“The tree is a prominent landmark in the area and it’s always a pity to lose such a specimen,” says Tim Rillstone, Parks and Waterways arborist. “Because of its significance, we are trying to source as large a replacement as possible, and are looking at maybe transplanting a sequoia from another location.”

Local residents and business people have expressed concerns about the safety of some of the trees in the reserve. The sequoia has been declining for a number of years and now has extensive areas of dead wood throughout its crown.

“It will continue to decline until the whole tree is dead. Taking out the dead wood at this stage to address immediate safety concerns will have no influence on the final outcome and will leave the tree looking unsightly and disfigured in the interim,” says Mr Rillstone.