Published on 10 April 2026
The City of Launceston regrets to advise that one of the historic oak trees at Lilydale Falls Reserve must be removed following a significant branch failure and major splitting in the trunk.
The 88-year-old tree was grown from an acorn sourced from Great Windsor Park in the United Kingdom. It was one of two oaks planted at the reserve to commemorate the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth on 12 May 1937.
Following a detailed assessment by Council’s qualified arborists, it has been determined that the damage is too severe for any safe or viable stabilisation treatments. For public safety, the tree must now be removed.
The Council's tree crew has already made the immediate area safe. The full dismantling of the tree is scheduled to take place over the coming weeks.
To preserve the tree's important lineage, officers will collect acorns from the tree so that new replacement oaks can be propagated from the same genetic stock. These seedlings will eventually be planted back at Lilydale Falls Reserve.
Mayor Matthew Garwood acknowledged the significance of the tree to the local community.
"It is always disappointing when we lose a mature historic tree, especially one with such a special story linked to the 1937 Coronation," Mayor Garwood said.
"While we cannot save this particular tree, we are committed to continuing its legacy by propagating new trees from its acorns. This will allow future generations to enjoy oaks from the same historic line at Lilydale Falls."
Lilydale Falls Reserve remains open to the public.