Councils go out on a limb in search for trees that will survive future climate conditions
Perth councils are expanding their efforts to find street trees that will survive and thrive.
More than 100 species of the WA Local Government Association’s “underutilised” trees have been planted in the cities of Melville, South Perth and Belmont.
The species is thought to be more likely to thrive in future climate conditions.
These include coastal banksia (Banksia integrifolia), silver gimlet (Eucalyptus salubris), Strickland’s gum (E. stricklandii), Jingymia mallee (E. synandra), and lemon flower gum (E. woodwardia).
They have performed well in harsh environments such as Goldfields and the Wheatbelt but are not widely used in street plantings.
They will be monitored for six years to assess survival, health and long-term performance.
The plantings were part of WALGA’s climate-ready street tree trial project, which received funding support from the WA Planning Commission.
WALGA president Karen Chappell said the group was a leading advocate for measures to increase urban canopy.
“The climate-ready street tree trial project will help build knowledge and support both local governments and other land managers in creating resilient urban forests,” he said.
“But the majority of tree loss is occurring on private land in Western Australia, and if this trend is not addressed our urban canopy will continue to decline.”
