Tree of the Month

Each month, we showcase an iconic or loved tree in Holdfast Bay. The tree of the month aims to increase the awareness of the value of trees in the City of Holdfast Bay, highlighting the important role trees play in our city such as shade, cooling, clean air, fauna habitat, wellbeing and connection to nature.

Species: Eucalyptus camaldulensis (river red gum)
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: SA, WA, Vic, NSW, Qld, NT, and ACT
Flowering time: Summer
Flower colour: White
Purpose: Habitat and shade
Canopy cover (approximate shade provided): 20 - 30 metres
Approximate age: Between 50 and 75 years old
Estimated amenity value: $333,647.54

Seeing this river red gum in Seacliff on the way home from busy days at work and school feels like a homecoming for one local family.

The tree, standing at the corner of Silver Avenue and Young Street beside the train line, is truly majestic. Its beauty inspired mum Carrie to nominate it as our Tree of the Month for December and help adorn it with its medallion, which will stay on the tree all month.

Carrie says: “We drive past it every day, and it just signifies coming home. It’s grand, beautifully shaped, and catches the afternoon light.”

Her children, Evelyn, 11, and Ethan, 9, and their Maltese Shih Tzu, Ziggy, are also fans.

Four years ago, the health of the wise old gum and other nearby trees was improved when Norfolk Island hibiscus trees surrounding them were replaced with smaller native species.

With care and maintenance, after 20 years, this tree could potentially:

- offset 264 kilometres worth of carbon dioxide emitted from average petrol-powered passenger vehicles
- absorb enough stormwater to fill 4,116 bathtubs, and
- remove pollution from the air (in gaseous and particulate form) equivalent in weight to 348 smartphones.

Is there a tree that you love or that you think deserves recognition in the City of Holdfast Bay? Take the time to nominate it by completing the form below.