Heat and rain may have caused branch fall in Tusmore

Hot weather followed by brief, unseasonal rain might have caused a tree limb to fall and injure a man in Tusmore Park last month, a Burnside Council investigation has revealed.

A man was injured shielding his children when the tree in Tusmore Park split in two. Picture: AAP/Emma Brasier.

• Hero dad protects children from limb fall
• Tree had lost a branch before, neighbours say

HOT weather followed by brief, unseasonal rain might have caused a tree limb to fall and injure a man in Tusmore Park last month, a Burnside Council investigation has revealed.

Father-of-two Miguel Mawate, 37, suffered back injuries while attempting to shield his children from the falling limb on Saturday, February 9 when a white poplar split in two.

The council had initially been told by the Local Government Association Mutual Liability Scheme not to answer questions about the tree’s condition.

However, while the council now says it is “difficult to determine the exact cause” of the split, an arborist has come up with some evidence.

The arborist’s report identified “deadwood rot” and traces of previous termite infestation, along with extended heat exposure — and the possibility that morning rain could have been a factor too.

The council will now review its tree inspection process.

There are no “immediate risks” with two other white poplars in the park, a recent inspection also found.

Burnside will share this information with other councils in a bid to thwart similar incidents.

A council spokeswoman said it was “continuing to liaise” with the family of Mr Mawate and had “offered support as appropriate”. But it did not disclose details.

Meanwhile, it will remove a gum tree at 27 Russell Ave in Hazelwood Park as soon as possible because of `a “major structural fault” underground.

A tree was removed at 30 Russell Ave in August last year.

No other tree felling is planned at this stage for the area.