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: Corymbia maculata (spotted gum)
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: QLD, NSW, VIC
Flowering time: Spring, winter
Flower colour: Creamy white
Purpose: Habitat, ornamental
Canopy cover (approximate shade provided): 20 metres
Approximate age: 60 – 70 years old
PDI (Planning, Development, and Infrastructure) 2016 Act classification: Significant
Estimated amenity value: $144,411

Somerton Park Kindergarten is the first preschool to nominate a tree for our Tree of the Month initiative since it began in 2021 – a special choice for our February tree.

The spotted gum is estimated to be up to 70 years old, making it roughly the same age as the kindergarten itself. Preschool director Emily Wilkins said the tree is deeply loved by the kindy’s children, parents and staff.

“Last year, we redesigned the logo for our kindergarten, which actually features our gum tree – the children are really invested in it.

“It brings lots of shade into our yard, and they notice things. We had a big storm that came through, and they noticed that rubbish was being caught in the tree. We’ve been talking about that and looking at our role in sustainability and why we put our rubbish in the bin and what we can do.

“We also get lots of beautiful birdlife in there. We’ve got resident magpies that visit us and rainbow lorikeets in the tree.”

As well, Emily said the tree sheds its bark once a year, creating rich opportunities for creative play. “The children will collect and gather that bark together and use it in their arts and craft. They’ll paint with it, use it for potion-making, all sorts.”

Each spring, yellow-white blossoms from the tree blanket the ground, attracting bees. A relief teacher, who's also a beekeeper, further educates the children about the vital role bees play in pollinating plants.

While families may occasionally have questions about gum trees near children, Emily said any risks are carefully managed through site-specific risk assessments, annual tree audits, regular pruning and maintenance, and fencing off half the yard during inclement weather.

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

- offset 31,317 kilometres worth of carbon dioxide emitted from average petrol-powered passenger vehicles
- absorb enough stormwater to fill 1666 bathtubs, and
- remove pollution from the air (in gaseous and particulate form) equivalent in weight to 134 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.