Parks, Playgrounds & Trees
Port Melbourne Fig Tree Removals
Background
On the 14th September 2009, council decided to replace Port Melbourne’s Hill’s Figs as they are causing significant damage to infrastructure. It was a difficult decision, because council likes to maintain established trees and it does what it can to prevent their removal. In this case however, there is a significant risk of damage to infrastructure, and they need to be removed and replaced.
Click the Links below to view the independent arborist reports and council report.
Arborists Report - November 2006
Arborists Report - January 2009
Council Report - 14 September 2009
Council Minutes – 14 September 2009
About the Hill’s Fig
- The Hill’s Fig Trees were planted about 15 to 20 years ago by the developer.
- It is likely that they were selected for their aesthetic value and rapid growth rate.
- The Hill’s Fig will grow to 15 meters high by 15 meters wide at maturity.
- It is typical for these trees to develop large roots that cause damage to nearby infrastructure including; footpaths, and drainage.
- The size of a mature Hill’s Fig makes it unsuitable as a street tree.
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| Hill's Fig - St Kilda Town Hall | Hill's Fig - St Kilda Town Hall |
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| Tree Root Damage of a Hill's Fig | Example of Topiary Fig Trees |
Clifford Street
Download
Removals Plan - Clifford Street and Harper Court
Replacement Plan - Clifford Street
The City of Port Phillip is replacing the Hill’s Figs trees in Clifford Street and Harper Court.
Stage One of the replacement program in Clifford Street & Harper Court is now complete
The replacement species is the Native Frangipani
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Native Frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum) Growing to 10 meters, Native Frangipani has been successfully planted in Melbourne. This tall slender, upright tree has lustrous deep green leaves and fragrant flowers. These fragrant flowers begin to bloom in early spring and are a creamy yellow colour. There are examples of mature Frangipani trees in Frangipani Court Port Melbourne. |
Council asked residents to vote for their preferred replacement tree, the species which received the the majority of votes from residents was the Native Frangipani.
Replacements have been completed for stage one of the removal program for 2010 with every second tree removed and replaced with the Native Frangipani. The remaining trees are to be removed and replaced in 2012, the phased removal will provide time for the new trees to grow.
Follow the link for more information about staged removals and replacements.
The Crescent
Download
Factsheet - Hill's Fig Replacement
Replacement Plan - The Crescent
The City of Port Phillip is replacing the Hill’s Figs in The Crescent
Stage one of the replacement program will commence on the 27th of July 2010
The replacement species for the Crescent is the Tuckeroo
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Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) Native to coastal areas and growing to 9m in height and 6m wide with a broad, leafy canopy. Tuckeroos have dark green glossy leaves and small greenish to white fl flowers in spring followed by a yellow to orange fruit. |
Council asked residents to vote for their preferred replacement tree.
The replacement species for the Crescent is the Tuckeroo, which received the majority of votes from residents.
The first phase of the removal and replacement program will commence on July 27th 2010. The second phase will commence when the majority of trees have reached 4.5 meters in height, with the maximum period for full replacement of trees being a maximum of 5 years. Tree growth will be monitored and assessed annually.
This will minimise the impact to residents, and will not compromise the long term aesthetic of the streetscape. Tree removal and planting will be undertaken by council contractors Citywide Tree Care.
Follow the link for more information about staged removals and replacements.
About staged removals and replacements
Community consultation feedback indicated many residents wanted a longer period of time between phase one and phase two tree removal and replacement.
To respond to this feedback council staff will now assess the establishment of the new trees before undertaking the second phase of tree removal, which had been proposed to occur in three years.
Our objective will be to undertake the second phase of removals when the majority of the new trees have grown to 4.5 m in height, with the maximum period for full replacement being five years. This will minimise the impact to residents, and will not compromise the long term aesthetic of the streetscape.
An assessment of the trees growth will be undertaken annually The first phase of removal and replacement commenced in July 2010.
Tree removal and planting will be undertaken by council contractors Citywide Tree Care. Trees will be planted, mulched, watered and will receive supplementary watering through the warmer months. The replacement trees will be approximately two metres in height and three years old.
Residents will receive a bucket to encourage you to ‘adopt’ a newly planted tree. You can help your tree survive by watering it weekly using grey water from your shower, bathtub, sink and washing machine. Please visit our Adopt a Tree page
More Information
Factsheets, Tree Removal Plans and Tree Replacement Plans are available to view, save or print under each street heading, if you require a printed copy please contact the City of Port Phillip A.S.S.I.S.T centre on (03) 9209 6777.
A copy of the independent arborists reports and the council report are available at the top of the page - Click the link to return to the .
For more information about the removal of Hill's fig trees and the tree replacement program please contact the A.S.S.I.S.T Centre and the Department of Parks & Open Spaces.
Contact Us
Telephone - A.S.S.I.S.T Centre (03) 9209 6777
Fax - 9536 2705
Email - ospace@portphillip.vic.gov.au
Mail - Department of Parks & Open Spaces, City of Port Phillip, Private Bag 3, St Kilda 3182.
A.S.S.I.S.T Centre (03) 9209 6777
