Street trees in Mackellar 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 Mackellar Avenue, we are proposing to remove seven trees and will be planting a total of 12 trees which includes an additional five 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 Mackellar Avenue:

Mackellar Avenue - Proposed Tree Renewal Plan(PDF, 1MB)

We will be seeking feedback on the preferred species from all directly affected residents via an online survey or postal vote. The species of tree which receives the majority of preferences will be planted in 2019, after the removal of trees identified in the plan.

Survey Results

Council sought feedback (reply paid mail survey and online survey), on the preferred option of tree species directly affected residents would like to see planted in their street, until Friday 14 September 2018.

Your street has selected Option 2: “Fraxinus pennsylvanica ‘Urbanite’ - Urbanite Green Ash and Acer X freemanii 'Autumn Blaze' - Autumn Blaze Maple.

In Mackellar Avenue a total of 15 votes were received, eight votes for Option 2, one vote for Option 1 and six votes for Option 3.

Council will be responsible for the care of the new street trees for the first two years as they become established. However our residents can play a vital role in their successful establishment by keeping an eye on them and reporting to Council if they see the tree is not looking well or has been damaged.

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

Buckinghamia celsissima - Ivory Curl Tree

This  tree has attractive foliage - the juvenile leaves are often lobed while the new growth is an attractive bronze colour. Flowers are white to cream and occur in summer, attracting birds and insects..

Mature Size (h x w): 8-15 x 8-12m
Form: Round

Option 2 - Combination of species

Non-power line side

Acer X freemanii ‘Autumn Blaze’ - Autumn Blaze Maple

A medium, deciduous tree with oval to rounded canopy and straight trunk. Features deeply cut green leaves that turn to brilliant crimson-red in autumn. Works well as a feature tree for street landscapes..

Mature Size (h x w): 13 x 10m
Form: Oval/Round

Power line side

Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Urbanite' - Urbanite Green Ash

This is fast growing tree with outstanding lustrous green foliage that maintains a healthy appearance in summer, which turns a beautiful bronze colour before falling. It adapts well to most soils and conditions..

Mature Size (h x w): 11 x 8m
Form: Pyramidal

Option 3 - Single species (both sides of the road)

Power line side / Non-power line side

Brachychiton populneus x acerifolius 'Jerilderie Red'- Jerilderie Red Hybrid Brachychiton

The form and colour of this magnificent tree makes it suitable for many urban situations streetscapes, it is a hardy, drought tolerant tree. During the summer months the tree is densely packed with stunning powdery-red flowers that are shaped like small bells.

Mature Size (h x w): 8 x 7m
Form: Broad-domed