by Paul Plant
Street Trees are undoubtedly one of the most significant elements that create a sense of place for a city, town or a development. Their dimension, shape, characteristics and aesthetics make their presence imprinted not just on the urban footprint, but also on the memories of local people and tourists. If you go to Cairns, does it feel like any other place in the world, or is does it feel UNIQUE with its own sense of place. Buildings can look similar in a range of climates and countries but it is the landscaping with street trees that can provide the X-FACTOR that hopefully cannot be experienced anywhere else. Using a combination of native endemic species along with non-natives will ensure that uniqueness is achieved.
Cities across the world have adopted Street Tree Planting Schemes either developing avenues of similar species along all streets in the one suburb or region of the city, or by developing featured street plantings for special urban renewal precincts. A trip to your local city will see buildings being constructed and alongside will be ground preparation for street trees – at least ideally you will see the builders setting aside space for the future trees.
Given that trees are essential for aesthetics, our mental health and the sequestration of Carbon to miminise global warming, it is dissappointing to see many councils remove trees as they are ‘in the way’ or ‘a safety issue due to falling leaves and flowers’. Is this the short-minded leadership we deserve where we have politians that care more for their ‘seat’ than for the social environment??
In my local regions of Brisbane and Ipswich (South East Queensland) both cities have done a fine job with street tree plantings. History has shown that LEADERS of the Brisbane city encouraged and facilitated the plantings that now provide stunning green avenues through many of the best and high-valued realestate suburbs of the city – it is unfortunate that the passion has been somewhat lacking in recent decades. Perhaps it has been happening but the trees have not grown large enough to be appreciated? Early plantings in Ipswich are also worth noting as valuable to the essence of this historical city.
Small towns are not without their champions. And here I would love to hear other replies of what you think your council is doing well (or not) regarding street trees. Do you agree with their selection of species? Do you think they have done enough? Have they been knocking down the street trees to make why for development? Can you identify some great street trees so others can visit them (and perhaps give them a hug)?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Street tree planting seems to have been overlooked by many councils to focus rather on ‘short term’ items that consumers can see are ‘being worked on’ such as roads, tunnels, etc.
Reality is that the amenity landscape must be part of the project IF NOT the MOST IMPORTANT element.
Australia should learn from our international neighbours – Singapore for example has a requirement for all development to include a certain percentage as ‘green development’. No, that not green paint…its actually living plants.
When will Australian government and councils, from federal or local councils recognise the fact that they are destroying our country by not integrating buildings into the landscape, but rather attempt their pitiful landscape post contruction mentality. Grow up Australia.
Although your street article is old I feel I need to add to it. As a judge for Keep Australia Beautiful one of our judging criteria for Tidy Towns is looking at ‘Powerline Friendly Plantings’. Street trees need to be Energex powerline friendly approved with the following features:-
* grow less than 4 metres tall
* have a comparatively long lifespan
* have low susceptibility to pests and diseases
* don’t tend to shed branches and fronds
* are suitable for SEQ growing conditions
* are readily available at local nurseries
Energex and Ergon Energy have information on how to plant safely near powerlines if you go to their websites.
Regards, Lorraine See