MORE than 1250 new trees will be planted over the next fourth months, providing more shade and green cover through the City of Whittlesea’s tree planting program.
New trees will be planted along main roads and residential streets, and in parks, including a range of evergreen tree species suited to the area’s needs and local conditions.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said council was on board with growing more trees, in line with its Greening Whittlesea target of planting 500,000 more trees in five years.
“We know that trees are an important element of our natural environment, providing a range of benefits, including much needed shade in urban areas, habitat for native wildlife and making our neighbourhoods look and feel more inviting,” she said.
“We’ve set an ambitious target to increase the number of trees in the City of Whittlesea and every tree planted brings us closer to achieving this.
“The new trees that will be planted as part of this program include a range of indigenous trees, as well as other species such as the Flowering Plum and Chinese Elm. Each tree is picked to complement the surrounding environment and provide maximum long-term benefits for our residents.”
As part of the planting program, few existing trees will need to be moved due to poor health or deterioration.
“While we will need to remove some trees, we will be replanting in those locations and filling any gaps, ensuring that we continue to increase our overall green cover,” Ms Wilson said.
“Our aim is to achieve a 20 per cent increase on the city’s existing green cover by 2040, providing additional shade and cooling and helping make our neighbourhoods even better places to live.”
The tree planting program has begun and will continue until the end of June.
