It's official.  The Forest Gallery's trees have finally overcome the initial stresses arising from their transplantation and establishment in Melbourne Museum.  The trouble with tree transplantation is that it stresses the trees.  And just like stressed people, stressed trees can be affected by disease and other opportunistic environmental factors. 

Tree spade transplanting Nothofagus, Noojee, January 1999. Photo: Luke Simpkin Source: Museum Victoria

Trees being installed by crane August 1999 Photo: Luke Simpkin Source: Museum Victoria

In the first five years, the Forest Gallery trees were affected by Phytopthora cinnamomi- a water borne root fungus, Armillaria- another root fungus, beetle larva borers, psyllids among others.  Some affected trees died but others were saved using carefully applied treatments.  Since 2001 Melbourne University's School of Forest and Ecosystem Science have put a 'stethoscope' to the trees and worked with Live Exhibits' horticulturalists on management and treatments.  The most recent report shows trees' health scores over the eight years have stabilised and then improved to the equivalent health scores of healthy trees in the real forests.  Trees planted as tubes in 2000 are now topping 4 metres so the recruitment of new trees to the Forest Gallery is looking good too.

Forest Gallery 2006 Photo: Luke Simpkin Source: Museum Victoria