By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
A CAROLINE Springs resident is disappointed after he claims at least 15 trees have died along Caroline Springs Boulevard in the past 12 months.
Bob Jones, who has lived in the area since 1999, told Star the trees which line the entrance into the estate have not been watered all summer, with the exception of the newly planted trees.
Mr Jones said a number of calls to Melton City Council in the last month have left him with no answers and while he understand it is the responsibility of the contractor to water the trees, he believes the council has also been neglectful of the flora in the area.
“We’re paying our rates and I’m sick of their inaction,” Mr Jones said.
“It really has made me very angry. A tree needs water and there is now way known these trees are getting enough water. The council needs to hire a new contractor – this has gone on for too long.”
Melton City Council’s operations manager Greg Wood said a number of new street trees were planted late last year along Caroline Springs Boulevard.
Mr Wood said the new trees are watered about three to four times a week by the contractor.
“The extreme heat we have experienced over this summer has had a significant impact on our tree stock across the city with a number of newly planted trees dying over the course of the summer months,” he said.
“All of the newly planted trees that have died will be replaced at no cost to council under the terms of the engagement.”
Mr Wood said the council officers have monitored the planting program throughout the process and have been happy with the performance of the contractor to date.
“With the assistance of the contractor we are confident the new trees will establish well and be an asset to our community.”
