Trees are possibly the last thing you would think of when faced with resealing local roads. However, Bass Coast Shire Council is using an innovative method of spreading stones over bitumen during reseals to avoid damaging trees.

How does resealing a road damage a tree? The conventional method is to tip the stone directly out of tip trucks, with the tipping body raised high in the air as the truck drives along the street. In areas such as Bass Coast that have plenty of trees lining local streets, this often meant damaging or snapping limbs that overhang the street.

Fred Huitema, Council’s Roads Team Leader, explained that in an effort to avoid such damage, Council’s contractor Boral Asphalt are using a "Chip Spreader".

"The Chip Spreader’s tipper has a lower profile so it doesn’t damage overhead vegetation," said Fred. "It also can carry a small amount of stone in its bin, so it can continue spreading even if the tipper can’t fit under the trees.

Fred also explained that the Chip Spreader is more accurate at spreading the stone evenly, which stops excessive use of stone during the reseal. This reduces the amount of stone used, resulting in lowering the cost and conserving natural resources. It also improves safety for motorists due to less loose stone left on the road.

So while Bass Coast Shire Council is keeping the stones on the road, we’re also keeping the branches on the trees.