A tree felled last week at a prominent Morpeth park has left some business operators and residents stumped.
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Maitland City Council removed the tree at Illalaung Park next to historic Morpeth Bridge last Thursday.
A resident and a business operator who did not wish to be named, contacted The Mercury about the tree felling.
They believed the tree was around 250 years old and said it was a showpiece in the picturesque park.
Maitland City Council's Operations Manager - Recreation Works, Caine James, said the tree had been assessed by council and deemed no structurally sound.
The tree was assessed to be too hazardous to remain in its location
- Caine James
"It had a severe infestation of borers and had dropped two large limbs in the last week," Mr James said.
"The area is frequented by visitors and the tree was assessed to be too hazardous to remain in its location."
As for its age, Mr James said the Box Elder (Acer Negundo) tree's age could not be confirmed but said this particular species has a lifespan of around 60 years.
Named after the Wonnarua word for the area around Morpeth, Illalaung Park has tiered gardens and lawn leading down to the Hunter River.
