Geraldton’s Norfolk “pines” in line for the chop, City says dead trees pose risk

Seven Norkfolk pines will be cut down by the end of this week, with the stately trees lining streets in the heart of Geraldton posing a risk to pedestrians, homes and traffic.

The City of Greater Geraldton began to implement a number of short-term road closures on Sunday to facilitate the removal of the trees, which had reached their end of life.

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A City of Greater Geraldton spokesperson said the City was “always reluctant” to remove trees as they added to the liveability of the City but, in this case, they were dead and could pose a big risk.

Geraldton-based Aussie Tree Service arborist Joshua Parry, whose company has been contracted by the City to remove the trees, said the Norfolk pines in question had been assessed as dead and could become dangerous if they weren’t removed.

“This is pretty simple, it’s because they’re dead and will deteriorate,” he said.

“They’re safe the way they are at the moment, but over the next year small bits could come out of them in stormy weather.

“Trees aren’t forever. Those sort are from the Norfolk Islands in the east and aren’t meant to be in this environment.”

Trees aren’t forever. Those sort are from the Norfolk Islands in the east and aren’t meant to be in this environment.

Mr Parry said the Geraldton trees, estimated to be between 80 and 110 years old, could not safely be replaced in the area.

Mayor Shane Van Styn said three trees would be planted for every one removed on Olive Street, and at other places across the city.

On Sunday morning a tree was removed on Sanford Street between Durlacher Street and Cathedral Avenue in the city centre.

The road between Duboulay and Augustus streets was closed for much of yesterday to remove pines on Burgess Street in Beachlands.

Today and tomorrow, Durlacher Street between Elizabeth Street and Carson Terrace will close for the works, and Fitzgerald Street between Shenton and Augustus Streets will close on Thursday, depending on the weather.