A NEW bracing system has been installed on the iconic bottle tree that is located in the Cobb and Co Park in Rosewood.
Councillor Russell Milligan said investigations were continuing into the health of the leaning bottle tree.
“Council officers and arborists have been monitoring this native bottle tree, an important part of the park’s landscape, since June 2020,” Cr Milligan said.
“The tree has recently been braced with specifically designed support struts to prevent further leaning to the south.
“The tree will continue to be monitored regularly and will also undergo nutritional leaf analysis and mineral deficiency testing, to allow for the optimum inclusion of minerals needed for new growth.”
Cr Kate Kunzelmann said the tree has undergone three stages of diagnosis to determine if the decline and current southerly lean of the trunk were related.
“It was thought we may find extensive decay where the root plate was exposed with an air-spade, but instead it showed a positive reaction to the transplant completed about seven years ago,” Cr Kunzelmann said.
“The diagnosis showed that the root crown appeared in good condition, with the exception of the northern side of the tree which is exhibiting less root development however is still considered sound.
“With the tree more heavily weighted to the south, and the roots on the northern side not as robust, it would appear to be a naturally evolving rotation of the root plate.
“Council has taken action to assist the tree to prevent further leaning and will continue to monitor the tree.”
