Ageing Horsham trees to be replaced

Published on 19 June 2018

Unsafe elms in Wilson Street, Horsham will be replaced as part of Horsham Rural City Council’s ongoing street tree renewal program.

Technical Services Director John Martin said stands of ageing trees along Wilson Street had been recommended for removal by independent arborists due to their hazardous, or near hazardous condition.

Similar replacement trees, Japanese elms, will be replanted in the coming months.

“Horsham, like many southern Australian locations, has a population of elm trees in its tree estate. They have been fantastic street and park trees, however in many cases they are ageing and it is time for their renewal,” Mr Martin said.

“These trees will experience strong canopy growth this spring and the added weight of foliage and inherent faults will exacerbate the current risk.

“Advanced trees will be planted to lessen the impact of the removal of these older trees,” he said.

In 2014 Council started a new street tree program to overcome an historical backlog of works to improve both the amenity of the city and public safety.

In the past two years, 180 street trees have been removed. To offset the losses, more than 990 new street trees have been planted.

“Trees are a feature of Horsham’s streets and our aim is to nurture and retain them as long as possible. An intense tree watering program occurs during summer months to support this aim,” Mr Martin said.

Mr Martin said nearby residents and community groups had been informed of the works.