Mitchell Shire Council is kicking environmental goals with over 1000 new trees to be planted across the shire this year as part of the annual tree planting program.
Each year, council plants and maintains a range of trees across urban townships to help create a modern urban landscape, make positive environmental impacts, and provide social and economic benefits for the community and local businesses.
As part of the annual tree planting program, 108 different species are being planted including: Angophora, Banksia, Eucalyptus, Fraxinus, Gleditsia, Quercus, and Zelkova. These hardy species of trees will replace trees that were removed due to natural decline or storm damage, as well as planting new trees for streets with low canopy cover or where residents have requested trees be planted.
As with all trees planted by council, the new trees will be inspected and maintained for two years, including watering, mulching, staking, weeding and minor pruning.
Some key areas of planting include Alfred Street, Anglesey Street and Jordan Street in Seymour, High Street in Broadford, Allan Street, Francis Court, Ryans Creek Reserve and The Elms Boulevard in Kilmore, and Fellow Court, MacDonald Close and Taylors Lane in Wallan.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Louise Bannister said street trees had so many benefits.
“With the adoption of our Urban Forest Strategy, Council has committed to planting more trees in streets and parks to increase canopy cover and improve the health and wellbeing of residents,” Cr Bannister said.
“During the next 10 years, we’re aiming to have trees planted on all nature strips within the urban areas of Mitchell Shire. Investing in our green infrastructure is investing in the future of Mitchell Shire. “The positive impacts of this year’s tree planting program will be felt by the community for years to come, making our shire a model for sustainable urban development.”
Visit council’s website for more information on the environmental programs.
