Norfolk Island Pines

South West Rocks has about 75 Norfolk Island Pines (Araucaria heterophylla). These large trees are an iconic feature of the township, and many are at least 80 years old.

In 2018, Council’s arborist noted that several trees were showing signs of decline, including thin canopies, open wounds, retained deadwood, delaminated bark and declining branch tips. Independent testing confirmed that at least one tree in South West Rocks was affected by Norfolk Pine Canker (Neofusicoccum parvum). This is a fast-acting fungal pathogen that can kill its host tree in as little as two years. 

The fungus has been observed throughout Australia and New Zealand. No chemical control is currently available but a program of watering and fertilisation, using seaweed-based fertiliser and high potassium, may assist.

Read our Norfolk Island Pines factsheet(PDF, 294KB)

Management Plan

Kempsey Shire Council has developed a management plan for the Norfolk Pines and is making every effort to give the affected trees the best possible chance of rejuvenation.

We will closely monitor the pines and perform ongoing maintenance, including removing diseased matter, applying water-based feed and slow release fertiliser, and limiting compaction.