Street tree planting partnership
In a win-win for residents and electricity customers, the City of Whyalla is undertaking a street tree planting trial in partnership with SA Power Networks.
The project involves planting new tree species that are suitable to plant under powerlines to ensure the right tree is planted in the right location.
SA Power Networks is required to prune trees around powerlines to maintain legislated clearances to ensure community safety.
A lot of this pruning involves legacy trees – large trees planted inappropriately under power lines over time.
This has resulted in escalating costs of pruning which is passed on to electricity consumers.
The City of Whyalla proposes to plant the selected species Corymbia eximia 'Nana' andEucalyptus kruseana at two locations - Gowrie Ave median strips and Ekblom Street.
Mayor Clare McLaughlin said that Council was pleased to work with SA Power Networks to trial species suitable for planting under power lines.
“We believe this is a positive step towards the creation of beautiful, shady streetscapes in Whyalla.
“Better outcomes will be achieved for the community over time as the trees that are to be planted will function in harmony with powerlines, rather than in conflict with them” Mayor McLaughlin said.
An Advisory Committee has been established to develop a long-term strategy for appropriate species selection.
Membership includes representatives from Green Adelaide, Treenet, the Local Government Association, the Office of the Technical Regulator, SA Water, the Botanic Gardens, Adelaide University, the nursery industry and SA Power Networks.
Kelvin Trimper from SA Power Network’s Arborist Reference Group and Green Adelaide Board, as well as the recently appointed Chair of the new Advisory Committee said “it is important for Councils, utilities and the nursery industry to be working together to ensure species planted under powerlines deliver good visual and environmental amenity whilst reducing the need for ongoing pruning.
“If we get it right now we can help keep a lid on the long term costs of pruning for future generations, while continuing to green our town environments.”
What trees have been selected?
Corymbia eximia 'Nana'
- Commonly known as Yellow Bloodwood
- A dwarf version of Corymbia eximia, the foliage is broad with a strong green colour and may turn a paler yellow/green in the colder months.
- The trunk adopts a gnarly, crooked appearance with mottled brown bark which put on an eye-catching display in spring, covering itself in creamy yellow flowers, attracting nectar loving birds.
Eucalyptus kruseana
- Commonly known as Bookleaf Mallee
- A very attractive, small to medium spreading mallee.
- The leaf arrangement, leaf colour and flowers are all eye-catching features.
- Has smooth bark; rounded, silver/blue leaves crowded along branches, with showy yellow flowers in autumn-winter.