Council’s annual street-tree planting to commence in July

Last updated on 21 June 2023

Council will plant around 250 new trees across the shire to support the environment and town amenities as part of the annual street tree planting program.

Planting occurs between July and September, allowing optimal conditions to ensure the successful establishment and growth of the newly planted trees.

This year’s program emphasises Riddells Creek, with Council planting more than 150 trees as part of a multi-year program to address vacant locations across the town.

Trees will also be planted at select locations in other towns, considering factors such as new developments, customer requests and tree replacements.

Director Assets and Operations Shane Walden said Council’s Township Street and Park Tree Management Policy outlined the carefully considered approach for tree selection.

“A range of things are considered, including site suitability, aesthetics, functional and environmental attributes, diversity and resilience and the potential to contribute to a town’s landscape character,” he said.

Trees are selected from a ‘Preferred Species List’. This list is regularly updated in consultation with specialists. The tree stock is purchased from local nurseries. All newly planted trees are maintained by Council for two years, which is the time it generally takes for them to mature.

“Following maturity, Council undertakes routine inspections of these trees, as we do with our township street and park trees. This is to ensure they stay healthy in the long term and are not obstructing paths, roads, and other infrastructure,” Mr Walden said.

Residents in the streets where the tree planting is taking place will be notified of the works.

Council’s sustainable, waste-conscious approach includes upcycling stakes from trees felled during the June 2021 storm and reutilising existing water wells from previous programs.

Residents can view detailed information about the trees to be planted by viewing Council's Street Tree Planting Program - Riddells Creek.