Comments on: Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine) http://treelogic.com.au/facts/2008/12/araucaria-heterophylla-norfolk-island-pine/ Arboricultural Consultants Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:42:06 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Gary Anderson http://treelogic.com.au/facts/2008/12/araucaria-heterophylla-norfolk-island-pine/comment-page-1/#comment-6301 Gary Anderson Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:42:06 +0000 http://treelogic.com.au/facts/?p=215#comment-6301 please discuss possible pathological ideas to explain a large limb drop from very large, healthy, mature Araucaria heterophylla. 4 trees are growing in close proximity forming a landscape feature although not close enough to be competing for root space. looks like it has possible preliminary fungal attack but may well just be a bit of dying back, water shortage etc. Large branch at point of breakage at approximately 11m high seems to have a darker coloured gumosis on one sector of the lignified xylem?...Can send photo if helps. Owner wants to keep tree and I don't know how to help as yet.... please discuss possible pathological ideas to explain a large limb drop from very large, healthy, mature Araucaria heterophylla. 4 trees are growing in close proximity forming a landscape feature although not close enough to be competing for root space. looks like it has possible preliminary fungal attack but may well just be a bit of dying back, water shortage etc. Large branch at point of breakage at approximately 11m high seems to have a darker coloured gumosis on one sector of the lignified xylem?…Can send photo if helps. Owner wants to keep tree and I don’t know how to help as yet….

]]> By: James Martens-Mullaly http://treelogic.com.au/facts/2008/12/araucaria-heterophylla-norfolk-island-pine/comment-page-1/#comment-6168 James Martens-Mullaly Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:04:45 +0000 http://treelogic.com.au/facts/?p=215#comment-6168 Hi Bill, Norfolk Island Pines can reach a mature height of 100'. If soil conditions are favourable then roots could easily extend a distance of 50' or more. In relation to your neighbour's concern over roots intruding into sewage pipes, I offer the following for consideration. Underground services, particularly those laid in the upper soil profile (2’ or less below grade) may be affected by root activity. There are several mechanisms by which roots can directly or indirectly damage services and depend on a range of factors including depth of installation, distance of service from the tree, soil type, tree size, and service construction type. Roots will not penetrate intact services, though root incursion can occur where a service contains an existing defect and conditions inside the pipe are conducive to root growth (moist and aerated). Root colonisation of the service can occur. Radial growth of the roots where it passes through the service may enlarge the defect, while colonization of the service may cause a blockage. Roots will follow soil moisture gradients including those resulting from leaking water or sewerage services. Indirect damage may occur in reactive soils as these soils are vulnerable to expansion and shrinkage. Differential movement can distort a service supported in such soil; short segmented services, typical of older constrcution types at least in Australia, in particular are vulnerable to localised distortion resulting from soil movement. Service distortion can also be caused where a service passes from a reactive soil into a rigid structure. Movement of reactive soil occurs in the absence of trees however uptake of soil moisture by trees can exacerbate soil moisture deficits influencing localised soil movement. Direct damage can be caused by the compressive force of roots growing over, under or around services. Such damage is most likely to occur where large structural roots develop typically, within 6’-13’ laterally from the trunk and within the top 2’ of the soil profile, though generally speaking roots or surrounding soil tend to distort rather than the service Roots growing over, under or around services may also damage services where movement of the lower trunk and structural roots occur a result of the dampening of wind loading through the tree structure applying direct pressure to the service. Uprooting of trees can damage services passing through the failed portion of the root plate Again though such damage usually occurs, within 6’-13’ laterally from the trunk and within the top 2’ of the soil profile. Hope this helps, James Hi Bill,
Norfolk Island Pines can reach a mature height of 100′. If soil conditions are favourable then roots could easily extend a distance of 50′ or more.
In relation to your neighbour’s concern over roots intruding into sewage pipes, I offer the following for consideration.
Underground services, particularly those laid in the upper soil profile (2’ or less below grade) may be affected by root activity. There are several mechanisms by which roots can directly or indirectly damage services and depend on a range of factors including depth of installation, distance of service from the tree, soil type, tree size, and service construction type.
Roots will not penetrate intact services, though root incursion can occur where a service contains an existing defect and conditions inside the pipe are conducive to root growth (moist and aerated). Root colonisation of the service can occur. Radial growth of the roots where it passes through the service may enlarge the defect, while colonization of the service may cause a blockage. Roots will follow soil moisture gradients including those resulting from leaking water or sewerage services.
Indirect damage may occur in reactive soils as these soils are vulnerable to expansion and shrinkage. Differential movement can distort a service supported in such soil; short segmented services, typical of older constrcution types at least in Australia, in particular are vulnerable to localised distortion resulting from soil movement. Service distortion can also be caused where a service passes from a reactive soil into a rigid structure. Movement of reactive soil occurs in the absence of trees however uptake of soil moisture by trees can exacerbate soil moisture deficits influencing localised soil movement.
Direct damage can be caused by the compressive force of roots growing over, under or around services. Such damage is most likely to occur where large structural roots develop typically, within 6’-13’ laterally from the trunk and within the top 2’ of the soil profile, though generally speaking roots or surrounding soil tend to distort rather than the service
Roots growing over, under or around services may also damage services where movement of the lower trunk and structural roots occur a result of the dampening of wind loading through the tree structure applying direct pressure to the service. Uprooting of trees can damage services passing through the failed portion of the root plate Again though such damage usually occurs, within 6’-13’ laterally from the trunk and within the top 2’ of the soil profile.
Hope this helps,
James

]]> By: Bill - Cypress, CA http://treelogic.com.au/facts/2008/12/araucaria-heterophylla-norfolk-island-pine/comment-page-1/#comment-6157 Bill - Cypress, CA Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:14:53 +0000 http://treelogic.com.au/facts/?p=215#comment-6157 I live in Southern California and have 2 Norfolk Island Pines in my yard. I was contacted by one of my neighbors who complained that this tree's root system is likely to intrude on the sewage drainage system causing clogs and failures. Is this a concern? The two trees are about 6' tall now. How big is the root system likely to encompass? I live in Southern California and have 2 Norfolk Island Pines in my yard. I was contacted by one of my neighbors who complained that this tree’s root system is likely to intrude on the sewage drainage system causing clogs and failures. Is this a concern? The two trees are about 6′ tall now. How big is the root system likely to encompass?

]]> By: James Martens-Mullaly http://treelogic.com.au/facts/2008/12/araucaria-heterophylla-norfolk-island-pine/comment-page-1/#comment-5656 James Martens-Mullaly Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:42:29 +0000 http://treelogic.com.au/facts/?p=215#comment-5656 The Norfolk Island Pine like many conifers naturally develop a main stem which outgrows and subdues the lateral branches beneath, resulting the development of the characteristic cone shaped crown with a central trunk referred to as excurrent growth habit. Removal of the top of the main stem will not alter the excurrent tendency of the tree. New shoots with a strong vertical orientation will develop below the point at which the main stem was cut. To maintain the desired height, removal of these shoots will be required, however their removal will trigger new shoots to develop and so shoot removal to maintain the desired height will be ongoing. Incremental growth of the lower lateral branches will occur as will an increase in trunk girth and root mass. The conical form of the tree and its aesthetic appeal will be lost with such pruning. The desire to maintain a tree that is capable of reaching a mature height in excess of 30m to a height below 7m indicates the tree does not suit your requirements for that location. Rather than compromise a large tree species, you should consider its removal and replacement with a more suitably sized specimen. Regards, James The Norfolk Island Pine like many conifers naturally develop a main stem which outgrows and subdues the lateral branches beneath, resulting the development of the characteristic cone shaped crown with a central trunk referred to as excurrent growth habit. Removal of the top of the main stem will not alter the excurrent tendency of the tree. New shoots with a strong vertical orientation will develop below the point at which the main stem was cut. To maintain the desired height, removal of these shoots will be required, however their removal will trigger new shoots to develop and so shoot removal to maintain the desired height will be ongoing. Incremental growth of the lower lateral branches will occur as will an increase in trunk girth and root mass.

The conical form of the tree and its aesthetic appeal will be lost with such pruning. The desire to maintain a tree that is capable of reaching a mature height in excess of 30m to a height below 7m indicates the tree does not suit your requirements for that location. Rather than compromise a large tree species, you should consider its removal and replacement with a more suitably sized specimen.

Regards,

James

]]> By: Kathy http://treelogic.com.au/facts/2008/12/araucaria-heterophylla-norfolk-island-pine/comment-page-1/#comment-5652 Kathy Fri, 02 Sep 2011 04:55:47 +0000 http://treelogic.com.au/facts/?p=215#comment-5652 I have a norfolk pine in my backyard in central queensland, I love this tree but I fear the size that it might grow ( It's about 4m from house). Can I "bonsai" this 7m tree by taking off the top, and keep trimming it? I have a norfolk pine in my backyard in central queensland, I love this tree but I fear the size that it might grow ( It’s about 4m from house). Can I “bonsai” this 7m tree by taking off the top, and keep trimming it?

]]> By: James Martens-Mullaly http://treelogic.com.au/facts/2008/12/araucaria-heterophylla-norfolk-island-pine/comment-page-1/#comment-4855 James Martens-Mullaly Thu, 24 Mar 2011 23:33:27 +0000 http://treelogic.com.au/facts/?p=215#comment-4855 Hi Kathy, The short answer is a long time, but just how long the average life span is for the Norfolk Island Pine when grown in Victoria is still being tested as some of the oldest know planted specimens are still alive and in good condition. One such specimen is that planted in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne in 1851 by John Dallachy, the second Director of the Botanic Gardens, making it around 160 years old! Regards, James Hi Kathy,

The short answer is a long time, but just how long the average life span is for the Norfolk Island Pine when grown in Victoria is still being tested as some of the oldest know planted specimens are still alive and in good condition. One such specimen is that planted in the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne in 1851 by John Dallachy, the second Director of the Botanic Gardens, making it around 160 years old!

Regards,

James

]]> By: Kathy Whitburn http://treelogic.com.au/facts/2008/12/araucaria-heterophylla-norfolk-island-pine/comment-page-1/#comment-4854 Kathy Whitburn Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:48:39 +0000 http://treelogic.com.au/facts/?p=215#comment-4854 Hi James, Can you tell me how long the average life span is for the Norfolk Island Pine. We have a lovely avenue of them in Frankston where I work that are about 30 metres tall probably planted in the 1930's. They are very healthy and I assume that they will continue to grow for some time as they seem to get to at least 50 metres at maturity. Kathy Hi James,

Can you tell me how long the average life span is for the Norfolk Island Pine. We have a lovely avenue of them in Frankston where I work that are about 30 metres tall probably planted in the 1930′s. They are very healthy and I assume that they will continue to grow for some time as they seem to get to at least 50 metres at maturity.

Kathy

]]> By: James Martens-Mullaly http://treelogic.com.au/facts/2008/12/araucaria-heterophylla-norfolk-island-pine/comment-page-1/#comment-4801 James Martens-Mullaly Fri, 28 Jan 2011 06:08:59 +0000 http://treelogic.com.au/facts/?p=215#comment-4801 Hi Michelle, The challenge you face appears to be establishing young plants with small developing root systems in an area dominated by the vigorous roots of an established tree. Any fertilization or irrigation of the new young plants will be exploited by the roots of Norfolk Island Pine at the at the expense of the plants you are trying to establish. Light levels beneath the tree canopy may also be an issue so it may be best to take a photo of the site you are trying replant to your local nursery and get some advice on native plants that would best suit the location. Thereafter you could try to plant advanced specimens with a well developed root system. Without damaging the larger woody roots of your Norfolk Island Pine, try to make the planting holes 2-3 times the diameter of the pot in which they came but no deeper. All the best with your project, James Hi Michelle,
The challenge you face appears to be establishing young plants with small developing root systems in an area dominated by the vigorous roots of an established tree. Any fertilization or irrigation of the new young plants will be exploited by the roots of Norfolk Island Pine at the at the expense of the plants you are trying to establish.
Light levels beneath the tree canopy may also be an issue so it may be best to take a photo of the site you are trying replant to your local nursery and get some advice on native plants that would best suit the location.
Thereafter you could try to plant advanced specimens with a well developed root system. Without damaging the larger woody roots of your Norfolk Island Pine, try to make the planting holes 2-3 times the diameter of the pot in which they came but no deeper.
All the best with your project,
James

]]> By: James Martens-Mullaly http://treelogic.com.au/facts/2008/12/araucaria-heterophylla-norfolk-island-pine/comment-page-1/#comment-4800 James Martens-Mullaly Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:57:09 +0000 http://treelogic.com.au/facts/?p=215#comment-4800 That’s a good question Tom, however I cannot return a good answer. The cones of Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) ripen in 2-3 years before disintegrating. Seed cones will mature irrespective of the number of fertile seeds within. The few times I have pulled apart cones I have found extremely variable numbers of seed. The maximum number of seed can equal the number of cones bracts. James That’s a good question Tom, however I cannot return a good answer. The cones of Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) ripen in 2-3 years before disintegrating. Seed cones will mature irrespective of the number of fertile seeds within. The few times I have pulled apart cones I have found extremely variable numbers of seed. The maximum number of seed can equal the number of cones bracts.
James

]]> By: Michelle Eva http://treelogic.com.au/facts/2008/12/araucaria-heterophylla-norfolk-island-pine/comment-page-1/#comment-4688 Michelle Eva Fri, 07 Jan 2011 23:46:22 +0000 http://treelogic.com.au/facts/?p=215#comment-4688 I have a Norfolk Island Pine in my front garden, I removed bushes of Lavender from under the tree and planted various other native Australian plants. These plants have not grown an inch in 2 years, I was thinking the tree might be creating the wrong soil conditions for anything else to grow under it, is there anything I can do?? Thanks, Michelle Perth Australia. I have a Norfolk Island Pine in my front garden, I removed bushes of Lavender from under the tree and planted various other native Australian plants. These plants have not grown an inch in 2 years, I was thinking the tree might be creating the wrong soil conditions for anything else to grow under it, is there anything I can do??
Thanks,
Michelle Perth Australia.

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