How large will this gum tree grow?

daven25

I'm concerned about this tree. It's inherited from the previous owner and it's grown nearly twice the size in the 2 years we've been here. It's less than a metre from the fence and not much more than that to the actual house behind it and is now overhanging their roof.

I don't know the species or how large it will get. The trunk is currently about 14cm thick/diameter. So I'm wondering whether it's likely to turn into a monster and I should remove it while its still small enough to manage.

JacobZ

Hi @daven25,

Based on an initial check of Pl@ntNet identify and some follow up research on Australian Plants Society NSW, it looks like either a Red Ironbark or Silver Princess, which are both varieties of Eucalyptus tree.

Based on what I can see though, I’d lean a bit more towards it being a silver princess. The newer growth appears to have that slightly silvery, almost powdery look, and the canopy seems a bit more open rather than strongly upright. Those traits tend to line up more with silver princess than with ironbark.

That said, both of those are naturally larger growing. Even the more compact forms can still reach well over 8 to 10 metres, and many will grow significantly taller with broad canopies and fairly extensive root systems over time. With it already about a metre from the fence and close to the neighbouring structure, that proximity is likely to become an issue as it matures.

A trunk diameter of around 14 cm suggests it’s establishing well and will continue to put on size at a steady rate. If it is one of these, it’s not something that will stay “manageable” long term without ongoing pruning, and even then, you’re working against its natural growth habit.

Given the location, it’s reasonable to be thinking ahead now rather than later. Removing or relocating it while it’s still relatively small will be far easier and less costly than dealing with a mature tree close to buildings and boundaries. Alternatively, having an arborist assess it in person would help confirm the species and give more site-specific advice.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob