Diagnostic Testing
Significant Tree Management
Dennis’ management of this significant and iconic Moreton Bay Fig Ficus macrophylla dates from 2007. The tree had originally been planted in the 1920s it is thought and was cut to a stump sometime in the 1960s to allow for construction of the concourse at the northern end of the oval. The stump subsequently sprouted a new set of stems and root system however the original stump later became infected with wood-decay.
This had the unfortunate consequence of facilitating the decay spreading upwards into the new stems. One of the new stems – which are all lengthy and heavily end-weighted – started to tear-out from its attachment and began to subside. Complicating matters is the haphazard regrowth of the stems and branches: many of them cross over and grow one upon the other in a type of buddy-support network.
Dennis has undertaken routine assessment with the Resistograph to map the location and spread of decay, mechanical testing of load-bearing ‘support’ stems with the Fractometer, and regular physical measurements to check for stem subsidence.
Scope:
- Visual Tree Assessment
- Diagnostic testing
- Mechanical strength properties tested with fractometer
- Decay mapping with resistograph
- Subsidence monitoring
- Tree risk assessment
