The Town of Bassendean has confirmed that a 75-year-old river red gum tree at Bassendean Oval will be removed on Friday, May 8, after an independent consulting arborist determined it cannot recover. The tree, located at the north-eastern end of the oval near the carpark, began showing signs of declining health in March, coinciding with lighting upgrades completed in August.
Despite efforts to promote recovery, including increased watering, application of Seasol, wetting agents, trace elements, and soil microbes, the tree's condition did not improve. The town stated that due to its location, it is not safe to retain the dead tree in place.
CEO Cameron Woods expressed disappointment over the loss, noting that the town cannot definitively determine a single cause for the decline. He highlighted that during the lighting upgrade project, measures were taken to minimize impacts, such as avoiding excavation within the tree's structural root zone and using careful excavation methods.
The logs from the tree will be retained for use in the town's natural areas and parks as habitat logs. The town is also reviewing potential locations for additional tree planting this winter to offset the lost canopy.
