Heyfield branches out to Stage 2 of Town Tree Plan

Selected Heyfield residents will soon be given the option of choosing the tree they want planted next to their property, as stage two of the Heyfield Town Tree Plan takes root in the coming months.

Heyfield residents will be able to choose from 35 trees, including Evergreen Ash, Lemon Scented Gum and Yellow Gum, and a number of other species.

Wellington Shire Council’s Natural Environment and Parks team has taken the approach of splitting the Heyfield Town Tree Plan over three years, with over 750 trees expected to be planted across the timber town in that period.

Stage one, completed in August of this year, saw more than 270 trees planted in Heyfield and stage two planting will recommence in autumn 2021 and continue through winter.  

The team will plant 190 semi-established trees in the town during stage two, creating a healthier ecosystem, a cleaner environment, new habitats for native fauna, and a green canopy. Council will strive to ensure more than half of the trees planted are native species.

Some 160 residents will receive a nomination form in the mail in the coming weeks. They will be asked to nominate, from the list provided, which tree they would like to see on their nature strip, then post their nomination back in the Reply Paid envelope provided. Some residents on corner lots with two nature strips will be able to choose two trees. Nominations are to be received by Friday 2 October 2020.  

A recent inspection of Heyfield street trees by Council’s arborist found a diverse range of existing street trees, including some that needed replacement due to disease, structural issues or overall deterioration. “The right tree in the right place” is the maxim of the Natural Environment and Parks team as it rolls out the street tree program. The final stage of the Heyfield planting program will be completed in 2022

Officers have been delivering Town Tree Plans now for a number of years. Previous Plans have seen extensive tree planting completed in Briagolong, Cowwarr, Seaspray and Yarram.

For more information, visit wellington.vic.gov.au/heyfieldtreeplan