A spokesperson for Alfred Health said the tree was a significant risk to community safety, due to its condition and proximity to the footpath, public areas and power lines.
Peter Geermans (centre) with opposed residents on Friday.Credit: Simon Schluter
“This tree has been a much-loved part of our site for just under 50 years, and we share in the community’s disappointment that it must now be replaced,” they said.
“However, it is essential that we ensure the safety of patients, staff and the community. The replacement tree, an evergreen Eucalyptus Pauciflora, will soon become a part of our local environment.”
An arborist report, seen by The Age, warned “major branch failures” that knocked out nearby power lines “could be catastrophic to the hospital and surrounding areas”, while any pruning treatment would be “very expensive” because of the high-voltage wires.
It found the tree was “probably planted in the late 1970s or early 1980s” and had five to 15 years of useful life expectancy left.
Although he acknowledged a tree branch had fallen previously, Geermans was upset when he learnt of the chop down plans via a letter in March.
The hospital delayed the planned felling to allow for community consultation, but after reading the arborist reports on Friday, locals remain unconvinced.
Resident Jason Graham described them as “inaccurate” as some details, like the tree’s height, didn’t match. He was concerned no tree sampling or root structure analysis was done.
“I strongly feel there’s another reason for why they want to the tree to go,” he said.
“The tree needs to be pruned. It’s in good health, but it just hasn’t been done professionally.”
After reading the report, Geermans agreed: “If the hospital regards the tree as being a risk … then they should take appropriate action to prune it judiciously.”
Acting director of city planning Kelly Archibald said Bayside Council understood the complexity of managing trees in open space, especially cherished ones.
“In this instance council arborists disagreed with the risk rating of the tree, which does not require a permit for removal,” she said.
Sandringham MP Brad Rowswell backed the locals.
“Our community is defined by its tree-lined streets, so I completely understand why residents are fighting to save this iconic tree,” he said.
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