an interesting one, Eucalyptus Pilularis...should i be concerned?

erko

Hello All,

First post, i have recently taken an interest in trees since moving into our new house in Sydney's south that is surrounded by some remnant bushland trees, in particular two huge Eucalyptus Pilularis (Blackbutt) and some smaller Angophora Costatas.

Anyway this post is about a Eucalyptus Pilularis that the house was built around back in 1977. The tree in question is a beast of a thing by my reckoning, measuring 3.07m in circumference at breast height. Height i could only guess at, maybe 30 metres. Now, the interesting thing about this tree is how close it is to the house. As you can see from the pictures, its very close to both the raised balcony and the guttering on the house. The concrete balcony was built in 2002 i beleive and as you can see it has been stepped in around the tree.

I'd like to get an idea if whether or not i can expect to see the circumference of the tree continue to grow, as you can see if it does this will create a problem. Not having been here when the balcony was built, its hard to know if the tree is any closer than back then! In very high wind conditions the tree sways a little, so if it continues to grow, one day its going to take out the concrete balcony and compromise the structural integrity of the house. Anyway, i'd appreciate any thoughts on this matter. Thanks Rob.

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Eric Frei

Yes it will continue to expand, that is how trees grow, hence tree rings. Once it makes contact it will apply pressure, then it will grow around the object and embed it.

Certainly wasn't a genius move IMHO having it that close to the house without accommodating/engineering for it's mature size.

The Bird Tree is also a E Pilularis.

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erko

Thanks Eric, i've actually visited the Bird Tree, hence my concern

i'll get on to this within the next 12 months, cant have it take out the balcony.

Victor Lindsay

I would also be concerned with how close it is to the foundation of the house.

Brent Ferris

What is the average radial ring growth on these trees, Eric?

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Eric Frei

I do not know down there but up here a E grandis can do 1" radially per yea. So a 1' dia tree at the base tree could be as young as 6 years in a perfect environment. Planted as a decent sapling to start with of course.

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