What do you think about this tree?

Darrell Mcleod

This tree has a Diameter at Breast Height of approximately 1 metre and is growing into a neighbouring property through the fence on the boundary – it is overhanging the neighbours home and outdoor living area damaging a retaining wall and apparently the council want it to remain
It is located in Melbourne Victoria Australia

Notice the fissure or crack running right up this tree to the branch union above



A close up of the fissure showing decay into the trunk



The branch union just above the crack – top of first picture



This dead branch stub behind the branch above – I think there is a possibility decay from here and the branch union has moved through the trunk and had something to do with the main fissure or crack



Another view of the trunk – note the branch in the centre to the right



Close up of this lower branch – notice the peeling bark



Another view up the trunk



The canopy – notice the yellow dieback – the canopy is full of yellow dieback whilst in Melbourne right now all healthy Eucalypts have really heavy full canopies due to recent heavy rains – this one does not and I think it is declining



The retaining wall next door – pushed over



Be really interested in some others comments

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derwoodii

I canna quite tell?? is it a Euc nic, domestic peppermint. If so she's on her last legs as useful life about 35 years n my guess about that.
Regardless, structure looks poorish with predictable failure seen & 100% target acquisition. A managed retreat over say 5 years or just sox it now & replant the site with suitable.

Oh my,,, is that retaining wall next to the pictured tree? if so, doomed loose it. Only a brave or tree wiser LG hugger may say nay.

Eric Frei

It has a fungal or bacterial infection displayed by the weeping lesions. That happens over here on declining eucs, I have seen fruiting bodies though near the base or say 1m up the trunk etc, fruiting bodies appear to be phelinus robusta

I agree, you could axe it now or nurse for a few years, but why invest money into a declining tree rather than replanting? Unless it's truly significant or historic etc, just a way of milking the client then removing later IMHO.

If the client wants retention then you know, treat the soil and trunk flare with antagonistic fungi, do a reduction and thin pruning, cable the crotch, mulch etc etc etc. Offer no guarantees or warranties, even all the Kings horses and men failed to save this historic tree.

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