NEW trees in a Will-iamstown reserve should help ensure the longevity of the Williamstown Botanic Gardens, Hobsons Bay City Council says.
The 50 trees at Parker Reserve will form part of a pinetum, or collection of conifer trees that protect the botanic gardens from harsh coastal winds.
Williamstown Ward councillor Angela Altair said the new trees would replace trees that had been removed due to safety concerns as outlined in the Heritage Management Plan prepared by the Landscape Advisory Group.
“Some of the trees in Parker Reserve are about 150 years old.
“The council recognises that, due to safety issues, we can’t keep the same trees forever, and many of the trees in Parker Reserve have reached their expiry date,” said Cr Altair.
“Replacing the trees over 25 years will result in a more sustainable, multi-aged population of trees that will be managed easily in the future.”