Pistacia chinensis (Chinese pistachio), a small deciduous round headed tree that has upright branching.  Growth rate is moderate.

Family Anacardiaceae

Origin

Central and Western China, Taiwan.

Habit

Small deciduous round headed tree that has upright branching.  Growth rate is moderate.  Trees at maturity can reach between 6-10m in height and 5-8m in width.

Description

Foliage is dark green, large, pinnate and attractive.  In autumn, brilliant colours of red and orange are produced.  Bark is dark grey and develops shallow furrows.  When the outer bark is peeled away, an inner bark of salmon to orange colour is revealed.  Flowers are green and inconspicuous, produced in summer.  Blue berries.

Tolerances

Adapts well to most soil conditions, performs best in slightly acidic soils.  High tolerance to both drought and frost.  Has a low to moderate tolerance to root disturbance.  Low tolerance to water logging, prefers a well drained soil.

Availability

Hard to propagate from seed, availability occasional.

Uses & management

Urban streetscapes. Suitable to be planted under powerlines. Speciman tree.  Autumn colour.  Some formative pruning may be required to develop a good structure.

The Separation Tree is a large River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) located at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Melbourne. On November 15 1850, the citizens of Melbourne gathered there to celebrate the news that Victoria had separated from NSW, giving the tree it’s great historical significance.

In August 2010, the Separation Tree was vandalised in an overnight attack when someone effectively ringbarked it, using an object which was likely to be an axe or machete to carve a forty cm strip around the circumference of the trunk which is approximately 3.8 metres.

Arborists at the Royal Botanical Gardens were uncertain about the tree’s survival and have done everything possible to ensure that the tree has every chance. Arborists used a techinique of patch grafting which involved reconnecting sections of vandalised bark that had been removed to encourage a reconnection of the trees tissues that transport nutrients and water to enable natural callous tissue to gradually enclose the wound.

Shade cloth was applied over the damaged area to retain moisture and protect the wound.  Water management has been closely observed and soil moisture sensing equipment installed to monitor long term health. Regular drip irrigation is occurring to 5m out beyond the canopy line and a bi-monthly program of sub-surface drenching is being applied with a pressurised soil probe.

In addition to these efforts, Tree Logic was commissioned to carry out a sucrose drenching treatment to add carbohydrates to the existing sub-surface layer.  The treatment involved a sub-surface injection of a Sucrose and Raffinose solution via a pressurised soil probe. Six (6) litres of solution was injected into each square metre of available soil within the drip line of the tree.
Carbohydrates are required by plants for the initiation of new roots. Generally these carbohydrates are generated through the process of photosynthesis. By providing sucrose at specific rates in and around the root zone of the plant, the carbohydrates required for growth are immediately available for use thus limiting the plants reliance on the crown to provide these assimilates.

In addition, carbohydrates such as sucrose affect the plants sugar sensing-systems and initiate changes in gene expression and subsequently plant growth resulting in the repression of the photosynthetic genes, decreased rates of net photosynthesis and carbon remobilisation in favour of enhanced root development (Percival, 2005). Carbohydrates are also known to stimulate beneficial soil microbial and fungal rhizosphere that assist in plant nutrient uptake.

Under the constant watch of arborists, we watch and wait to see if this 400 year old historical beauty will survive.

REFERENCE
Percival, G.C. (2005). The Influence of Carbohydrates on Root Vigour of Urban Trees, Proceedings for the 9th International Society of Arboriculture – Australian Chapter National Conference

Relocating a 1st World War Memorial

Tree Logic was commissioned to relocate a small 3.5m Lone Pine as part of the Camberwell Civic Centre refurbishment. The Lone Pine was planted as a living memorial to Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in Gallipoli. The tradition began when seeds from a solitary Turkish Pine tree (Pinus brutia) located at the war site in Turkey were brought back to Australia and original Lone Pines were grown.

The relocation of the Lone Pine was required at short notice and the new season spring growth had begun. At this time of year the risk of transplant injury to established trees is at its greatest. To overcome a lack of preparation time, a large rootball measuring 2.8m in diameter was dug to preserve as much root mass as possible to avoid potential transplant injury.

A novel lifting technique was applied. The tree was excavated, lifted and carried out using a steel frame constructed around the base of the tree. Steel pipe inserted across the frame and beneath the rootball formed a cradle underneath, which was then bound to the frame and lifted.  The final weight of the tree and frame was around 7.5 tonne.

Despite weather delays the Lone Pine eventually found its new home just 15 metres away from where it was originally planted.

Logical Tree Management was recently commissioned by Mal’s Environmental & Ecological Services to assist in the rescue and relocation of fauna from 88 trees including Conifers and Sydney Blue Gums.  The trees were being removed to make way for a new development in Wantirna South.

The trees were between 30 and 50 years old and were too immature for hollow formation but after further inspection five Common Ringtail Possum dreys were discovered. Two females and her three young were removed from dreys, placed into two nesting boxes and taken by the LTM climbers to Llewellyn Park Reserve where they were safely relocated to mature Swamp Gums. Llewellyn Park Reserve was chosen for the wildlife relocation as it was close to the site and contained high quality habitat that would suit the ringtail possums.

Introduction

Malcolm Legg from Mal’s Environmental & Ecological Services was commissioned by Michael Tracy of Logical Tree Management to rescue and relocate fauna from 88 trees including conifers and Sydney Blue Gums before removal. The fauna rescue and relocation was conducted on the 17th and 18th of October 2011.

Study Site

The site is situated on the corners of High Street and Stud Road Wantirna South (Melways reference number 72 J3) and was the former Nu-brick property which has been bought and is currently being turned into a housing estate by Mirvac Home Builders (Vic) Pty Ltd. The trees marked for removal reside along the north-western boundaries and include Conifers, and Sydney Blue Gum. The trees are between 30 and 50 years old and were planted by the former property owners. No indigenous trees were present. All trees were too immature for hollow formation but after initial site inspection on the 10-10-11 Common Ringtail Possum dreys and bird nests were noted to be present within the trees.

Methods

All trees were examined for wildlife with the use of a large cherry picker and equipment used included gloves, noose, net on a pole, hessian sacks and nesting boxes for possums.

Discussion

During tree examination five Common Ringtail Possum dreys were found of which only two were occupied by possums. Two females and three young were removed from the dreys. They were placed in two nesting boxes and taken to Llewellyn Park Reserve approximately 1km (refer to map 1) away and placed in two Swamp Gums by one of Logical Tree Management tree climbers. All possums that were detected at the capture site were caught and no injuries occurred.

Six Australian Magpie and 3 Little Wattlebird nests were also located within the trees marked for removal but all were old and no babies or eggs were present.
Llewellyn Park Reserve was chosen for wildlife relocation as it was close to the site and contained high quality habitat that would suit the ringtail possums. The habitat within this reserve along Blind Creek is at a much higher quality than from their original site. James Rose (Team Leader of Bushland Management) from the City of Knox permitted such a relocation within their municipality.

Mal’s Environmental & Ecological Services
ABN 70 165 787 370
PO Box 247
Shoreham 3916
Ph 03 59 863 448
M 0438 898 325
E malcolmlegg@bigpond.com

The (Kurrajong) Brachychiton populneus is an under utilised Australian native species that has high drought tolerance coupled with an attractive broad-form that provides good shade coverage.  The Kurrajong definitely has a role to play in contemporary urban landscapes.

Origin

Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory

Habit

Modest size evergreen, broad domed tree of 12 to 15m in height by 12 to 15 m in crown diameter generally with a stout trunk.

Description

Bark is green and smooth on young trees and smaller branches in upper crown, becoming dark, compacted and coarsely fissured on stout trunk to larger branches of maturing specimens.

Foliage discolourous, glossy green above and paler green below. Mostly entire but sometimes with up to 3 small pointed lobes depending on subspecies. Subspecies populneus has mostly entire leaves reminiscent of Poplar (Populus genus) and subspecies trilobus has 3, sometimes 5, narrow lobes and more northerly and inland distribution.

Flowers, appearing in October to December, are cream to pale green bell shaped flowers with pale pink to purple flecks in the throat of the bell.
Fruit are a leathery boat shaped follicle with hairs on the seeds held within.

Tolerances

Drought tolerant, prefers free draining soils.
Low tolerance of waterlogged sites and excessive root disturbance. Can be transplanted successfully as a smaller tree (3-4m) but presence of residual tap root can be problematic.

Root space

Based on a mature size specimen of Kurrajong (12m crown spread) would require approximately 113m2 area or 68m3 root volume (crown projection method).

Availability

Readily available and as advanced specimens of 2-4m stock with generally successful establishment in free draining soils and sunny position.  Slow to moderate growth rate.

Uses & management

The tree has been observed to be thriving in the recent drought conditions throughout south-eastern Australia even in comparison to other species recognised as drought tolerant such as many eucalypt species and exotic conifers and evergreens.

It is a terrific dense, broad domed tree offering cool shade suitable for use in average to larger gardens.
An ideal street tree and suitable for pruning below electrical services.

Wood properties are low density and fibrous and shows a relatively poor ability to compartmentalise decay. Kurrajong has a generally reliable structure so therefore has a low susceptibility to decay unless wounded by external causes. Avoid trees with included bark forks although even these are rarely seen to have failed.
Foliage can be used as a supplementary source of fodder in conjunction with other types.

Has the potential to self-propagate on disturbed and neglected sites but otherwise has a relatively low weed potential.

Ref:
Florabank fact sheet http://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Brachychiton_populneus.htm
Australian Government.  Australian National Botanic Gardens. Growing Native plants.  http://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/interns-2002/brachychiton-populneus.html

Yarra Gum is a small to medium sized woodland tree endemic to southcentral Victoria. It is a lesser known member of the Swamp Gum Group and is considered rare with restricted populations occurring throughout its range.

Origin

South-central Victoria, Australia

Habit

Small to medium-sized tree, often with multiple trunks and usually a spreading crown. 10-15m high x 10-15m wide.

Description

Closely related to E. ovata but much less common, it has grey-brown to brown bark which is rough and persistent on trunk and larger branches. Conical to diamond shaped buds occur on pedicels in groups of seven with fruits having the obconical shape characteristic of the group. Adult leaves are elliptic-broad lanceolate, 6-10cm long x 2-3cm wide, glossy green with undulate margins.

Tolerances

Naturally occurs on poorly drained soils and withstands periods of inundation. Tolerance of drier sites is not known. Does not appear to be seriously affected by specific pests or disease and this may be partially due to the cyanogenic compounds (prunasin) contained in the foliage.

Root space

68m3 (crown projection method, based on estimated 12m canopy spread).

Availability

Uncommon but available through specialist indigenous plant nurseries.

Uses & management

Potentially reaching a height of 15-20m and a width of 15m, it is usually much smaller with some authors stipulating a height range of 6 -12m. Yarra Gum is adapted to lower lying areas and is suitable for planting in situations with impeded drainage. Given its moderate size and tolerance to low soil oxygen this tree may also suit compacted urban soils if adequate moisture available.

Featured Tree© Tree Logic Pty Ltd 2011
Nicolle, D (2006) Eucalypts of Victoria and Tasmania. Bloomings Books Pty Ltd, Melbourne.
Brooker,M. & Kleinig,D. (2006) Field Guide To Eucalypts Volume 1, South-eastern, 3rd Ed. Australia. Bloomings Books, Melbourne.
Gleadow, R. et. al. (2008) Frequency and distribution of cyanogenic glycosides in Eucalyptus, Phytochemistry 69 (2008) 1870–1874.
Accessed at; www.biolsci.monash.edu.au/staff/gleadow/docs/conn-2008-euc-cg.pdf.

Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak)
It is a deciduous tree with a wide spreading domed canopy and lush green foliage, it is also resistant to pest and disease, has drought tolerance and looks great in the street.

Origin
A lowland tree from the north-central and northeastern regions of North America. Habitats and vegetation associations can vary however, generally found on hydromorphic soils. Annual rainfall can also vary from 640mm to 1270mm. Temperatures can also vary from -34 to 41 degrees celsius.
Habit
Medium sized deciduous tree. Wide spreading, broad domed canopy. Moderate to fast growth rate, mature size ranges between 20-25m high x 15-25m wide.
Description
Leaves simple, large, dark-green glossy above, paler, generally glaucous below, with 5-7 shallow lobes on each margin. Foliage turns yellow-brown, sometime reddish in autumn. Bark a grey and furrowed with age. Acorns 2-3 (similar to English Oak) on long stalk; not known as a litter drop problem.
Tolerances
Adapts to most soils; not alkaline (pH >5.9). High waterlogging (can withstand periods of inundation) and low oxygen tolerance. Tree can withstand periods of drought. Not seriously affected by pest or disease.
Root space
Based on mature size, the tree would require approximately 315 to 490m2 area or 190 to 295m3 root volume (crown projection method).
Availability
Uncommon.
Uses & management
Urban landscapes, parks and streets. Long-lived, moderate sized tree with ornamental characteristics and good tolerances suggest that this oak should be more widely used in urban landscapes. Easy to transplant. Low litter problem.

Swamp White Oak Bark detail

Ref:

Spencer, R., (1997), Horticultural flora of south-eastern Australia, University of New South Wales Press LTD, Australia.
USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry (2010) ‘Swamp Wite Oak’ Available at: http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_2/quercus/bicolor.htm
Urban Forestry Department. The Ohio State University. Shade Trees and Biodiversity in the Urban Environment. (2010) Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) Available at: http://shade-trees.tripod.com/families/selections/swamp_white_oak.html

Click to download Quercus bicolor Factsheet

This palm is primarily grown for its ornamental characteristics, mainly due to its attractive, silver-blue colored, fan-shaped leaves. This distinctive palm makes an extraordinary accent plant and can be used as a focal point. The arching flower panicles of the blue hesper palm are one of the most beautiful among all the palms. A small to moderate-sized palm that is easy to grow.
Good drought and cold tolerance.

Origin:

Mexico, Baja California

Habit:

Palm. Solitary stem and rounded crown of leaves.

Description:

Slow growing, small to medium sized palm; 12 to 15 metres in height with the crown being approximately 5 metres wide. Single, grey trunk holding a rounded crown of stiff, silvery-blue fan shaped leaves.
Arching panicles of flowers extend beyond the leaves; white flowers followed by dark-brown fruit.

Tolerances:

Grows in full sun and part-shade positions; tolerant of light frost. Desert palm with high tolerance of drought, but would benefit from occasional irrigation during extended dry periods. Also grows well in alkaline soils. Moderately tolerant of salty soils.

Availability:

Unknown. Presume rare. Propagated from seed.

Uses & management:

Urban landscapes, parks and streets. No major pest or disease concerns. Ornamental characteristics and tolerances suggest that this palm should be more widely used in urban landscapes. Roots are sensitive to disturbance; can be difficult to transplant. The petioles are covered in spines. This palm is best planted away from foot paths or walkways

Photo © Philip Greenwood

Bibliography:

Floridata 2010 Brahea armata. updated 18/1/04. Available at: http://www.floridata.com/ref/b/brah_arm.cfm [Accessed, 18/8/10).
Spencer, R. 2005. Horticultural flora of south-eastern Australia Volume 5: flowering plants. Monocotyledons. University of New South Wales Press.
Download the Blue Hesper Palm fact sheet

Searsia pendulina (White Karee)
A tree from the Anacardiaceae family (Cashew, mango, pistachio, sumac) with many positive attributes suitable for planting in urban landscapes.

A moderate-sized evergreen tree with a semipendulous, willow-like form. Good drought and wind tolerance. Fast growth rate. No significant litter drop.

Origin:

South Africa. In a narrow strip that follows the Orange River.

Habit:

Broad-domed tree with drooping branchlets. 9 metres in height with a similar or wider crown width.

Description:

Multiple leaders with smooth to flaky bark. The leaves are trifoliate with lightgreen, narrowly lanceolate leaflets. Panicles of small green flowers appear in spring/summer followed by small reddish to black berries.

Tolerances:

Grow in full sun position; tolerant of light frost. Fast growing. High tolerance of drought and wind. Tolerant of periodic water-logging.

Availability:

Unknown. Presume rare. Easily propagated from seed and cuttings.

Uses & Management:

Urban landscapes, including streets. This willow-like small to medium sized tree is ideal for small gardens due to its quick growth, non-invasive root system, and tidy and easy to maintain habit. No major pest or disease concerns. Wood has reputation for toughness and durability.

Click to download White Karee factsheet

Why is English Elm tree of the season?

The English Elm provides a historical link with Europe and is an integral part of the aging canopy tree population of Melbourne. The loss of these aging specimens as they enter decline spirals will change the look of the older streets and parks of Melbourne. People love this species and will mourn their loss; and unless we proactively keep this tree at the forefront of people’s minds when making decisions in regards to appropriate species selection for the replacement plantings that will inevitably be required in the near future; the famous Elms of Melbourne may all but disappear.

What do I like about English Elms?

I love the stately nature of maturing specimens; the large broad green canopies that provide excellent summer shade; and the intricate silhouette of branches throughout late autumn and winter.
I love that shade of iridescent green exhibited by the new flushes of growth in spring and the yellow glow of the leaves at the peak of their autumn brilliance.

Case for a prize for English Elm

Victoria has some of the finest examples of English Elm in the world.
The high quality of English Elms in Victoria is predominantly due to the lack of Dutch elm disease, which has impacted the European populations.