Dear Community,

Unfortunately, North Sydney Council have informed residents today that the London Plane tree will be removed on 2nd May.

We tried hard to find an alternative solution but the council confirmed the tree is a hazard and running on battery life only. 

Here is a copy of a letter that was sent to residents:

REMOVAL OF ONE LONDON PLANE TREE FROM THE NATURE STRIP IN FRONT OF 45 UNION STREET, MCMAHONS POINT.

North Sydney Council wishes to advise residents that 1 x London Plane (Platanus x acerfolia)located outside 45 Union Street McMahons Pointis scheduled for removal.

The removal has been deemed necessary as the tree is in significant and irreversible decline. From a risk and hazard viewpoint, the magnitude of injury/damage is anticipated to intensify as the tree structure deteriorates.

Council engaged the services of an independent Arborist to assess the health of the tree.  The report concurs with Council’s decision to remove the tree. 

Removal is programmed to take place on Thursday 2 May 2024 by Council contractors.

Professional tree removal techniques will be used to dismantle the tree so not to impact on surrounding infrastructure. These works will include a large crane, chipper trucks and elevated work platforms which will require to utilise the road space outside this property on the day. The contractors will have traffic control in place on the day.

Council is always reluctant to remove trees given the significant canopy loss that has been experienced recently across the North Syndey area, however in this instance Council is faced with no alternative.  The tree will be replaced with a London Plane ‘Digitata’ that will be planted during the cooler months of the year.  Council will then continue to maintain this tree to ensure its reached maturity and good health.

Residents requiring further information can contact Council’s Parks and Reserves Team on 9936 8100.

Regards

 
Douglas Foster
Urban Forest Supervisor

P  +61 2 9936 8551    |   M +61 412 876 742
Douglas.Foster@northsydney.nsw.gov.au

Thank you so much for signing the petition and sharing it. We secured over 188 signatures over a 3 week period and this demonstrates just how important our trees are to all of us. My hope is that this is the last tree in Union Street to be removed due to poor health and that the new trees flourish in good time.

Best regards,

Tina