By Denise Deason
WYNDHAM Council is asking residents to spare a thought – and a bucket of water – for their street trees.
Residents who have a tree planted in their nature strip can water it twice a week with a nine-litre bucket of water.
Under stage 3a restrictions, residents can use potable water on street trees on their permitted watering days.
Trees planted last year and this year will be watered through the council’s tree maintenance program using class A recycled water from the Western Treatment Plant, but established trees need to be watered by residents.
Wyndham Mayor Kim McAliney said despite recent rains, Australia had just recorded its hottest January and some street trees in the municipality were feeling the heat.
“If trees don’t receive adequate water, they can become stressed and go into damage control mode, which can result in losing leaves and, in some cases, dropping limbs,” she said.
Trees planted on nature strips are valuable community assets because they visually enhance streets.
“The trees provide important habitats for birds and other wildlife,” Cr McAliney said.
“They also provide cleaner air by absorbing harmful toxins.
“Other benefits include giving homes improved privacy and providing shade.”
For a limited time, the council is giving away nine litre buckets to help residents water their trees.
The buckets can be picked up at the council’s reception, Princes Hwy, and there’s a limit of one per household.
Residents are encouraged to be water-conscious by considering the following methods:
· Put a bucket under a tap to capture water that is normally lost while waiting for it to heat up or while taking a shower.
· Use water diverted from the washing machine or bath.
· Remove weeds and ground covers from around the base of trees to eliminate species that can draw water away.
