling.
The project area comprises 700 metres of public space between Docklands Drive to the north and Bourke Street (adjacent to Docklands Park) to the south.