Is there a tree that’s special to you that you think deserves a shout-out and more adoring fans? Maybe it’s the tree that shades you while you read, or the one that's filled with beautiful birds and makes you smile, or is it the one your grandkids climb when they visit?
The City of Onkaparinga is celebrating National Tree Day (Sunday 30 July) by launching its new Tree of the Month initiative, which will showcase an iconic or beloved Onkaparinga tree each month as chosen by residents or staff.
Trees play such an important role, creating more liveable cities and providing environmental benefits by supporting local wildlife, cleaning the air and protecting us from the heat during our increasingly hot summers.
You can show your favourite tree some love by nominating it using the online form at council’s website. The tree can be located on private or public land, but it needs to be visible to passers-by.
Council staff will review the nominations and let you know whether your tree has been chosen as a Tree of the Month (or not), with successful nominators to receive a gift voucher from State Flora so you can buy native plants for your garden.
Each winning tree will be measured by council’s arborist so a tree tag can be created to demonstrate all the benefits the tree produces, and a story published on the website and social media.
Planet Ark’s National Tree Day is Australia’s largest community tree planting and nature care event, encouraging Australians to get their hands dirty and give back to their community. You can see what planting events are happening in Onkaparinga at the National Tree Day website.
You can learn more about Onkaparinga’s trees, the benefits they provide, planting at home, and more, at council’s website.