The Australian Cootamundra Wattle tree ( Genus Acacia, family Leguminosae) is fast growing shrub or tree renown for its brilliant yellow blossoms.  Wattle trees thrive in warm climates and seem to be impervious to the ravages of drought or flooding we experience here inThe Land Down Under.

Although very fast growing, wattles are not long lasting trees with an average lifespan of about seven years.  In some areas of Australia, wattles, particularly the Cootamundara  variety, are declared to be a noxious weed, partly due to their great ability to self seed and pop up everywhere.

Seventeen  years ago when we purchased our residential block of land it was totally devoid of of trees and we decided to plant as many native trees as was practical.

So, we bought quite a number of small gum trees and various wattles in what we call tube stock size. That means they were only about 6 inches or 150 cm tall.

Being fast growers, the wattles were planted near the gums to provide wind protection and they have done their job admirably.

Unfortunately our wattles are now well past their normal life span and the strong winds this last winter have created many branches to fail.  Until now that hasn’t been a problem as I’ve been able to lop the offending branches and run them through our mulcher.

However, our largest wattle decided last week to divide itself into a number of parts,  demolish part of our boundary fence and obstructing the nature strip beside the adjacent main road.

This is how it looked from the main road a few days after it snapped apart.

Now as any man reading this will acknowledge, armed with either a bow saw or a small chain saw, an hour or so would see the total demise of the offending wattle tree, have it loaded onto the trailer and dumped at the rubbish tip in good time to go to the pub with the mates.

Well, armed with the bow saw I attacked the offending limbs with great vigour. After an hour or so I came to the conclusion that I was kidding myself. A quick phone call to an accredited tree removal firm saved the day.

Bright and early the following day Aaron and his offsider Marty arrived in their truck which was towing a large mulcher, which by the way, was at least 100 times bigger and more powerful than mine.

They launched their attack within minutes and I was amazed by their teamwork and speed of action.

Sawdust flew, the mulcher roared and the wattle tree swiftly disappeared into the mulchers gaping maw.

Here are a few images of the team in action:

This two man team accomplished in short time a task that would have taken me a week at least of hard hacker. They not only worked quickly but safely.

All that was left was a small portion of the wattle’s  trunk upon which I intend to place a little plaque.

The mulched tree will not go to waste as it is destined to be recycled into compost.

Today we purchased more saplings and shrubs to replace our wattle and the planting will start next week.

Hoo roo for now.