In June, the City of Unley recognised the hard work of residents protecting street trees at an Adopt a Tree Mayoral Awards ceremony.
Located directly south of the Adelaide CBD, Unley covers 14 square kilometres and has a population of around 38,000 people.
Launched last October, the Adopt a Tree program encourages residents and businesses to protect Unley’s 23,000 street trees from the effects of drought.
Under the program, which is thought to be the most extensive Local Government sponsored program of its type in Australia, 148 individuals and organisations have adopted 287 trees.
This is almost three times the program’s initial six month target, with adopters including households, schools, kindergartens, businesses and other associations.
“Unley’s trees represent a community asset valued at around $150 million, or around $6,500 per tree,” said Unley Mayor Richard Thorne.
“We are very lucky to have these trees and they play a critical environmental, social and economic role within the urban environment.”
Through the Adopt a Tree program, residents and businesses are urged to monitor and report any changes to their adopted tree’s condition, including dropping leaves or other signs of stress.
They are also asked to remove weeds around trunks of juvenile trees, provide juvenile trees with a weekly watering, and improve the water supply to the roots of mature trees by mulching and irrigating front garden areas closest to the footpath.
A tag identifies trees that have been adopted and adoption papers are provided to their carers.
Initial tree inspections are carried out by Council’s arboriculture team, which also provides advice as to the ongoing care of the trees.
Council provides buckets, fact sheets, ongoing support and advice throughout the program.
The Adopt a Tree Mayoral Awards recognised outstanding commitment to tree health and sustainable landscapes.
Awards were given to the three streets in the City of Unley with the highest proportion of street trees adopted since the program was launched.
Two households also received awards for their individual efforts.
For further information contact Council’s Maintenance Coordinator Ben Parkinson on
(08) 8372 5171.
