30-01-2026
Upper Lachlan Shire Council advises the community of planned works involving the removal of street trees along Elizabeth Street, Crookwell, due to ongoing impacts on critical water infrastructure.
Since 2024, Council has repaired up to ten (10) water main failures along Elizabeth Street. Investigations into the unusually high number of breaks identified that root intrusion from the existing street trees has been a contributing factor, resulting in damage to underground infrastructure.
As a result, Council will remove all street trees located within the nature strip along Elizabeth Street, from King Road through to Laggan Road. A total of forty-one (41) trees will be removed, with works anticipated to commence from Monday 2 March 2026.
The basis for the removal of the trees on both sides are due to a number of reasons including the advanced age of existing trees, deformed growth, Root systems causing significant damage to water infrastructure and overhead powerlines restricting the trees’ full growth potential
The removal of these will allow for an opportunity to replant suitable species and provide improvement of uniformity and long-term streetscape outcomes.
Council will replace trees on the northern side of Elizabeth Street only, based on the constraints identified on the southern side.
The selected replacement species is Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ (Paul’s Scarlet Hawthorn), chosen for its suitability to the location and long-term sustainability. Key characteristics include:
- Flowers: Abundant, double, rose-like pink-red blossoms in spring that attract pollinators
- Foliage: Glossy dark green, lobed leaves turning yellow to bronze in autumn
- Size: Compact, rounded canopy reaching approximately 4–6 metres in height and 4 metres in width, ideal for streetscapes
- Hardiness: Very hardy, tolerant of frost, pollution, coastal conditions and moderate drought
- Growth Habit: Deciduous, dense, rounded form
- Maintenance: Low maintenance and able to be pruned to shape
Acting CEO Andrew Croke said “Council acknowledges the importance of street trees to the community and remains committed to balancing environmental outcomes with the protection of essential infrastructure and public safety”
Council conducted letterbox drops to residents this week in the precinct of works. For further information or clarification, please contact Upper Lachlan Shire Council on (02) 4830 1000 during normal office hours.