THE Manuka tree that fell on two couriers yesterday (March 5) was registered under the Tree Protection Act 2005 for its historical significance.
Planted on “The Lawns” at Manuka Shopping centre, the tree, and a row of three other trees, was declared protected in 2012.
This group of London Plane Trees (Platanus x acerifolia) were planted more than 65 years ago and have historical significance based on their association with Lindsay Pryor, who was the superintendent of Parks and Gardens from 1944-1958.
The pollarding, which is a pruning system involving the removal of the upper branches of a tree, was directed by Pryor who viewed the technique on a trip to Japan in 1946.
According to the ACT Tree Register, whilst the tree species is common in Canberra, pollarded examples such as these are rare.
The register says: “The group provides an important landscape contribution due to their form, habit and attractive bark. The trees also help to create a tranquil and serene atmosphere within the busy shopping centre.”
When the tree, “tree four”, which is closest to Manuka Arcade, was registered in 2012, it had a trunk circumference of 3.4m.
Following its fall yesterday, ACT Fire and Rescue are urging the public to avoid parking or standing under trees as they may have become weakened from the rain.
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