Giant sequoias in St David's Park beyond saving

Published on 27 March 2026

The two giant sequoia trees in Hobart's St David's Park will be removed after failing to respond to repeated attempts to save them.

Both trees, planted in 1937 to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, are now beyond saving.

The decline of the giant sequoias is likely due to a combination of multiple impacts over the past two years—including repeated fires reaching the canopy, contaminants and fire‑retardant foam entering the soil, removal of topsoil to address hazardous debris, soil compaction, irrigation leaks causing saturation, and the presence of fungal pathogens.

They will be replaced by two young giant sequoias.

The wood from the two sequoias trees will be used in City of Hobart projects, including the new waterfront interpretation project.

The City will also look for opportunities to repurpose the wood in other ways, including for arts and cultural projects with the broader community.

To stay up to date with the removal and replacement of these trees visit www.hobartcity.com.au/tree-giants

Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds:

"I'm sure the people of Hobart will be heartbroken by the news these two beautiful trees have died.

"At just 88 years of age these giant sequoias were just babes in the woods. Giant sequoias can live to be over 3000 years old.

"Our arborist team have done everything they can to save these forest giants, including carrying out a three-stage soil microbiology treatment to try and breathe new life into the trees’ root system.

"The largest of the two giant sequoias is 32 metres tall and 8.6 metres wide around its base. The second was just behind it, standing 30 metres tall and measuring 8.7 metres circumference at its base.

"We will soon start the removal of these trees from St David's Park, a huge task that could take up to a week to complete.

"Sections of the park will be closed during these removal works and we ask that the public follow local directions to ensure everyone is safe.

“We will also be looking for opportunities to repurpose the wood and welcome suggestions from the people of Hobart.”