July 2016 Council Report (Cr16.115) Alternate Large Canopy Verge Trees
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
COMMUNITY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2018 ATTACHMENT TO ITEM CR18.143 JULY 2016 COUNCIL REPORT (CR16.115) ALTERNATE LARGE CANOPY VERGE TREES CR16.115 ALTERNATE LARGE CANOPY VERGE TREES SUMMARY: To consider criteria for the planting of alternate large canopy street trees that can be planted on the property verge. This list of trees would be in addition to the trees already included in the Town's Treescape Plan 2010-2020. BACKGROUND: On 24 May 2016, Council approved the following Notice of Motion put forward in relation to applications for alternative verge trees:- That (i) the Chief Executive Officer allow applications to be made to the Town for the planting of alternate verge trees (which are not listed in the Town’s Treescape Plan 2010-2020) and which meet criteria developed by the Town specifically which will promote large canopy species of trees being planted on property verges; (ii) a watering service be provided by the Town for such approved verge trees for a specified period in accordance with its current tree planting regime. Council, with the assistance of local community members through the Treescape Advisory Committee, adopted the Treescape Plan 2010-2020 and associated Implementation Program, in August 2010 (Item IC10.60). This is a rolling program which originally commenced in 2010/2011 and proposed works have been prioritised and listed for programming over a period of ten years. The proposed works in the next five year program is estimated at $1,811,000. Proposed works programmed beyond the next five years is estimated at $550,000. The total Program cost is estimated at $2,930,000. The purpose of the Treescape Plan 2010-2020 is to:- • Develop attractive treescapes for every street in the Town; • Increase the Town’s overall tree canopy area each year; • Improve the visual appeal of commercial centres; and • Foster community awareness of the importance of street trees and so create a sense of pride in the quality of our streets. The following sub programmes provide further details to action the Implementation Program's recommendations Priority Streets Improvement Program This program was endorsed by Council in September 2011 (Item CR11.115). It provides the detail to implement entire street improvements on 39 selected priority streets. Works include removing unhealthy trees, planting one tree per property and planting trees where no trees existed before. This is a 6 year program and Year 3 was completed in 2015. An estimated total of 890 trees (23% increase) are planned to be planted within this program at an estimated cost of $179,000. Precinct Streets Planting Program This program was endorsed by Council in September 2011 (Item CR11.115). It provides the detail to plant trees on a precinct by precinct basis across the Town. Approximately 22 Streets will be selected each year and added to the program. Works include removing unhealthy trees, planting one tree per property and planting trees where no trees existed before. This is a 12 year program and year 1 was completed in 2013. An estimated total of 3,200 trees are planned to be planted within this 12 year program at an estimated cost of $640,000. DETAILS: The current Treescape Plan includes a number of criteria that were applied when the original street tree list was developed. Some of the criteria that were utilised when selecting trees for various streets are as follows:- • Consistent verses inconsistent planting • Trees verses views • Adverse impact of street trees • Selecting the correct size tree for the width of the verge • Tree species availability • Compatibility with climatic zones The Treescape Plan stipulates what species of tree is to be planted in each street taking in account the above mentioned criteria. The total number of different species of trees that have been selected for planting on residential verges is twenty (20). If applying criteria to address possible approval of alternate large canopy street tree species in the Town which may not currently be approved in the current Treescape Plan 2010-2020 Street Tree Master List, the following issues would need to be considered upon application; • Be a species that complements the aesthetic appeal of an existing streetscape and is suitable in scale and growth, particularly if an established 'Avenue' of a single tree species is present. This would also enable a programmed approached to maintenance to be achieved and would enable maintenance costs to be kept to a minimum (i.e. combine Box Tree with Red Flowering Gum). • Be a species that is drought tolerant and suitable for growing on non-irrigated verges once the initial 2 to 3 year watering establishment period has ended. The ongoing watering of trees past this period will require increased resources. Approximately 50% of the Town verges are not irrigated. Trees such as Poinciana's require ongoing summer watering and hence are generally not suitable. • Be a species that are locally available (Perth metropolitan area) for purchase in required numbers from nurseries. • Be a species that has a proven track record of consistently performing well in areas of similar conditions to that of the Town and suitable for the soil and climactic conditions within the Town, especially in exposed coastal environments. • Be a species that sheds an acceptable level of foliage, sap or fruit with minimal stains to various surfaces. An example where excessive fruit drop is a problem is evident in various Ficus (Fig) and with nuts in Marri trees. • Have a root system that is not likely to cause damage to nearby infrastructure (paths, roads, drains, private property or fencing). Examples of trees with damaging root systems includes various Ficus species and Tipuanas. • Has canopy that will cast acceptable levels of shade without impacting adversely on other plants/grass and has minimal impact on desirable views/vistas. • Minimal risk of potential branch failure. Examples of trees with an increased risk of limb failure in include Lemon Scented and River Gums. • Be a species that presents a minimal risk of causing allergies, respiratory problems or accidental poisoning. Cape Lilacs have poisonous berries and attract leaf eating caterpillars and Norfolk Island Hibiscus shed numerous needle like hairs from their seeds pods which cause discomfort/irritation if they make contact with bare skin. • Be of a size and scale that is appropriate for the width of the verge. If the nominated new species cannot reasonably comply with any of the above criteria, it should not be considered for inclusion as a possible alternate new species for a given street. A list of nine (9) tree species is detailed in the report attachment which are considered suitable. The Town currently has a street tree watering program in which all trees are irrigated by water truck for the first two to three years. One of the criteria for selecting trees is that they comply with this requirement and hence do not require ongoing supplementary irrigation from a water truck or verge irrigation by the resident. POLICY/STATUTORY IMPLICATIONS: Street trees are managed in accordance with the Management of Street Trees Policy No. 5.1.3 and any changes as described in this report will be implemented and managed in accordance with this policy. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The increase in the variety of street trees will not in the short term have any adverse effect on the budget. However, in the medium to long term the maintenance costs would increase as the costs of pruning larger trees is greater than that for small to medium trees. In addition the financial risk associated with planting trees that have an increased potential for limb drop or root invasion would increase over time if inappropriate trees were selected. STRATEGIC DIRECTION: This report Recommendation embraces the following strategies of the Town’s Strategic Plan 2009-2020:- • Enhance and retain public open space, wherever possible; • Preserve the character of our suburbs; • Continuously adapt and improve our services; • Develop, renew, rationalise and consolidate capital and environmental assets to ensure their sustainability for future generations; and • Understand our environmental impacts and respond appropriately COMMUNITY CONSULTATION: This matter has been assessed under the Community Consultation Policy No 1.2.11. In accordance with the assessment criteria detailed in the matrix of the policy it was assessed as requiring a community consultation level of "Inform". The following describes the proposed consultation process to be undertaken. Prior to commencement of planting of any trees, affected residents will be advised in accordance with Section 2.5 "Community Awareness/Appreciation of Street Trees" of the Treescape Plan. Information will be provided by utilising the following methods:- • Letters/letter box drops; • The Town's website. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Current Street Trees Species Used On Property Verges In Treescape Plan 2010-2020 and Proposed Alternate Tree Species With Large Canopies For Possible Inclusion As Street Trees In Treescape Plan 2010-2020. ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: That:- (i) the Treescape Plan 2010-2020 be amended to include the proposed alternate nine (9) new tree species to be used on residential property verges as detailed in the report attachment. (ii) the criteria, as detailed in the report, be used to assess submissions for alternate large trees (iii) Policy No. 5.1.3 - Management of Street Trees be amended accordingly. Committee Meeting 18 July 2016 During discussion, Members agreed that one species of tree should be selected for the street and that the alternate new tree species to include all varieties of Corymbia Ficifolia and the Poinciana. The Indian Coral was a suggestion but not supported by Committee. Amendment Moved by Mayor Shannon, seconded by Cr Grinceri That a further clause be added to the motion as follows:- (iv) the variety of alternate tree may be chosen by a majority of property owners for the entire street or where the street length is greater than 300 metres, between major intersections.