The Norwood Cork Tree

 These photos were taken at 5.30 pm, shortly before sunset, on 2 May 2024.

 The giant River Red Gum in the same parking area as the Norwood Cork Tree still flourishes. This tree, along with several others, was saved by the action in 2014 to save the cork tree.

 To celebrate the installation of signage at the Norwood Cork Tree, the supporters of the campaign to save the tree gathered for a group photo on 14th April 2024. Norwood Cork Tree Photos 14 April 2024.  From left to right:  Kerry Bouman, Anne Engleson, Andrew Dyson (photographer), Greg Crafter, Cressida O’Hanlon, Diana Chessell, Steven Marshall, Michelle Gibson, Anne Chappel, Lyn Arden, Jim Dunk, Chris Francis, Carole Whitelock, Ken Irvin. We had hoped to have a larger celebration at the tree involving more people from the community, but the difficulties of the location made this impossible.  The tree is in good health. A watering system has been installed, so we trust that it will continue to be cherished. Apart from the giant River Red Gum, it is the only tree of any size in the barren expanse of this busy car park.  Michelle Gibson, Kerry Bouman, and Anne Engleson, descendants of Henry Buttery, who planted the tree around 1892, took part in the photo and w...

 Signage was installed for the Norwood Cork Tree on 28 March 2024 by the site owner, Australasian Property Developments. Jacquelyne Ladner, the Cultural Heritage Coordinator for NPSP Council, provided the text for the signage after consulting with the Norwood Cork Tree Group.  March 30, 2024 Signage installed for Norwood Cork Tree  Signage was installed for the Norwood Cork Tree on 28 March 2024 by the site owner, Australasian Property Developments.  Jacquelyne Ladner, the Cultural Heritage Coordinator for NPSP Council, provided the text for the signage after consulting with the Norwood Cork Tree Group.  Text displayed on the sign. Buttery Family Disembarking with his wife Sarah and three children at Port Adelaide in the early 1870s, Henry Buttery’s belongings purportedly contained a Quercus suber (cork oak). A carpenter, Henry initially worked in the furniture trade and an undertaking business until opening a furniture outlet an...

Work on the development is approaching completion and Coles is scheduled to open on 21 June.  The developer promised to install signage for the historic Norwood Cork Tree, but we haven't received any notification about when signage will be provided.  The cork tree and the river red gum dominate the car park, and no new trees have been planted to replace the large plane trees that provided some shade.  Under the current care regime the cork tree is flourishing. We hope care will continue into the future. It is such a beautiful and unusual tree for this area.

This looks as if it will be very hot in summer.

Pavement for the cork tree surrounds and carpark is in progress.

 The property owner Australasian Property Developments has assured us they are  fully committed to preserving the cork tree and its history.  The recommended care program is being maintained.  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 watering has been stepped up during the dry summer weather, and the construction company instructed to  maintain separation and care when working in close proximity  to the cork tree for  carpark works.

The spokesperson for Synergy Cpnstruct was unaware of any arrangement for care of the cork tree when I spoke to him last week. The tree appears to be losing condition. This would be no surprise, as Adelaide has had no significant rainfall since the early part of November 2022. A cork tree should live at least 200 years on average. Stressor factors from increasing drought and heat due to climate change, and the damage to roots from unfavourable fungal infection have been held responsible for the decline of the corkboak in Portugal. A watering plan for the Norwood Cork Tree is essential. These were the original arrangents. The Norwood Cork Tree Arrangements for care of the Norwood Cork Tree February 24, 2021 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...

Photos taken today show piles of gravel near the cork tree. The excavated edge where the kerb was removed shows a protruding slab of soil with a hollow underneath. Some fine roots might be exposed. The photo isn't taken close enough to tell.

Protective fencing has now gone. The kerb surrounding the garden that protects the tree has been removed. I have been advised that new kerbing will be installed over the next weeks when the carpark is replaced.  The company Synergy, responsible for the construction, advises they are doing their best to protect this 140 year old historic tree.

Both trees look healthy, but the cork tree trunk has a lean. I am not sure how much it leaned previously.

The latest photo shows an increase in new green foliage on the cork tree after flowering.

Photos taken today show the cork tree is flowering. 27th October 2022. Last October at this time the tree was also in flower. It may be a little later this year than last, as the weather remains cool and showery. Hopefully this will soon be followed the new growth.

Both the Norwood cork tree and the River Red Gum look in good health.

The massive site-covering development continues to grow in height, dwarfing nearby buildings. The Norwood Town Hall looks minute in the next street. The cork tree and River Red Gum both look healthy.

Construction proceeds at the APD  development. The cork tree appears in good health.