The Norwood Cork Tree

The development of the site will start on 1 March 2021 and is scheduled to finish in March 2023.  I have been advised of the following arrangements by Australasian Property Developments for the care of the tree during the construction period. WATER TREE ONCE A WEEK ON A SEVEN DAY CYCLE – around 150-200 litres at a time                 PROVIDE ‘COTTAGE MULCH’ – around 4 cubic metres                 PROVIDE SEA-SOL IN THE WATER AROUND ONCE A MONTH   The above will start on site from this coming Monday / Tuesday and will continue on till the construction phase of project ends, when a fully operational irrigation system will be installed   We also note that temporary fencing will be provided around the tree roots zone during construction  

According to the letter from the developer APD, work will commence on 1 March and the whole site will be fenced off. Work will continue on construction for the next two year until March 2023. There is no mention of any plans for the cork tree during that period and access to the site will be restricted. The only link I have is to Facebook Norwood Residents Association  letter from the developer

All the shops have now closed.  I photographed some smaller dead branches on the cork tree, indicating that the tree may be under some stress. The long period with a broken watering system and relying mostly on rain alone is causing problems.  The new owner Australasian Property Developments  I have been told will now take possession of the site on 1 March. Then the place will become a building site for around two years. We await news of watering arrangements for the next two years.  Cork trees in their natural habitat are under increasing stress because of climatic changes and the same stressors apply here.