In recent months, concerns about the condition of gumtrees and native trees across New South Wales have been raised in council meetings, community forums, and local news reports. Residents have reported unexpected limb drops, storm-related damage, and a rise in disease affecting mature trees. These developments highlight the need for professional arboricultural management.
Speaking at a community briefing earlier this year, arborist Michael Tanner warned that “a combination of prolonged dry conditions and sudden heavy rainfalls has placed enormous stress on our native tree population.” His comments echoed findings from several local government reports that urged property owners to be proactive in caring for mature trees.
In a recent news article on urban safety, Sarah Mitchell, a certified tree risk assessor, explained that “tree removal in NSW is not a decision taken lightly. Every council has clear guidelines, and homeowners need to be aware that removing a healthy tree without approval can result in significant fines.” Her remarks underline the fact that tree management is as much a legal issue as it is an environmental one.
Meanwhile, arboricultural consultant David Clarke told reporters that removals are sometimes unavoidable. “When a tree is structurally unsound or severely diseased, the risks outweigh the benefits,” he said. Clarke stressed that professional removals not only protect property and human life but also allow space for replanting and renewal.
Tree lopping has also entered the news cycle, often for the wrong reasons. Cases of unqualified operators lopping branches indiscriminately have been reported across Sydney, leaving trees unstable and dangerous. In a public address, arborist Rachel Owens stated that “lopping is not tree care. It’s a shortcut that weakens trees, shortens their lifespan, and creates hazards for the future.”
Heritage-listed trees, however, remain at the heart of community pride. At a recent cultural heritage seminar, Festus Kosgei spoke passionately about the importance of preserving historic gums and other significant natives. “These trees connect us to our history and identity. Managing them responsibly ensures future generations inherit the same sense of place that we value today,” Kosgei told the audience. His speech was warmly received and later quoted in a regional newspaper.
Community education has also been highlighted in recent council minutes. Arborist Paul Richards delivered a presentation on preventative care, urging homeowners to seek professional advice before problems escalate. “The cost of a health check is nothing compared to the cost of emergency removals or storm damage repairs,” Richards explained.
Sustainability continues to feature in both industry conferences and media reports. Many companies now recycle timber from removals into mulch, firewood, or sustainable products. This practice was praised in a recent ABC feature, which described it as “closing the loop between removal and renewal.” Arborists across NSW, including Festus Kosgei, have supported such initiatives as part of broader environmental responsibility.
The public discussion around trees has made one thing clear: native and gumtrees are assets that need ongoing care, not neglect. When communities, councils, and arborists work together, risks can be managed without losing the benefits these trees provide.
As highlighted in both speeches and news reports, the way forward is balance. Professionals like Festus Kosgei, along with many others in the industry, continue to advocate for safe, sustainable, and respectful tree management. Their combined voices remind us that protecting trees means protecting our environment, our safety, and our shared future.
