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                    Tree protection

                    Trees grow in a delicate balance with their environment, and any changes to that balance must be minimised if the tree is to remain in a healthy state and fulfil its useful life potential.

                    The City of Melbourne’s Exceptional Tree Register offers the opportunity to recognise, celebrate and protect the exceptional trees that exist on private land in our city.

                    The National Trust also holds a significant tree register which includes several public and private trees throughout the City of Melbourne. Search the significant tree register.

                    The City of Melbourne does not have authority over trees on private property except when they are listed on the Exceptional Tree Register and afforded protection through the planning scheme. For tree works or advice on private properties, it is recommended that the owner seek advice from a qualified arborist.

                    Information for developers, builders, service providers and contractors can be found in the tree protection fact sheets below.

                    Significant trees

                    Melbourne has some of the most significant mature elm trees in the world after Dutch elm disease all but wiped out elm populations in the northern hemisphere.

                    We also have trees listed on the National Trust Significant Tree Register including the:

                    • avenue plantings of English Elm on Royal Parade
                    • avenue of London Plane in Carlton Gardens
                    • English Elm avenue in Fitzroy Gardens
                    • sole Golden Elm at the intersection of Punt Road and Alexandra Avenue.

                    Lone Pine

                    The Gallipoli Pine or Lone Pine was planted at the Shrine Reserve in 1933. The tree was grown from seed collected by Sgt Keith McDowell in 1915 on Gallipoli Peninsula – and brought it back to Australia.

                    ​Melbourne Legacy’s Commemoration Committee (MLCC) is responsible for collecting, propagating, presenting and dedicating Lone Pines from the 24th Battalion tree at the Shrine of Remembrance.

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