Katherine's friendliest plant salesman - the one who waves to every single person driving along the Stuart Highway - is relieved his shady tree is safe from troubling plans to remove it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Just last week there were fears among residents and the avid gardener himself, Jim Ashworth, the tall Mahogany was slated for the chop by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics.
The big tree overhangs a slight bend in the Stuart Highway.
But an arborist last week put those claims to bed when he told Mr Ashworth the tree was only due for a trim.
How much of a trim is up in the air.
And whether he will be left with shade at all remains a mystery.
"About 10 days ago someone came by looking at the trees on the other side of the road, and put pink ribbons on some, then he came down my side. The bloke told me he would be cutting the whole thing right back and there would be no shade," Mr Ashworth said.
"Then another guy came around and said he would only take a few branches off. It hangs over the road you see."
Mr Ashworth has been a steadfast friendly welcome to residents and visitors driving in and out of Katherine for two years.
Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday he packs his well maintained plants into his truck and heads for the shadiest tree in Katherine, to sell them.
He brings black coffee in a thermos and lunch, and settles in for the day waving to every single passer by.
"It is something to do," he said.
He is out there on even the hottest day, which is why the shade of the tree is of utmost importance.
"I had a look at other trees on the other side of town, but this one was by far the best," Mr Ashworth said.
He said he is "partly worried" his tree will be cut back too far leaving him in direct sunlight, but has no plans to set up shop beneath a different tree.
"I would still come to this very spot, but it would cost me a bit in umbrellas.
"It is my spot and people in town know I am here.
"I look forward to people coming by for a chat. I am fully retired, I have to have something to do.
"Whatever happens I will still be here to sell my plants," he said.
According to a Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics spokesman the tree trimming is expected to take place shortly.
"Work will shortly take place to trim tree branches from overhanging on the Stuart Highway," he said.
"Works will include trimming the tree so it’s clear of the road highway lighting, and a minimum distance of 3.5 metres clearance from the edge of the seal.
"Trimming will also take place to ensure [the] tree is clear of highway lighting.
"A qualified arborist will be on site to ensure the continued wellbeing and health of the trees and is consistent with the tree maintenance that occurred in Katherine terrace late in 2018."
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each Friday at 6am from the Katherine Times. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.
