Trees to be replanted

By Lachlan Ellis

Seven trees at a local park, which have died just months after being planted, are being investigated by Moorabool Shire Council and will be replaced.

A reader, who asked to remain unnamed, contacted the Moorabool News earlier this month, and said they had contacted Council late last year but had received no response on the future of the trees.

“On 22 November I lodged a formal complaint to Council about seven advanced trees Council planted – or had a contractor plant – in the newly landscaped section of Peppertree Park, Grant Street, Bacchus Marsh. I received acknowledgement but never received any reply,” the reader said.

“The seven trees are Ulmus parvifolia ‘Todd’ (or Chinese elm), and were purchased from Mt William Advanced Tree Nursery, according to their labels.

“The trees were beautiful when planted, but within months appeared sick and died, probably due to lack of water. The grass surrounding the trees was regularly watered to get it established, but the trees couldn’t have been so lucky.”

Council says the trees have been regularly watered since they were planted last year, and their deaths would be looked into.

“Seven Chinese Elm trees were planted as part of the Peppertree Park upgrade project in 2023 and since installation have been part of Council’s watering program,” Council CEO Derek Madden told the Moorabool News.

“Council will investigate any obvious reasons for their condition, including interference, and will schedule replacement plantings in the 2024 planting schedule as required.”