Vaughan

In recent years, Greater Shepparton City Council has put a real emphasis on the importance of urban trees with its Urban Forest Strategy. In its latest push, the council has encouraged residents to keep an eye on the trees in their nature strips during summer’s sweltering weather.
While regular council watering programs are ongoing, even just a bucket of water poured onto nature strip trees will help them to survive long, hot days. Greater Shepparton Acting Manager of Parks, Sport and Recreation, Peta Bailey, said, “Tree planting is carried out from May to September so most new trees are well established before summer however consecutive days of high temperature can affect trees of any age. We plant species that are suitable for the environment and location with a mix of native and exotic species.
“Street trees are vital for providing shade and improving the aesthetics of our residential and urban areas so it is important to make sure they survive the hotter and dry months. The tree canopy plays a vital role in cooling the environment especially in urban areas with asphalt roads and concrete footpaths where they reduce the urban heat island effect. They can help cool a house by providing shade and reducing temperatures. They also provide shade and shelter for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Council has approximately 41,250 street and park trees in urban areas including Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura, Dookie, Murchison, Kialla and Toolamba. Under our Urban Forest Strategy, we aim to increase the tree canopy cover to 40 per cent resulting in many benefits to the community including more shade, public amenity, green spaces and overall a healthier environment for all of us to live in. So while you are watering your garden it would be great if residents could also provide some water to their street tree.”
Click here for more information on Greater Shepparton City Council’s Urban Forest Strategy. And great work, Shepparton, for continuing to put the focus on the importance of urban trees!