Community
24 July, 2025
Delayed removal
MOYNE Shire Council has delayed works to remove 16 Lombardy Poplar trees at Mortlake’s Tea Tree Lake.
The shire last week announced works would be postponed until spring due to concerns the works conducted now could lead to turf damage.
The shire had announced the trees would be removed in November 2024.
A report commissioned in July 2024 found each of the 16 trees had reached end of life and were in a state of irreversible decline after 45-55 years.
“A consulting arborist, Forest and Garden Tree Services, identified in a report in July 2024 that 16 poplar trees at Tea Tree Lake have reached their useful life expectancy and are mostly in a state of irreversible decline,” mayor councillor Karen Foster said.
“They were each rated as having very low retention value, and being in poor to very poor health.”
Each of the trees spans between five and 23 metres, posing a safety threat due to the jeopardised structural integrity of all 16 trees.
It was recommended all 16 be removed.
A permit has been approved for the removal of the trees, which fall in an area of heritage overlay.
Moyne Shire Council will continue to assess options for replacement trees due to a reported failure of the cuttings taken from the existing trees.
“As recommended in the report, cuttings of the existing trees were taken however due to the poor quality they all failed,” Cr Foster said.
“New trees will be planted following site amelioration.
“Council will run a community consultation via its Engage Moyne website, seeking feedback on preferences from the following options: Populus nigra italica (Poplar), Quercus ilex (Holm Oak), Corymbia ficifolia (Silver Birch), Corymbia ficifolia (Red Flowering Gum) and Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Rosea’ (Yellow Gum).”
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