Two very old Silver-leaf Stringybarks (Eucalyptus cephalocarpa) in a residential garden in Blackburn were in poor health and had thinning canopies. They were checked by arborists who confirmed that they were declining and would not recover so Council approved their removal in April 2021.

It is always sad to see old trees removed as they become land marks in our neighbourhoods. This case was especially tricky because this species is indigenous to the municipality and very difficult to purchase at a nursery so over time, their loss will impact the way Whitehorse looks and feels.  

The owner of the trees has since planted several other gum trees to ensure the leafy-green character of her garden is maintained but that is not the end of the story. When the day came for the old trees to be cut down, care was taken to salvage seed from these rare trees to ensure their genetics was not lost.  The precious seeds have been nurtured in the Council nursery for the last couple of years and have now been planted in several local parks.  

If you would like to plant an indigenous tree (or shrub) in your garden you can visit Greenlink or Bungalook Nurseries. Who knows, you might even be able to get a Silver-leaf Stringybark of your own!    

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