The pair of statuesque oak trees under removal orders were at the end of their lifespan due to environmental conditions and road-works, and posed a health and safety risk. Their size and form had provided a magnificent landscape asset for Marble Wood Drive and the local community.

In order to lessen the impact of their removal, Council staff negotiated the use of a machine called a tree spade and replaced the oaks with semi-mature specimens. The outcome looks good, with new 6m oaks from Craighead Reserve fitting nicely into the streetscape.

The tree spade can transplant trees of up to 10m. Its spade surrounds and digs out the root-ball, then drops it into place at the new site. The City Council’s Parks and Waterways Unit has used the machine with great results in parks. Where trees have been over-planted, they use the spade for removing some trees and placing them elsewhere for an instant landscaping effect. It also gives the trees at the original location room to grow without crowding.