Two heritage-listed giant sequoias in Hobart’s St David’s Park will be removed after repeated efforts to save them failed.
The trees, planted in 1937 to mark the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, have been in decline for more than two years due to fire damage, soil contamination and fungal disease.
The Hobart City Council confirmed on Friday both trees had died.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the loss would be felt across the community.
“I’m sure the people of Hobart will be heartbroken by the news these two beautiful trees have died,” she said.
“At just 88 years of age these giant sequoias were just babes in the woods. Giant sequoias can live to be over 3,000 years old.”
The trees were damaged by multiple fires that reached their canopies, including a blaze in August 2024 linked to a homeless camp that caused significant scarring and burns.
Contaminants and fire-retardant foam entered the soil, while topsoil removal, compaction, irrigation leaks and fungal pathogens added to the damage.
Council arborists undertook a three-stage soil microbiology treatment to try to revive the root systems, but it was unsuccessful.
The larger tree stands 32 metres tall with a base circumference of 8.6 metres, while the second is 30 metres tall with a circumference of 8.7 metres.
Removal works are expected to take up to a week.
“Sections of the park will be closed during these removal works and we ask that the public follow local directions to ensure everyone is safe,” she said.
Two young giant sequoias will be planted as replacements.
The timber will be reused in council projects, including a new waterfront interpretation project, with the council also inviting community suggestions for other uses.
“We will also be looking for opportunities to repurpose the wood and welcome suggestions from the people of Hobart,” Reynolds said.
Both trees are listed with the National Trust and are considered of state significance.
