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Each year between May and September, advanced street trees are planted in various locations throughout Greater Shepparton. Council conducts an extensive horticultural maintenance program to ensure these trees mature into healthy and structurally sound trees.

Council’s aim under the Urban Forest Strategy is to increase green canopy cover to 40 per cent in the next 10 to 15 years in Shepparton, Mooroopna and Tatura. This season, trees will be planted in estates throughout Tatura, Mooroopna, Kialla and Shepparton including some along major and local roads such as Verney Road, Benalla Road and Skene Street.

Council’s Manager Parks, Sport and Recreation, Tim Zak, said trees provide significant economic, social, environmental, ecological and aesthetic benefits to our communities, and can assist in the creation of neighbourhood character and identity of our urban streets.

“A well treed streetscape is visually appealing and importantly reduces the impact of radiant heat. Having cooler shadier streets in summer encourages people to get out-and-about more often, which is good for your physical and mental health,” he said.

Mr Zak said Council undertakes extensive monitoring of new trees for the first two years with watering and maintenance by which stage they are usually well established.

“Council makes information available to residents on how to assist looking after the trees after this period, particularly in the summer. It’s great if residents can provide the trees with a bucket of water if needed.

“Tree planting is conducted during the cooler months of the year and the trees we choose are advanced street trees specially grown and selected to suit our local climate. Some are chosen specifically for planting under power lines so they do not cause maintenance issues when they are full grown.”

You can view the Urban Forest Strategy here: