Greening Whittlesea
Welcome to the Greening Whittlesea Hub. This hub is an online community space where you can learn about the benefits of trees, how to plant new trees and celebrate your favourite local trees.
This hub will be an ongoing resource for community to gain information, share ideas and have continued safe conversations about making Whittlesea green.
We encourage you to register to the Engage Whittlesea platform and + Follow this hub.
We want you to share your ideas of how we can make this hub a fantastic resource for all.
Scroll down to share your ideas now.
Favourite Tree Competition 2026
Congratulations to Sarvesh from South Morang whose sun-kissed photograph of a River Red Gum at the Mill Park Lakes Recreation Reserve (photo to right) was named the winning entry of the 2026 Favourite Tree Competition.
It’s no surprise that several entries featured River Red Gums. These iconic trees are deeply connected to the character of the City of Whittlesea and are admired for their natural beauty, resilience and presence in our local landscape.
The Favourite Tree Competition isn’t just about the great photos, it’s about celebrating the important role trees play in our lives. Trees contribute to our wellbeing by providing shade, cooling our streets and creating greener, more inviting spaces. They also provide essential habitat for wildlife, supporting our local ecosystem and are an integral part of the City of Whittlesea’s identity.
This year’s competition attracted many wonderful entries, with a selection shared on this page. Thank you to everyone who took part and shared their stories.
2026 City of Whittlesea Favourite Tree Competition winner
National Tree Day planting events
Help plant 25,000 trees and wildflowers at bunjil nganga Parkland Quarry Hills and be part of creating a vibrant parkland, supporting native wildlife, and boosting our local tree canopy.
When: Saturday 11 July and Sunday 26 July, 10am-1pm
Location: 30 Harvest Home Road, Wollert
Everyone is welcome. Enjoy coffee, a sausage sizzle, and face painting, while planting trees that improve air quality, provide shade, and creating better habitat for native animals.
We’re working to increase City of Whittlesea tree canopy by 20 per cent by 2040 and have set a goal of planting 20,000 trees and wildflowers this winter.
For more information on these events as well as other upcoming events, visit the Living Green events page
Fun Facts
Did you know?
Tips and Tricks
1. Do some research
Research the best tree for your garden. Pay attention to cultivar names as they can differ in size a lot. Look for trees growing in your neighbourhood that you admire as it is easier to get a feel for a tree in real life than in a picture.
2. Check the strength
At the nursery, check that the main stem is strong and stays upright without a stake. Give it a gentle shake and check that the top of the roots don’t wobble about.
3. Know how big it will get
At home, imagine your tiny plant at its full size. Keep it clear of any overhead wires and the neighbours boundary.
4. Dig the hole
Dig the hole for your new tree only as deep as the root ball (i.e. the height of the pot) but 2 or 3 times as wide as the pot. This will encourage the roots to grow out and stabilise the tree.
5. Removing from pot
When you remove the plant from its pot avoid disturbing the root ball, tickling the roots can break them.
6. Placing in ground
Pop the root ball in the hole and check it is level with the surrounding soil, then bring the soil back around the root ball and press firmly.
7. Make it strong
Remove any stakes or ties, time for your new tree to strengthen up. If you have a bouncy dog you can make a guard from hardwood stakes and chicken wire to protect the young tree.
8. Water deeply
Water after planting and then once a week for the first couple of months depending on rain. Encourage those roots to find their own water.
9. Mulch
Add a doughnut of mulch to improve the soil and retain water in the growing area. Keep the trunk itself clear of mulch so the bark is safe from rotting.
10. Pruning
If your tree needs pruning, get some professional advice. There is science behind getting pruning right and you will want the best for your tree.
What would you like to see on this online hub?
Share your ideas. Some examples include "favourite tree photo competition", "pledge to plant" or space to share tree tips. (max 140 characters).
10 May, 2026
Dr Sarvesh Soni says:
Create an “Adopt‑a‑Tree” feature where residents care for a local tree, track its growth, share updates, and learn how to look after it.
27 March, 2026
Amaria says:
A gallery space/visitor's centre providing information, with an exhibition of photos and art by locals celebrating our area's ecology.
21 December, 2025
Joan Tolliday says:
Details/map of where people could go to see our area's magnificent gum trees - maybe with a photo attached - and an estimation of its age.
21 August, 2025
Wattle says:
A Treeline Sculpture Trail, an initiative aimed to display quality sculptures by professional artists and make them accessible to all.
20 August, 2025
Hollie says:
Breeding boxes, placed on trees suitable for native birds and marsupials. An introduction to many future volunteer community projects.
7 August, 2025
Vicki says:
A place to share pictures and information on our local trees and their heritage/history
6 August, 2025
Sammy says:
Street or community garden organisation
6 August, 2025
Kaye says:
Community Planting days on weekends
5 August, 2025
Buddhapriya says:
It would be interesting to have a workshop on tree grafting. Many of us enjoy gardening and prefer learning proper grafting techniques.
5 August, 2025
Beth says:
Information, history, appreciation of our beautiful red-gums and native trees, in languages relevant to newer residents.
Brochures too.
