Old Growth Arboriculture

Old Growth Arboriculture Tree Care and Assessment from Seed to Senescence

Came across this specimen of Eucalyptus cosmophylla (Cup Gum). It is a small and compact tree species with ornamental la...
11/08/2026

Came across this specimen of Eucalyptus cosmophylla (Cup Gum). It is a small and compact tree species with ornamental large fruits that could be used much more in cultivation.

Part of the reason behind its lack of use in Adelaide is likely its aversion to lime soils. In its natural range in the Mount Lofty Ranges it prefers acid soils often in a narrow habitat type consisting of shallow sand over rock in wet areas so it is waterlogged in winter and bone dry in summer.

Dwarfed veteran Melaleuca armillaris tree I spotted today.The species isn't especially long-lived in cultivation in Adel...
11/08/2026

Dwarfed veteran Melaleuca armillaris tree I spotted today.

The species isn't especially long-lived in cultivation in Adelaide (50-60 years then they tend to fall apart) but can develop a gnarled, ancient appearance.

Tree hospital #21Can't be toppedLopping and topping mature trees is rarely a good idea. As seen in this River Red Gum i...
04/08/2026

Tree hospital #21

Can't be topped

Lopping and topping mature trees is rarely a good idea. As seen in this River Red Gum in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, the crude pruning practice predictably results in a dead stub with masses of sprouts shooting up vertically. These sprouts are different to normal branches. They arise from epicormic buds and grow vigorously and try to cling onto the the stump but they are weakly attached. As they grow big and the cut trunk decays, they can pose a risk of snapping off, and often do.

I've just had to condemn a different tree of the same species with the same issue only more advanced (10+ years) because the shoots, now massive, are likely to break off and hit structures or people nearby. Someone's attempt to reduce perceived risk has only increased it and doomed the tree to a short life.

South Australia's planning policies also forbid this kind of overzealous pruning of significant trees as the 30% maintenance provision is not considered to include the removal of major limbs without arborist justification.

Naturally dwarfed Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) on granite outcrop in South Dakota - amazing resilient trees and rock...
18/07/2026

Naturally dwarfed Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) on granite outcrop in South Dakota - amazing resilient trees and rock formations 😎🌲

Colorado (Blue) Spruce, Picea pungens, a native tree planted extensively in Wyoming
13/07/2026

Colorado (Blue) Spruce, Picea pungens, a native tree planted extensively in Wyoming

Some of the coast redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens, we saw in the Santa Cruz area. Jaw-dropping. It takes a rare combinati...
05/07/2026

Some of the coast redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens, we saw in the Santa Cruz area. Jaw-dropping. It takes a rare combination of environment, physiology and longevity to get to these sizes.

Tree hospital #20Northern ExposureThe exposed roots of this Eucalyptus scoparia on a road verge illustrate formation o...
17/04/2026

Tree hospital #20

Northern Exposure

The exposed roots of this Eucalyptus scoparia on a road verge illustrate formation of structural and lower order roots close to the surface. Trees are not carrots!

Many people are shocked when installation of driveways, stormwater outlets, and fences near Regulated council trees for new developments triggers impact assessment and often needs to be re-thought.

This photo shows why.

Even shallow excavation can damage significant roots and sever the vascular connection to roots further out, causing immediate physiological drought stress or potentially even destabilising the tree.

Revisiting some of my restoration plantings from the 90s, Mount Lofty Ranges.
04/04/2026

Revisiting some of my restoration plantings from the 90s, Mount Lofty Ranges.

*EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST*Urban tree survey arborist/botanist/forester – Casual PoolADELAIDEOld Growth Arboriculture is...
02/04/2026

*EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST*
Urban tree survey arborist/botanist/forester – Casual Pool

ADELAIDE

Old Growth Arboriculture is seeking expressions of interest to join a casual pool to assist with tree surveys across Adelaide to document trees on proposed development sites.

Qualifications:
- Arborist, botanist, or forester
- Qualified or in training
- Experience in tree survey and species identification
- Excellent field knowledge of urban and native trees in Adelaide
- Ability to collect samples and use taxonomic keys
- Ability to interpret tree condition
- Own vehicle
- Able to work independently once trained

Responsibilities:
- Interpret maps, site plans and imagery
- Liaise with residents
- Survey trees (photos, identify species, take tree measurements, cross-reference maps and measure position, score basic health and condition, basic description of tree and features)
- Score and digitise field datasheets

Scope does NOT presently include:
- X risk assessments
- X formal arboricultural advice
- X formal assessments against legislation and policy

Contact me directly if this interests you.

[email protected]

Thanks

Some of the trees surveyed as part of an audit and risk assessment at Thevenard for Flinders Ports.
26/03/2026

Some of the trees surveyed as part of an audit and risk assessment at Thevenard for Flinders Ports.

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Tea Tree Gully, SA
5091

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