Somerton tree loved by owners and local magpies

Tony of Somerton Park loves his front yard tree – a stunning Manchurian pear tree that boasts a 9m wide canopy.

It’s also our Tree of the Month for April and only our second on private land to be featured.

“We get a lot of pleasure out of this tree, watching it, looking at it and thinking how beautiful it is,” Tony said.

He even doesn’t mind it drops a tonne of leaves come autumn.

“It’s just beautiful to watch it change every three or four months but you cannot believe how many leaves are on that tree,” he said with a laugh.

“It’s beautiful but it keeps us honest as well.”

In spring the tree is covered in white flowers and has provided a few local magpies a home away from the gum trees across from Tony’s house.

There was a brief moment when Tony considered removing the tree as it was lifting up pavers in his driveway, but he’s glad he didn’t do it as it has so many other benefits – including helping to keep the front of his home cooler in summer.

“You probably save a little bit on power bills and there’s nothing quite like sitting under a shady tree, having a quiet beer,” he said.

“You get a lot of calmness and serenity from having a nice tree in your front yard, or your backyard, so protect your trees.

“Conversely, if you’re thinking about chopping a tree down, don’t do it – unless there’s a safety issue involved, you can always limit the damage.”

If you have a favourite tree in Holdfast Bay, be it in a park or in someone’s front yard, consider nominating it to be our next Tree of the Month.

Click on the link below and read more about the benefits of this tree to the environment and see our past Trees of the Month.