Tree tragic picks Toowoomba's top trunks - Toowoomba Chronicle

Under one of his favourite Toowoomba trees, is author of Best Trees, Dr John Swarbrick. Bev Lacey

TOOWOOMBA author John Swarbrick is a self-confessed "tree tragic".

So much so, he has gone out on a limb to nominate the city's finest trees in his new book Toowoomba's Best Trees.

The book, launched yesterday, maps out 14 of the best trees across the city and gives a brief description of their species and why these trees are considered the best examples of their kind.

"Toowoomba has the best trees in Queensland," Dr Swarbrick said.

"There are more than 270 different species (of trees) in the city.

"With so many lovely trees throughout the city, it is hard to choose which trees are the best.

"The trees have been chosen as mature healthy examples of their species which are standing alone or nearly alone in public places. All are easy to find and to photograph."

The former horticulturist and botanist has spent the past 25 years working closely with Toowoomba Regional Council as a volunteer - using his incredible knowledge of local flora to develop a multitude of databases and historical documents.

Council parks and recreation spokeswoman Cr Sue Englart paid tribute to Dr Swarbrick, declaring he was as solid as the trees of which he wrote.

Toowoomba's Best Trees will be on sale from the Toowoomba Customer Service Centre and the Visitor Information Centre in James St for a cost of $5 each.