Macedon Ranges council will plant about 250 new trees between July and September as part of the annual street tree planting program.
The new trees will be planted at the optimal time to ensure they are successfully established to grow and support the environment and town amenities.
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,” Mr Walden said.
“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.”
The species of trees planted are selected from a ‘preferred species list,’ which is regularly updated with specialist consultation.
Council said the trees are purchased from local nurseries, and are maintained by council for two years, which is the time it generally takes for them to mature.
Riddells Creek will be the focus of this year’s program, with more than 150 trees set to be planted as part of a multi-year program to address vacant locations.
The other locations will be selected based on factors such as; new developments, customer requests and tree replacements.
Council said residents will be notified of works when the tree planting is taking place in their street.
Stakes from trees cut down during the June 2021 storm will also be upcycled and existing water wells from previous programs will be used.
Details: rb.gy/tzo9k
Zoe Moffatt
