A large crane will force the closure of Waterworks Reserve in Hobart on Thursday as the council carries out tree maintenance work.
The reserve will be closed for the full day to address “public safety and tree health issues”.
A recent inspection of 409 trees in the reserve found 70 in need of attention, with some posing significant risks to the public.
These risks include overhanging roadways, pathways and barbecue areas.
A council spokesperson said the work will involve pruning trees, removing dangerous branches and some tree removals.
“The bushland parks and reserves managed by the City of Hobart are very dry and, just as in many other parts of Australia, our trees are suffering from three years of below-average rainfall,” they said.
“We are seeing this through ‘forest browning’ and tree deaths.”
“The very dry conditions also prevent us establishing garden beds beneath trees to prevent public access into areas at risk from falling tree limbs.”
The council says it makes every effort to retain trees within their bushland parks and reserves and only removes them when they pose significant risks.
“Where possible dead trees will be kept as habitat for wildlife.”
