Green boost for streets and parks

LOCAL streets and parklands are about to receive a green boost as the City begins its Greening Greater Bendigo tree planting program later this month.

More than 3000 advanced trees will be planted during the autumn and winter months.

Plantings will be mostly concentrated in Eaglehawk, Epsom, Kangaroo Flat, Heathcote, North Bendigo and Strathfieldsaye.

Other places on the schedule are Ascot, Bendigo, Big Hill, California Gully, East Bendigo, Flora Hill, Golden Square, Huntly, Ironbark, Jackass Flat, Junortoun, Kennington, Long Gully, Maiden Gully, Marong, Quarry Hill, Sailors Gully, Spring Gully, Strathdale and White Hills.

City of Greater Bendigo parks and open space manager Chris Mitchell said late autumn and winter was the optimal time to plant the trees.

“This year we will be planting a mix of indigenous, native evergreens and exotic deciduous trees ranging in size from 1.5 metres to over 2.5 metres tall,” Mr Mitchell said.

The city will be responsible for maintenance of the trees, including watering them, for the first two years.

“All trees have been carefully selected by the city’s public space team to ensure the most appropriate species for each location are planted based on local conditions, climate, neighbourhood character and any relevant master plans,” Mr Mitchell said.

This year’s program has been guided by resident requests, replacements for removed trees, and by identifying streets in need of canopy cover.

“Urban trees enhance the appearance of our municipality and its streetscapes,” Mr Mitchell said.

“Trees are also essential to creating a liveable community as they provide shade and cool urban areas, support physical and mental wellbeing, and improve our natural environment and biodiversity.”

Details of tree types and planting locations are online at bendigo.vic.gov.au.