A wave of anger is sweeping through the Franklin community as plans move ahead to cut down a 125-year-old Giant Sequoia at Franklin Primary School, despite claims from local arborists that the historic tree poses no serious safety threat.
The towering sequoia, estimated to stand around 30 metres tall, has become a defining feature of the school grounds for generations. But this week, removal works began — sparking protests from tree specialists and residents who argue the decision is unnecessary and rushed.
Arborists Call for Immediate Halt
Local arborists are demanding an urgent pause to the removal, insisting independent experts should reassess the tree before it is lost forever.
Michael Johnston from ARBcare Tasmania said the decision to remove the sequoia appears unjustified. According to him, the only recent incident involved a fallen limb during high winds and storm conditions — an event he described as rare and not indicative of broader structural failure.
“There’s no reason behind it,” Johnston said, arguing that risk assessments previously found the tree to be safe.
He also revealed that multiple arborist companies allegedly declined the job due to the tree’s historical value, with one company ultimately taking on the removal earlier this week. The cutting process is expected to take several days.
Johnston suggested concerns about child safety may have influenced the school’s decision but described the potential danger as “one in a million.”
Calls for Transparency and Independent Review
In a formal letter to the school, a group of arborists expressed “strong confidence” that the Giant Sequoia does not present an imminent or unacceptable risk to students or staff.
They are now calling for:
- A transparent, independent assessment by a Level 5 consulting arborist
- Public release of all existing risk and safety reports
- Immediate suspension of removal works pending review
The group has also raised concerns that the Education Minister may have received incomplete or inaccurate information regarding the tree’s condition.
Johnston noted that Tasmania has already lost two similar trees in Hobart parks in recent years, making preservation of this specimen even more significant.
“As far as my knowledge goes, a risk assessment has been done on it and it’s fine,” he said.
However, arborists warn that once removal progresses beyond a certain point, saving the tree will no longer be possible.
Government Defends Safety Decision
Tasmania’s Education Minister, Jo Palmer, defended the removal, emphasising that student and staff safety remains the government’s highest priority.
She confirmed that expert advice guided the decision and acknowledged the emotional significance of the tree to the school community.
“We recognise the tree has been an important part of the Franklin Primary School community for many years,” Palmer said.
“The school will work closely with students, staff, and the local community to celebrate its history, honour the memories associated with it, and explore ways to ensure its legacy continues within the school grounds.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Education, Children and Young People confirmed the removal followed a recent safety incident in which a large limb fell during the school day late last week. The event forced a temporary closure of the site and relocation of students and staff in the affected area.
The department added that this incident occurred less than a month after maintenance works were completed following a similar event.
“Following expert advice and consultation, removal of the tree was identified as the only way to ensure the ongoing safety of students and staff,” the spokesperson said.
They further stated that despite years of risk mitigation efforts, the tree continued to present what they described as an unacceptable safety hazard.
In addition, officials noted that the tree’s extensive root system had caused damage to nearby pathways and underground infrastructure.
A Historic Loss for Franklin
The Giant Sequoia is believed to be around 125 years old — a rare and significant specimen in Tasmania. For many in the community, its removal represents more than a safety measure; it marks the loss of living history.
With chainsaws already at work, the controversy highlights the ongoing tension between public safety concerns and heritage preservation. While authorities maintain the decision was unavoidable, arborists argue that once the final cuts are made, an irreplaceable piece of Franklin’s landscape will be gone forever.
The school has indicated it will engage with students, staff and the broader community to commemorate the tree’s legacy — but for some, the damage is already done.
Source: Fury as Franklin Primary School prepares to cut down 125-year-old Giant Sequoia tree — Pulse Tasmania
