Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the Street Tree Upgrade Consultation for Valley Lake. The community engagement report is available here. Following the consultation, the below tree species for planting have been confirmed. Planting will take place in September 2024.
- Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green Ash)
- Location: Property side of the road.
- Reason: The Green Ash performs well within this area. Based on the results from the survey, the planting of Green Ash should appeal to most (85% or respondents) of the properties, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and providing seasonal shade, which can benefit the properties directly. Additionally, the Green Ash is not regarded as a weed species in this environment, making it a suitable choice for urban planting.
- Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box)
- Location: Steele Creek side.
- Reason: The Yellow Box will help support nature corridors, providing habitat and food for native wildlife. Planting this species along Steele Creek will help enhance biodiversity and maintain the natural landscape of the area. The proposed planting of Yellow Box along the creek side should ease concerns regarding seasonal leaf drop affecting the environmental system.
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 24 October 2023, Council resolved to endorse a five-year tree removal program for nature strip trees in Valley Lake assessed as being in “poor” or “very poor” condition. A total of six trees are scheduled to be removed on Granite Way and Peregrine Rise, Valley Lake, in June 2024.
To maintain a consistent neighbourhood character, the same replacement trees will be planted throughout Granite Way and Peregrine Rise. Council would like your help to choose a replacement tree species for the streets and have provided you with three suitable, climate resilient, high-performing urban street trees for your consideration. The options include one non-native deciduous (drops leaves) and two native trees for you to choose from.
Each household in Granite Way and Peregrine Rise, along with the broader community, are invited to let us know their preference on which replacement tree they would like planted.
The tree options are:
Eucalyptus polyanthemos (Red Box)
Type: Evergreen native, mature size: 10-15m x 5-6m
Indigenous to Victoria. Disease and pest resistant, with a high tolerance for poor, stony and shallow soils. Rough brown bark and highly ornamental silver foliage.
Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green Ash)
Type: Deciduous exotic, mature size: 10-15m x 6-8m
An upright oval-shaped shade tree with colourful autumn foliage. Adaptable and well suited to urban conditions.
Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box)
Type: Evergreen native, mature size: 12-16m x 8-10m
Indigenous to Victoria. Partially rough, variable bark with a broader canopy. Honey scented flowers valuable to pollinators.
