UQ to replace high-risk trees

The University of Queensland will replace 46 high-risk trees on the St Lucia campus over the next six months.

Senior grounds supervisor Mr Shane Biddle said 52 trees at various stages of maturity – ranging from seedlings to ground stock – would be planted to replace the high-risk trees.

“UQ maintains a comprehensive database of all 3300 trees on the St Lucia campus and we use the ArborSafe tree-management system to monitor tree health,” he said.

“Any trees deemed to pose a health or safety risk are trimmed and treated or removed and replaced.”

The latest series of tree-health checks identified 46 trees for removal or crown removal, including trees with serious insect infestations and trunk, root and branch faults.

“Four of the trees will be trimmed to retain wildlife habitat,” Mr Biddle said.

“We care for our trees in line with the Brisbane City Council Natural Assets Local Law, which is designed to deliver a balance between protecting the environment, people, property and lifestyle.”

He said the high-risk trees included 28 introduced and non-endemic species. All the new trees would be South-East Queensland natives selected for characteristics including appearance and appeal to wildlife.

The removal and replacement program is expected to cost about $100,000.

The trees will be removed and replaced in stages to minimise disruption across the campus.

Mr Biddle said the UQ St Lucia grounds would be improved with the addition of an extra 2000 plants and shrubs across campus gardens.

Media: Communications@uq.edu.au, + 61 7 3365 1120.

Enquiries: Grounds Senior Supervisor Shane Biddle, grounds@pf.uq.edu.au, +61 7 3365 2747.