Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Friday, 18 January, 2019. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Trees need extra help during the heatwave

Posted on Friday 18th of January, 2019,

Greater Shepparton City Council is asking residents to keep an eye on the trees in their nature strips as some could be showing signs of heat stress during the current heatwave.

The heatwave conditions are dangerous for people and pets but the extreme heat also affects the health of our street trees, those in parks and gardens and in the natural environment.

Manager Parks, Sport and Recreation Tim Zak said regular council watering programs are continuing but if residents are able to provide a bucket of water to the tree on their nature strip it would assist the tree to survive through the heatwave.

“Tree planting is carried out from May to September so most new trees are well established before summer but several days of extreme heat 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 aren’t affected too much by the heat,” said Mr Zak.

“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 throwing shade and reducing temperatures by five and 20 degrees. They also provide shade and shelter for pedestrians and cyclists.”

“Council has approximately 37,000 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 our urban canopy cover to 40 per cent which also provides benefits to people – more shade, public amenity and green spaces,” he said.

“So while you are watering your garden it would be great if residents could also provide some water to their street tree.”

For more information on Greater Shepparton City Council’s Urban Forest Strategy. click here.

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