The City has planted a special tree at Shenton Park Playgroup after the one in their playground area was taken by Shot Hole Borer earlier this year.
The team planted it this morning with the help of the local playgroup children and their families.
The replacement tree is a broad leaf paper bark (
Melaleuca quinquenervia) which is a native that attracts local birds and bees.
Trees are important and provide many benefits including bettering air quality, filtering noise, providing shade and creating valuable habitats for local fauna.
The City looks forward to seeing the tree flourish and grow alongside the children who attend this important playgroup.
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Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer
Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB) is a wood-boring exotic beetle that excavates tunnels in stressed and healthy trees.
PSHB has been detected in some areas of the City, and DPIRD has been implementing prescribed treatments for affected trees. This can include pruning of the tree or its full removal.
In the event that a tree has to be removed, the City endeavours to replace it with a native tree species as soon as is reasonably practicable.
You can help monitor for PSHB as early detection and treatment are key to minimising further impact on neighbouring trees. Important trees to check are maple, willow, plane, coral tree and avocado.
Residents who suspect they have borer damage to trees should call the DPIRD’s Pest and Disease Information Service on 9368 3080 or email
padis@dpird.wa.gov.au. Further information can be found at
www.agric.wa.gov.au/borer.