The base track around Mauao reopened this afternoon after a pohutukawa tree fell on the track blocking the loop on Monday.

The tree came down partially blocking the track about 300 metres past the sandy beach on the Pilot Bay side of Mount Maunganui.

A large and very heavy section of tree roots called a 'root ball'.

Tauranga City Council reports the base track reopened this afternoon although a large and very heavy section of tree roots - or 'root ball' - remains on the slope.

The root ball was a major safety concern during the tree clearing work but it has proven to be firmly embedded in the bank and is not expected to move.

The council says it will be monitored very closely over the next six months.