Risk Assessment of Trees Underway

1_Samuel_Earp_using_resistograph_St_Omer_Park_19jan14.jpg
Date:
Jan 19, 2014

Queenstown Lakes District Council has begun a full risk assessment of all the heritage Lombardy poplars growing in St Omer Park, Lake Esplanade.

Auckland-based arborist Samuel Earp, of Greenscene NZ, started assessing the trees yesterday and is expected to be finished tomorrow. He is using a resistograph, a specialised tool which drills a tiny hole to measure the density of the wood and gain an internal view of the trunk or roots. The sensors indicate the extent of any decay in the tree.

QLDC Parks Manager Mike Weaver said he expected to receive Mr Earp’s report within days. It would be used to inform decisions about the future of other trees in St Omer Park.

The heritage Lombardy poplars have been assessed regularly. In 2005 one of the trees was removed after it was found to have a high level of decay. The remaining 23 trees were assessed again in 2007 and have been under regular scrutiny since then.

By: QLDC