The ensuing media reports alarmed a number of us greatly...all talk of lopping, drilling draining branch unions and installing rain covers over hollows etc...
So disturbing were these reports that an email was sent by me on behalf of the VTG to the Director of the AWM Steve Gower AO AO (Mil) (Retd). Until a fortnight ago I had not actually visited the AWM nor the Lone Pine tree.
Here are some pictures from that visit.
The approach to the main museum building
Northern profile of the Lone Pine (Pinus halepensis)
Western profile showing the injury and the remedial mulch circle covering the ground out to the tree's dripline.
Southern profile
I think some of the angles of the previous photos give the impression that the tree is entirely isolated...this is not the case (despite its name....Lone Pine!).
It is great that the Lone Pine does have a group of succession plantings adjacent to it....we should never forget just how important long term planning is and in this regard, how important succession planting will be to ensuring that generations into the future can enjoy the benefits of the significant trees we so admire today.
Framed by younger saplings
The Lone Pine to the east (left) of the sculptural memorial to bomber command
Whilst at the AWM I visted most of the outdoor memorials and was heartened to see how many young families and school groups were also visiting there.
The memorial to Simpson and his donkey and the obvious wear on the donkey's head for me reflects modern Australian perspectives on how we feel about our historical symbols...there is a real respect in our communities for the ultimate sacrifice made by service men and women, but it is not abstracted or removed from how we live our lives today.
Simpson and his donkey (flanked by oaks)....by the wear a very very popular memorial statue
Any close ups of the wound? Or of the tree in general?
ReplyDeleteAnd in your opinion, is the mulch circle and the barrier relocation (besides the younger trees), the best practice in increasing this trees longevity?
We have two relatives of these trees in our nursery, sitting in the same bags for many years. Not sure on what the plan is for them.
Hi SOP, yes I have some close ups of the wound you can view them here http://picasaweb.google.com/freeman.sd/VeteranTrees#5526740493921774354
ReplyDeleteIt is really quite big and exposes stem tissues. It may well have a very significant impact on the Lone Pine's longevity despite all the efforts to improve the soil environment around its roots.
I am not aware of any soil treatments that may have been applied other than the visible mulch. It is certainly possible that other improvements or enhancements have been applied.
The mulch contained a mix of sizes and appeared to be composting, though it did look as if it had been applied relatively green.
Well composted wood chip mulch is certainly the best and simplest soil treatment - though it can be hard to source in a short time frame.
I would hope that the mulch is topped up annually, and perhaps some basic soil testing Albrecht/Reams to check basic chemistry, and an analysis of the soil biology. The results from this testing should determine what is applied to the soil.