Street trees in Collegium Avenue, Wheelers Hill

Our focus is on preserving trees that are healthy and creating additional planting in local parks and reserves to boost greenery.

We will only be removing and replacing those trees that are dead, dying (with a useful life expectancy of less than two years) or dangerous (they pose a risk to the community in the short term).

Street Tree Assessments

Our arborists have completed individual tree assessments based on the above criteria and in Collegium Avenue, we are proposing to remove two trees and will be planting a total of nine trees which includes an additional seven trees in vacant locations.

Replacement Tree Species

Council's arborist has proposed three appropriate tree species to be considered for planting. In some cases, we will need to select two complementary species to be planted on either side of the road to accommodate constraints such as power lines, service pits and other infrastructure that exists within the street.

A proposed street tree renewal plan including all proposed tree removals, replacements and species choices has been drafted for Collegium Avenue, Wheelers Hill:

Collegium Avenue - Proposed Tree Renewal Plan(PDF, 146KB)

Survey Results

Council sought feedback (reply paid mail survey and online below) on the preferred option of tree species directly affected residents would like to see planted in their street, until Friday 30 March 2018.

Your street has selected Option 2- Lagerstroemia indica x L. fauriei 'Natchez' - Natchez Crepe Myrtle. 

In Collegium Avenue a total of 20 votes were received. 12 votes were registered for Option 2 and four, one and three votes were received for Options 1, 3 and 4 respectively.

The Lagerstroemia indica x L. fauriei 'Natchez' - Natchez Crepe Myrtle is a deciduous tree that has spectacular white crinkle flowers borne in clusters in summer. It has a beautiful growth habit with dark green leaves changing to orange before falling.

This tree will be planted on both sides of the street.

The works to remove four trees and to plant six  trees will commence upon completion of the current construction works that are taking place in the street.

Council will be responsible for the care of the new street trees for the first two years as they become established.

The trees will then become part of Council’s proactive annual maintenance program, where they will be checked and pruned if necessary as part of an annual program. 

Thank you for providing your feedback to renew your streetscape and Monash’s highly valued tree canopy.

For more information, please contact Lucas Skelton, Manager Horticulture, on 9518 3555.

Option 1 - Single species (both sides of the road)

Power line side / Non-power line side 

Melaleuca linariifolia - Snow in Summer

This is a hardy tree about 8 metres in height. The white flowers occur in prominent, fluffy clusters which cover the plant in late spring and summer to almost exclude the foliage from view. It is this flowering habit that has given rise to one of the plant's common names, "Snow in Summer". The leaves are linear in shape and about 25 mm long. .

Mature Size (h x w): 6-10 x 3-8m
Form: Round 

Option 2 - Single species (both sides of the road)

Power line side / Non-power line side 

Lagerstroemia indica x L. fauriei 'Natchez' - Natchez Crepe Myrtle

This small deciduous tree that has spectacular white crinkle like flowers borne in clusters in late summer. It has a beautiful growth habit with dark green leaves changing to orange before falling. In winter, the mottled trunk and bark stand out as an interesting and striking feature.

Mature Size (h x w): 6 x 4m
Form: V-Shaped 

Option 3 - Combination of species 

Power line side

Koelreuteria paniculata - Golden Rain Tree

This is an elegant, slow-growing small tree. The foliage turns bronze to gold in autumn. In summer the tree has chains of bright yellow flowers followed by papery lantern type seed pods hanging from the tree in large clusters.

Mature Size (h x w): 6 x 4m
Form: Round 

Non-power line side 

Melia azedarach 'Elite' - White Cedar

This tree is fast growing and has showy lilac coloured flowers in summer. It has attractive green bipinnate leaves and yellow bead like fruits which last long after the leaves have fallen.

Mature Size (h x w): 10 x 8m
Form: Broad domed 

Option 4 - Combination of species 

Power line side 

Tristaniopsis laurina -  Kanooka Gum

This native tree has a dense foliage canopy with glossy green leaves that are oblong shaped. Yellow flowers are borne in summer and are abundant with nectar attracting birds. Smooth creamy trunk streaked with grey.

Mature Size (h x w): 8 x 4-6m
Form: Oval 

Non-power line side 

Lophostemon confertus  - Queensland Brush Box

This dome headed tree has a dense, glossy green canopy, salmon coloured bark that peels in summer. It flowers in summer forming small white clusters that contain fluffy looking stamens..

Mature Size (h x w): 15 x 10m
Form: Oval