The century-old trees have caused extensive cracking in the walls of “Nameerah” and Maitland City Council is expected to sound their death knell tomorrow night despite some reservations. 

“The proposed removal of the trees will have a significant impact on the streetscape of Roxburgh Street, Lorn,” council planning, environment and lifestyle manager Bernie Mortomore said.

“However the trees are greatly impacting on [“Nameerah”] with evidence showing that the trees roots are responsible for significant ­damage to the internal walls, driveway, fence, gate and council-owned footpath.”

The trees stand on the rear boundary of the Belmore Road home and dominate the skyline.

An arborist estimated the root span was 24 metres, well under the house, and had sucked the moisture from the clay footings.

An engineer’s report included in council’s business agenda for tomorrow night detailed the interior and exterior cracking.

The engineer found the external brickwork on the north-west corner of the house was severe and recommended the floor be ­temporarily supported so the wall could be rebuilt.

A plumber has already replaced the terracotta sewer pipe with a plastic line and noted the camphor smell was strong during that process, which was an indication of extensive root infiltration.

In an impact statement to council, the arborist estimated the trees were up to 115 years old indicating they were planted shortly after “Nameerah” had been built in 1896.

The arborist said the trees were over-mature and had become hazardous, partly because of pruning around power lines.

“The trees have outlived their amenity in most regards,” consulting arborist Vivianne Blieker said in the statement supporting their removal and advocating new trees replace them.

“They have lost their dignity and appeal and are in a state of obvious decline.”