Eight hundred new street trees to be planted this winter

Eight hundred new street trees to be planted this winter - 22 June 2016

Wagga is home to 56,000 street trees citywide – and that number has just grown.

Eight hundred new trees will grace the city’s streets by the end of winter as part of Council’s annual planting program.

From new suburbs to established areas, Council staff have been busy planting since 6 June and won’t stop for another six weeks.

Every year Council takes requests from residents wanting trees planted in their street and due to the overwhelming demand, 200 extra street trees will be planted this winter.

Manager Strategic Parks Operations David Walker said street trees are one of the city’s most important assets, particularly in the warmer months.

“We have what’s called a heat island effect in cities, which is caused by hot bitumen and hot buildings,” he said.

“These trees are really important to help reduce that temperature during our summers, so it’s vital we keep planting these trees to add to Wagga’s liveability.

“Street trees also benefit the local habitat by providing a green corridor for birds and wildlife, as well as beautifying our community.”

While Council is at capacity for new plantings this year, residents can lodge requests for next winter’s program.

“If you’re in a new area we encourage you to ring Council and make a request,” Mr

Walker said. “Most of the planting this winter is in newer suburbs such as Lloyd, Bourkelands, Estella, Boorooma and Forest Hill.

“We can usually take up about 500 or so requests, as we also like to set aside some strategic plantings on main roads and for replacement trees.”

Council purchases trees from quality regional nurseries and staff ensure the new plantings are well-looked after until they are established. The trees are watered every month during summer for the first two years and are also pruned regularly to ensure they become a long-standing part of the city’s impressive “treescape”.