Annual tree maintenance works start soon

Published on 24 July 2023

Tree maintenance works will start soon in Castlemaine, Guildford, Elphinstone and Taradale to improve public safety and the appearance of treed areas throughout Mount Alexander Shire.

The works will take place on street trees, and in and around several parks and reserves. This is part of Mount Alexander Shire Council’s annual tree management program.

Priority streets to be pruned include:

• Duke Street, Castlemaine,
• Johnstone Street, Castlemaine

Parks and Council properties identified for works include:

• Guildford Recreation Reserve
• Big Tree Park, Guildford
• Mineral Springs Reserve, Taradale
• Elphinstone Recreation Reserve
• Sawpit Gully Reserve, Elphinstone

The works will include the removal of poor growing and hazardous trees, the pruning of hazardous branches, and the maintenance of appropriate clearances from powerlines, roads, footpaths, street lights and signs.

The trees identified for maintenance are based on a cyclic assessment by Council’s Tree Management Officer to maintain tree amenity, health and safety.

All tree works will be carried out by qualified arborists in line with Australian Standards.

Every effort will be made to retain tree shape and character. Trees on private properties will not be pruned.

Tree maintenance works will start in August and are expected to be completed by the end of September to early October.

The works will have minimal disruption to the community, however there may be some changed traffic management plans in place while works are underway.

Annual tree works to maintain clearances from powerlines in Castlemaine is expected to take place between October and December. Pruning from powerlines in other areas of the shire is undertaken by Powercor.