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Trees and their maintenance
Pruning
Trees in residential streets are pruned on a two and a half year cycle. Trees on major roads and streets that are part of a boulevard or avenue are pruned annually as are trees beneath high voltage powerlines. Pruning trees promotes good health, shape, vigour, reduces dead wood and ensures appropriate clearances.
All facets of practical tree management is contracted to Citywide Service Solutions (Treecare). Citywide also provide tree services to other municipalities including City of Melbourne, City of Stonnington, City of Whittlesea, City of Casey and City of Bayside.
Mulching tree bases and watering
The prolonged drought has stressed many of our tree assets in both parks and streetscapes and as a result in 2007 tree planting was halted. The exotic vegetation in many of our parks has evolved in height rainfall environments. When water was plentiful, we irrigated our parks to replicate the natural environs in which they grew.
In times of drought we can not afford to irrigate and as a result both exotic and native tree species and the parks in which they grow have suffered. Recycled water stored in wheelie bin reservoirs has helped a number of mature specimen trees in parks and overstressed street trees. In addition a mulching program is in place.
Mulching tree bases to the drip line of the canopy greatly improves soil conditions, allows more moisture to be retained in the soil, reduces moisture competition from grass and improves soil structure. Organic mulch is sourced from tree pruning adn removal and when required purchased.
You can help! - Your waste water or 'grey' water from baths, sinks and showers can be used on your street tree - keep a bucket handy, fill it up with the grey water and pour it onto your street tree especially in summer. In essence 'Adopt a street tree' !
Parks mulched to date;
- St Vincent Gardens
- St Kilda Botanic Gardens
- Alma Park West
- Garden City Reserve
- South African Memorial
- Anzac Gardens
The mulching program will continue in all parks in 2008.
Tree roots
As a tree matures its roots get thicker. This thickening can lift footpaths and roads which can from tripping hazards.The City of Port Phillip's long term approach to managing this problem includes:
- Selecting tree species which are appropriate to the local area
- Pruning roots and installing root barriers
- Using alternative footpath surfaces
The city has been divided into maintenance zones - check out the map to see when your zone is due!
 Tree Pruning Zones
If there is an exposed tree root protruding through a footpath or roadway near you that represents a safety issue, please telephone ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or email eServices.
For further information see Adopt a street tree! or use eServices to request information about the adopt a tree program. If you prefer phone ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777 or TTy (03) 9209 6713.
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