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 spathulata (swamp mallet)
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: WA
Flowering time: Spring
Flower colour: Yellow
Purpose: Ornamental, habitat, wind protection, timber
Canopy cover (approximate shade provided): 10-15 metres
Approximate age: 50-70 years old
Estimated amenity value: $92,435

Every day, Nadine rides past this swamp mallet on her way to and from work - and she loves to the way the sun changes the colour of the bark depending on the time of day.

That's why she nominated it to be our July Tree of the Month and helped to adorn the tree with a large Tree of the Month medallion.

This tree, which is on Maple Avenue at North Brighton, is one of only 33 swamp mallets across Holdfast Bay, which makes it even more special.

It's also the first of its type to be featured as a Tree of the Month, which started in 2021 as a social media campaign to bring awareness and recognition to our trees on public land.

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

• offset 11,202 kilometres worth of CO2 emitted from the average petrol-powered passenger vehicles
• absorb enough stormwater to fill 1604 bathtubs
• remove an amount of pollution from the air – in gaseous and particulate form – equivalent in weight to 136 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.