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New plantings provide more suitable streetscapeLatrobe City is currently undertaking a street tree replanting program across the four major towns in the municipality. By Latrobe City Council - 9th August 2006 - Back to News Latrobe City is currently undertaking a street tree replanting program across the four major towns in the municipality in a bid to replace trees that have been identified as either hazardous, weed species, inappropriately located or highly allergenic.
Latrobe City mayor, councillor Lisa Price said that the program affected over 60 streets in the city with around 600 trees being replaced.
"Council has identified a number of inappropriate street trees in Churchill, Moe, Morwell and Traralgon. A program has been implemented to remove and replace these trees with more suitable species. In many cases, this will remove potential hazards such as exposed roots, proximity to power lines, allergens and toxins as well as the potential for falling limbs or trees due to defects within the structure," Cr Price explained.
"Before the program began, council contacted residents in the affected streets to explain the reason behind the selection of the street trees as inappropriate. As a consequence, the community has been generally supportive of the program and many residents have actively expressed a preference for the species of replacement tree to be planted," Cr Price added.
Latrobe City’s tree maintenance team leader, Chris Dash, said that many trees earmarked for replacement were eucalypt trees that had been planted under overhead power lines.
"Many of the trees that have been identified as a high hazard potential are gum trees that have been planted under power lines and have required annual pruning to remove vegetation growing on or near the lines. If these trees fail, there is a high probability that the power lines would be damaged, posing a real threat to both the general public and the council worker pruning the tree," Mr Dash explained.
"Trees that have been inappropriately located also cause damage to underground services such as sewerage pipes and storm water drains. They can also grow excessively and lean over property or major assets either council or privately-owned, footpaths or roads. Some inappropriate trees also fruit excessively causing problems on footpaths.
"Other trees deemed to be hazardous have exposed root systems posing a trip hazard or having the potential to fail due to instability," Mr Dash said.
Mr Dash added that many trees earmarked for removal were highly allergenic, such as wattles and plane trees which release irritant pollen and particles.
"Others are known to be toxic to humans or animals such as oleander shrubs. Some trees are weed species, and are listed on weed registers, for example, weeping willows," Mr Dash explained.
"Care has been taken when selecting replacement trees, to ensure that the tree will grow to a appropriate size and does not require major canopy maintenance; that it has a suitable root system able to sustain the environmental conditions, and that the tree is aesthetically appealing, contributing positively to the street or surrounding area," Mr Dash said.
"Once an appropriate site assessment had been conducted to look at the replacement tree’s tolerances, adaptability and integration into the location, residents were offered a choice between two suitable species and the most popular tree was selected as the replacement," Mr Dash explained.
Cr Price added that the program was extensive, but necessary.
"In carrying out this tree replacement programme, the safety of residents, council workers and property has been paramount. Inappropriate trees growing under power lines, leaning over infrastructure, or posing a potential hazard due to structural defect have been identified and are being removed and replaced.
"The outcome of this program will be streetscapes that are both aesthetically pleasing and safe, with trees requiring minimal maintenance but providing the maximum environmental and psychological benefits that suitable tree selection can bring," Cr Price concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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