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2,000 Trees On Local Nature Strips

Members of Council’s Operations Department (l-r) Paul Burns, Guy Wilson-Browne, and Chris Lodge

The plant species are native or indigenous and have been chosen specifically because they will not affect drains, kerbs or footpaths

By Carol McCormack - 30th September 2002 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Operations Department has planted more than 2,000 young trees on nature strips throughout the Shire in the past few weeks.

"The nature strip plantings take place twice a year, in spring and autumn," said Les Swift, Program Leader. "The plant species are native or indigenous and have been chosen specifically because they will not affect drains, kerbs, footpaths and other community assets."

For one day during the plantings, the usual parks and gardens crew had a new apprentice as part of the team. Guy Wilson-Browne, Council’s new Director of Assets, joined the team for a "managers in the field" day.

Guy spent the day working with officers from the Operations Department, planting trees and undertaking road maintenance.

Other senior managers, including CEO Allan Bawden, will also be participating in the "managers in the field" days in the future.

Council is encouraging residents to care for the trees planted on nature strips so they grow to maturity.

Les said there are a few basic things residents can do to look after the young plants.

• Water the plant in the early morning or in the evening during periods of hot weather. (Approximately 2.5 litres or 1/2 gallon).
• Keep the plastic guard and 3 stakes enclosing the plant intact and upright. Once the plant is too big for the guard and looks solid, remove the guard and stakes.
• Mow up to and around the tree guard. Try to keep the inner-mulched area around the plant weed free, both inside and outside the guard.
• Report damage or destruction of the plant to Council so that we can replace it.

"Most importantly simply enjoy watching the plant grow," said Les.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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