Blue Mountains News

The avenue of Liquidambar trees, planted in the 1930s, is prized by locals and has become a notable attraction for tourists, particularly during the autumn months during the trees’ spectacular colour display. 

The essential arborist works will start on Monday 21 July 2025 and is expected to be complete by 21 September 2025. 

“These trees are a treasured part of Blackheath’s identity and seasonal character,” Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said. “This planned restoration ensures the continued vitality and safety of this heritage streetscape and reduces risks during storm events.

 “Council is undertaking these works while the trees are deciduous and access is optimal, to reduce long-term disruption and maximise the positive outcomes of the restoration.

“By pruning and maintaining the trees, we can ensure they remain strong, resilient, and able to thrive in our urban environment. This will help to extend the lifespan of our valued tree canopy and preserve the ecological benefits they provide.

“While the pruning may result in noticeable visual changes, it is essential for long-term tree health and public safety.”

The planned works comprise pruning and aerial inspections to improve tree structure and overall form. Each tree will be individually assessed, and pruning will be appropriate to its species and location. 

The works will take place along Wentworth Street, Blackheath, between Hat Hill Road and Prince George Street, on both sides of the street. Works will be conducted during daylight hours (typically between 7am and 5pm Monday-Friday, weather permitting). 

Temporary road closures will be necessary and staged to safely accommodate arborist crews and equipment. However, Council will aim to keep disruption to a minimum and there will always be access for residents and emergency services.

Pedestrian detours will be clearly signposted, to guide foot traffic around the work zones and traffic controllers will be onsite to assist.

On-street parking along sections of Wentworth Street may be restricted during works and residents will be notified in advance of changes.

This project is funded with a grant is from The Australian Government, under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement.  

For further information and updates go to: here

Or contact the Urban Forest Team on (02) 4780 5000 Email: council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au (Attention: Urban Forest Team)