The Exceptional Tree Register was established by Council in 2012 to celebrate and safeguard exceptional trees that exist on privately owned or managed land in the municipality.
Environment Portfolio chair Councillor Cathy Oke said the nominations for a second round would expand the Register, which currently lists 169 trees.
“Our urban forest includes trees located on privately owned or managed land, all of which contribute greatly to Melbourne’s landscape, liveability and heritage,” Cr Oke said.
“The register is our way of ensuring these trees, which are outside the City of Melbourne’s authority, are protected and given the longest life possible.
“Trees included on the register are assessed for having historical or horticultural value. They might be particularly striking, have curious growth forms or be very old, large, and rare or have social or spiritual significance. They could also be an important habitat for birds and animals.”
The first intake of exceptional trees included a Chinese Honey Locust on Bourke Street, believed to be the only specimen of its kind in Victoria and planted at the location of the first brick and stone building constructed in the Port Phillip district in the 1830s.
Another tree on the Register, a European Olive Tree, can be found in a carpark on Little Lonsdale Street. It was planted in 1875 and has survived drought, development, and was transplanted to its current location in 1988. It is also on the National Trust’s Register of significant trees of Victoria.
A 150-year old Moreton Bay Fig Tree at Melbourne Zoo, and three large London Plane trees in the courtyard of the Melbourne Club on Little Collins Street are also on the Register.
Nominations can be made online or by post by anyone who has observed an exceptional tree in the City of Melbourne. You are not required to be the landowner where the tree is located. Nominations can be made for individual trees of groups of exceptional trees.
“Trees, plants and green open spaces are essential infrastructure in our city, helping to cool the environment, reduce pollution, support biodiversity, boost the economy and improve health and wellbeing,” Cr Oke said.
“By nominating a tree, or by looking after an exceptional tree on your property, you will be actively recognising and ensuring the ongoing protection of some of our city’s most valuable assets.
“At a time when Melbourne is experiencing rapid population growth and increasing impacts of climate change, the green elements of our city are more important than ever.”
Adding a tree to the Register will protect it from being removed without a planning permit. The City of Melbourne will offer maintenance advice for owners of properties where exceptional trees are located.
