The right tree for the right place

Successful urban tree planting depends on the consideration of many factors. The selection of an appropriate tree species is the first step in a process that can lead to a successful landscape.

In general, a tree must be suitable for your geographic region, tolerant to the moisture and drainage conditions of your soil, be resistant to pests in your area, and have the right form and size for the site. The right tree for the right place.

Some specific considerations for tree selection are:

  • Aesthetic considerations that allow the tree/s to enhance the visual amenity of a landscape without negative impact to surrounding features.
  • Biological requirements that relate to a trees ability to tolerate urban conditions. The species selected should have high tolerance levels that will allow establishment while producing desired benefits. Available root space to sustain the potential tree size and the ability for the tree to withstand drought conditions should be a primary consideration.
  • Functional and spatial issues include the ability of a tree to be pruned so as to provide required clearances and consideration that a tree root system may have the potential to impact adjacent infrastructure.

Inherent characteristics

There is no perfect tree suited to every site and condition; each tree has its own strengths and weaknesses in a particular environment and situation. Particular qualities may make certain trees more desirable for landscape plantings and may include the following tree characteristics:

  • predictable size and form
  • long-lived
  • strong crown structure (branch and stem attachments)
  • resistant to attack by pests and disease
  • rapid growth
  • non-allergenic
  • ease of transplanting and establishment
  • tolerant of a wide range of environment conditions
  • minimal litter (leaf and fruit)
  • non-invasive.

Site assessment

The specific planting site must first be evaluated to determine the biological tolerances required of the tree/s for the particular site. If trees are matched appropriately to the site conditions they will help create the desired design outcome, function and aesthetics for the landscape.

Factors that need to be assessed at the planting site may include, the size of the property, determining how much of the property you want a tree canopy to cover, the mature size of a tree, underground elements such as pipes, wall and housing foundations as well as any other services that may be present.

Other considerations may include overshadowing, privacy, potential damage to hard surfaces by tree roots or material that is dropped by the tree.

Remember that a tree canopy is not restricted by property boundaries and neighbours are entitled by law to prune back branches to the common boundary. This may result in a tree with an unsightly appearance.

Trees suitable for Boroondara

The tables below contain a variety of trees that may be suitable for planting within Boroondara. These are trees known for their urban tolerances including tolerance of extended dry periods. The list is an example of some tree species used by Council.

Native trees

Botanical name H x W (m) Characteristics
Allocasuarina littoralis
(Black She-oak)		 6–8 x 4–5

Upright tree with ascending branches. Fine foliage, branchlets pendulous. Dark, fissured bark.
Angophora costata
(Smooth-barked Apple)		 18–20 x 15–20

Broad-domed large tree with dense canopy. Smooth rusty-red bark. White flowers in summer.
Brachychiton populneus
(Kurrajong)		 5–12 x 8–10

Pyramidal to domed medium tree. Leaves variable, glossy. Flowers in summer, green with purple blotches.
Melia azedarach
(White Cedar)		 8–10 x 5–8

Wide, broad domed canopy. Flowers purplish mauve in spring. Lush green foliage turning rich yellow in autumn.
Corymbia eximia
(Yellow Bloodwood)		 8–12 x 6–10

Narrow-domed medium tree. Flaky brown rough bark. Thick curved leaves. Profuse white flowers.
Corymbia maculata
(Spotted Gum)		 18–20 x 12–15

Narrow to broad domed large tree. Dense crown of glossy leaves. Smooth mottled grey trunk.
Eucalyptus cosmophylla
(Cup Gum)		 5–10 x 3–10

Rounded small to medium tree with dense canopy. Large cream flowers. Smooth cream bark.
Eucalyptus leucoxylon 'Rosea'
(Yellow Gum)		 8–15 x 6–12

Rounded tree with dense canopy. Whitish cream bark. Cream to red flowers. Also consider E. l. ‘Euky Dwarf’ smaller variety.

Exotic trees

Botanical name H x W (m)
 Characteristics
Acer campestre 'Evelyn'
(Queen Elizabeth Maple)
 6–8 x 3–6 Narrow-domed tree with ascending branches. Small dark green leaves with rounded lobes, colouring yellow in autumn. Bark grey-black, lightly ridged and furrowed.
Acer truncatum x A. platanoides 'Keithsform'
(Norwegian Sunset)
 8–12 x 5–7 Domed tree with glossy, dark green lobed leaves, turning yellow to scarlet in autumn.
Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Cimmaron'
(Cimmaron Ash)
 15–20 x 8–10 Narrow-domed tree with dense, lustrous foliage, turns burgundy to red in autumn. Seedless variety. Attractive dark grey bark.
Gleditsia triacanthos var.inermis 'Elegantissima'
(Compact Honey Locust)
 4–5 x 2–3 Narrow-domed small tree. Dense, bright green elegant foliage.
Lagerstroemia indica x L. fauriei  'Sioux'
(Sioux Crepe Myrtle)
 4–7 x 4–6 Upright, narrow shaped small tree. Oval leaves, good autumn colour.  Ornamental bark. Panicles of pink flowers. Long flowering period.
Lagerstroemia indica x L. fauriei 'Natchez'
(Natchez Crepe Myrtle)
 4–7 x 4–6 Broad, vase-shaped small tree. Oval leaves, good autumn colour. Ornamental bark. Panicles of white flowers.

Lagerstroemia indica x L. fauriei 'Tuscarora'
(Tuscarora Crepe Myrtle)

 4–7 x 4–6 Broad, vase-shaped small tree. Oval leaves, good autumn colour. Ornamental bark. Panicles of coral-red flowers.
Olea europea 'Tolleys Upright'
(Upright Olive)
 6–7 x 2–3 Narrow, upright, small tree. Leaves dark green & glossy above, silvery beneath. Dark grey fissured bark.
Pistacia chinensis
(Chinese Pistachio)
 8–10 x 8–10 Broad-domed medium tree. Attractive pinnate foliage, red-orange in autumn. Dark grey bark.

Some information within this fact sheet has been obtained from published sources. For further reading, refer to the Trees – Further Reading Fact Sheet.

The downloadable version of this fact sheet contains further information about weeds and tree species found in Boroondara.