Councilor Column: Cr Kate Milton

Hello Hinchinbrook, let’s talk trees!

From time to time, Council receives a lot of feedback on social media when trees are removed or heavily pruned.

We understand why this can be upsetting especially when a large, shady tree is taken away in our hot climate, where shade is so important for sitting, walking, or even parking the car.

There are a variety of reasons why this is done.

Tree root systems can damage underground sewerage infrastructure, and as much as I love the majesty of a big old rain tree, they do have a bad habit of dropping limbs, despite Council engaging contractors to deadwood them annually, especially as they age.

Many of the trees in our Shire were planted many years ago, and sometimes they become sick or start to die, which also calls for removal. Poinciana trees are a good example of this; Council removed a large tree in Rotary Park late last year. Not only was it dropping large limbs, but the hollow trunk was home to a large beehive.

The Poinciana (Delonix regia) typically has a relatively short lifespan of 30 to 50 years. These fast‑growing, tropical trees are known for their rapid growth — often reaching 30–40 feet in height —but are prone to wood rot, termites, and branch failure as they age.

When we remove trees, we try to plant replacement trees. We also plant trees in new areas across the Shire. The trees we plant today are more fit for purpose than those planted in the past, and where possible we try to choose flowering trees that help brighten up the town. Most of our tree stock is grown at our nursery to help save on costs.

Sadly, not everyone understands the effort and care our staff put into growing these trees, and they’re often vandalised or stolen.

We proudly celebrate National Tree Planting Day and, with the help of our biosecurity team and enthusiastic local volunteers, have planted thousands of native trees over the years.

Over 50 trees have been planted throughout the district’s parks, foreshores, and main street in the last six months alone.

The varieties planted include:

• Golden Panda
• Ivory Curl
• Red Hibiscus
• Racomantra ‘Summer Scent’
• Weeping Rosewood
• Cassia ‘Rainbow Showers’
• Pink Tabebuia
• Terminalia
• Calophyllum
• Bottlebrush

Keep an eye out — see if you can spot the varieties!

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