By Charlene Gatt
MORE than 130 specially designed water bins are helping Maribyrnong’s trees survive as part of an environmentally-friendly council initiative.
Up to three or four drums are being placed around the drip lines of mature and heritage trees as part of Maribyrnong City Council’s drought response strategy for trees under stress.
Many of the trees in Footscray Park and Yarraville Gardens have been set up with the water bins, which release water in a slow drip. Trucks will top up the tanks twice a week, with each tree expected to use 300 litres of water a week.
The water comes from three 46,000-litre storm water tanks at the council’s work centre in Footscray, while treated water from the Werribee treatment plant will be used to top up the tanks when there’s insufficient rain.
Most of the trees were previously watered by irrigation until the introduction of stage 3A water restrictions meant the automated system was banned.
“This is one way that we can circumnavigate that and not lose valuable trees in the community,” the council’s tree co-ordinator Steve Kosak said.
“It’s been a big united project from council perspective, we’ve got quite a few departments on board so we can get the best outcome in the preservation of these trees.”
Another 70 bins will be installed in the near future.
The initiative comes after the council planted drought-tolerant summer grasses at Shorten, Kindersmith and Skinner reserves and Yarraville Oval.
The grasses are expected to reduce the council’s water requirements by up to 60 per cent a year once established.
