Q: How big will the trees on my street get?

A: The short answer is, it depends. Please use caution when researching potential tree sizes with Google or hearing personal anecdotes. Trees growing in urban environments are affected by multiple site constraints and factors that will affect their growth, and ultimately the size they will reach at maturity. In ideal urban conditions, they will generally reach about one-third to half the size that they obtain in their natural environments. Their growth, vitality and canopy cover at maturity is influenced by maintenance, soil type and volume, surrounding infrastructure, water availability, permeable surfaces, micro-climates, aspect and exposure to elements and how well they are protected and treated by people.

Q: Can I change the species?

A: Council would love to facilitate each resident’s request for a particular species, and one day hope to do this. Due to our current resources and the nature and timing of the Grants council have received, tree procurement is one of the first tasks of these projects, as sourcing many hundreds of species and sizes from our nursery partners takes a lot of lead time, pre-planning and effort. Council’s Urban Forester and colleagues assisting with the project have a large amount of experience in these endeavours and aim for the right tree in the right place. When there is a current avenue of trees, we aim to continue and foster this over time. When streets have a mix of species, we also aim to foster this mix with a range of diverse families, genus and species of trees for biodiversity and amenity (different forms, shapes, sizes, features).

Q: Will my site lines or parking be affected by a street tree?

A: Council aim to cause minimal disturbance to current and future site lines and people’s ability to park on or off street, as well as their ability to utilise the verge and vehicular access. All planned locations are reviewed internally by Council’s traffic team and other departments for their potential impact to residents. Street verges vary in size and width, as do the types of street trees being utilised. Council’s aim is to have the trees reach maturity and provide shade for streets and footpaths, along with other benefits. The size of trees currently being planted will not affect site lines.

Q: Will the trees cause mess?

A: A common objection to trees is the mess that they can sometimes create. All types of trees will naturally shed leaves, bark, fruit and flowers as part of their natural growing cycles. The birds and animals that call them home will sometimes cause mess. This natural shedding of small pieces of plant material helps them to grow bigger each year and continue to provide their multiple environmental, social and economic benefits. These benefits far out way the minor inconveniences that they may cause.

Q: When the trees mature will they become risky and unsafe?

A: No. With proper care and management over time by contractors and council staff, and having the correct tree in the right location, the current and future risk of our new trees will remain as low as reasonably possible. Council staff ensure that all trees are grown to Australian Standards, planted correctly, maintained properly, protected during establishment, formative pruned to Australian Standards when required to eradicate potential defects, and will be closely monitored during their lives. Assessing trees for risk requires specialist training and qualifications. Trees very rarely cause harm. Currently, the greatest risk for the environment and human health is to not plant trees.

Q: I object to having a tree near my property. Can you plant it somewhere else?

A: While Council understands that not everybody loves trees, we hope our Urban Tree Canopy Strategy, along with some of the answers provided may help alleviate any concerns or resistance that people may have. Our new trees are for current and future generations to enjoy and we have a limited amount of plantable space within the LGA, so every tree and every space does matter. Council officers will mark the tree location on the ground with spray paint several weeks prior to planting. Exact locations can be negotiated with Council officers, who will provide notifications and contact details prior to planting.

Q: What if the tree gets vandalised?

A: All trees on public land are owned and managed by Council for the benefit of the community. Tree vandalism is a crime, and unfortunately occurs regularly in all Councils. Please report any cases of vandalism to Council. Rangers and Council staff will investigate and canvas the area for information. Where there is evidence of any wrong-doing, Penalty Infringement Notices or legal proceedings may result. We also politely ask that residents do not prune the trees into shapes or to contain their growth, as this is also not permitted, and removes any benefits they will provide.

Q: Are the tree roots invasive, will they cause problems?

A: Council endeavour to plant trees that are appropriate for the location and have imposed strict regulations about appropriate species and distances to plant from surrounding infrastructure and services, both private and public. Large, vigorous trees with known invasive root system are no longer utilised in our streets. We save these for our parks where there is ample soil volume, above ground space and minimal infrastructure nearby.

Q: Who will maintain the trees?

A: Contractors will be engaged to plant, protect, and maintain the trees for a 12 month period. The maintenance regime often requires a watering truck to supplement water on a scheduled basis. Council officers will formative prune and inspect the trees regularly and undertake other duties. After this period we do request that residents take an interest in any trees planted near their residence, especially during hot and dry periods and provide them with water and ongoing protection.