Council arborists indicated the tree had good form and condition and was healthy, with no outward indication of any weaknesses in the branch that failed.
The last time the oaks along Halswell St were reduced in size was in January-July 2020.
They were pruned by 25 per cent to open up the canopy area to allow more light into the road and cut back the long weighty limbs.
Neighbour Chris Smith said he was at home when he heard the tree fall on to Sullivan’s property.
“It made a hell of a noise - one of those noises where you don’t want to go out and look at what’s happened.”
He said he had previously been worried about the trees.
About a year ago, a tree fell on a truck on the other side of the intersection on Halswell St, he said.
“I often drive down the middle of the road because I’m scared of the trees falling.
“They’ve got to be trimmed, [or] else they’ll just grow again.”
Sullivan said in the mornings, the street is busy with foot traffic.
“Everybody’s moaning and groaning about these trees not being kept up to standard and pruned.”
Council community, property and places general manager Sarah O’Hagan said arborists would prune out dead wood and broken or split branches, and ensure power line or road clearance during their annual inspections.
However, not all trees required pruning work every year, she said.
“Branches are subject to wind forces, which can be very localised, and it is likely that this is the cause of the branch falling.”
The council said a full inspection of the Halswell St oaks would be carried out within the next month.
