Floriade festival damaging, killing dozens of park trees

Wednesday, 30 Mar 2016 13:41:53 | Alexandra Beech

The NCA says 24 trees had to be removed as a result of the 2015 Floriade event. (ABC Open contributor Bill)

The National Capital Authority (NCA) says it is taking steps to prevent further tree deaths at Canberra's Commonwealth Park during Floriade events.

About 60 trees have been removed from the park over the past five years due to damage caused during the spring flower festival.

The 2015 and 2012 events were the worst offenders with 24 trees lost each year.

NCA acting chief executive Andrew Smith said the main reason for removal was root damage.

"We're talking about mishaps with equipment as it goes close to tree trunks and where we've got excavation going on to put in the flowerbeds," Mr Smith said.

"We've also got a little bit of excess watering."

He said age could also be a factor in the decision to remove the trees.

Mr Smith said damage to trees was a concern for many events in Canberra's green spaces.

"Floriade's obviously the event we have that has the largest and heaviest equipment that goes on site so it does present the greatest risk to of some inadvertent mishap occurring."