Councils go out on a limb in search for trees that will survive future climate conditions

Perth councils are branching out in their efforts to find street trees that will survive and thrive.

More than 100 species of what the WA Local Government Association say are “underutilised” trees have been planted in the cities of Melville, South Perth and Belmont.

The species are considered more likely to thrive in future climate conditions.

They include coastal banksia (Banksia integrifolia), silver gimlet (Eucalyptus salubris), Strickland’s gum (E. stricklandii), Jingymia mallee (E. synandra) and lemon-flowered gum (E. woodwardia).

They have performed well in harsh environments such as the Goldfields and Wheatbelt but are not commonly used in street plantings.

They will be monitored for six years to evaluate survival, health and long-term performance.

The plantings were part of W