Background – Compared to West Esplanade the trees on East Esplanade Reserve are looking very tired right from the Wharf to the Manly Cove Motor Yacht Club shed. Many Norfolk Island Pines are missing, dying or dead. There are also several Cook Island Pines that are very dense and twisted and spoil the views. The large Morton Bay Fig at the bottom of Osbourne Road is mature and the Port Jackson Fig between it and the Motor Yacht Club is very decayed.

Proposal – About fourteen new Norfolk Island Pines should be planted on the East Esplanade between Wentworth and Ashburner Streets. These would replace dead and dying trees as well as the dense and twisted Cook Island Pines which are currently spoiling the overall effect of the planting on this reserve.
A replacement strategy should be developed for the mature fig trees, particularly at the Yacht Club end, to ensure that the overall tree lined character of this iconic reserve is maintained for the future.

Evelyn Shervington

Outcome- As new Norfolk Island Pines grow fast, straight and less dense than Cook Island Pines there will be improved views as well as better shade on the reserve. We will be able to say that we have passed on an improved heritage for the future.