A tree care program is under way on historic fig trees throughout Bundaberg in an effort to extend their lives.
Some of the trees are believed to be more than 100 years old.
Consulting arborist Matthew Duncan said an urban streetscape was not the ideal location for the trees which need room for their roots to spread.
“They are a hungry tree in terms of water and nutrition,” Mr Duncan said.
“When they are surrounded by hard infrastructure it is difficult for them to source the nutrition and water they need.”
The rehabilitation program has started with the trees in urgent need of attention — six in the Bundaberg CBD, two at Alexandra Park and one near the Tallon Bridge.
The works involve:
- Removing concrete edging around the trees
- Removing bitumen
- De-compacting the soil without damaging roots
- Applying thick layers of mulch
- Installing bollards to prevent cars parking in the root zone
- Planting ground covers and sedges to help activate soil microbial activity
- Applying liquid fertilisers
- Encasing aerial roots to protect them and encourage them to reach the ground
- Pruning dead wood
Council’s coordinator of arboriculture, Carl Moller, said he hoped the work would extend the life of the trees.
“It's impossible to say how long we will extend their lives because in theory, fig trees can live hundreds of years in ideal conditions,” Mr Moller said.
He said with Council increasing the amount of inspections and tree-care work undertaken, a qualified arborist had been employed within the parks department.
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