Big Timber Tree Services was engaged by Gladstone Regional Council to carry out a crane-assisted tree removal within the Tondoon Botanic Gardens in Gladstone, one of Queensland’s significant regional botanic collections. The works involved the removal of large trees located directly over highly sensitive, culturally significant macadamia saplings that were being impacted by the surrounding trees. To safely complete this work required coordinating a 100-tonne crane, advanced climbing techniques and a detailed methodology to ensure zero impact on the protected botanical species and heritage structures below.
The trees to be removed were large, structurally compromised specimens positioned directly over compromised culturally significant macadamia saplings within an active botanic garden. The access corridor for crane operations was constrained by established plantings, visitor infrastructure, and heritage kerbing and paving that could not be damaged. The work had to be completed with the garden partially open, requiring strict exclusion zone management and public safety controls throughout.
We developed a detailed methodology for each removal — specifying rigging points, crane pick zones, cut sequences, and ground protection measures — before any works commenced. The methodology was reviewed and approved by the principal contractor and council before mobilisation. Crane operations were coordinated with a specialist rigging crew, and each removal was staged in sections to manage weight and swing radius within the constrained site.
All trees were removed without incident. Heritage structures, established plantings, and garden infrastructure were undamaged throughout. The site was cleared and remediated to council’s satisfaction at practical completion. The scope was delivered within the approved methodology and programme. Council engaged Big Timber for a follow-up pruning programme within the Gardens the following year.