Rouse St trees

The long suffering wind buffeted trees in Rouse St have received some long awaited tlc. The compacted granitic sand has been broken up and replaced with some nutrient containing soil. The trees have been underplanted with lomandras in beds like those on the other side of Rouse St. The soil mix will allow better water penetration. Six dead trees will be replaced. This brings Rouse St [east] up to a comparable standard to Rouse St [west].

Its all happening in Rouse St

The struggling trees in Rouse St have been freshly encircled with mulch. Since I follow the health of these trees with avid interest, I stopped to take a photo - only to see that Kosdown is for sale! The property is advertised with the most magnificent real estate board you've ever seen. I believe Kosdown will be going to Salmon St. The trees have also been treated recently for a destructive leaf eating insect. Lets hope they start picking up now.

Not happy!

The gutter outside the Exchange Hotel on Rouse St. With warmer weather, thoughts turn to the beach and bay. Yet only a block away from our beach, people are still failing to make that connection. The City of Port Phillip Footpath Trading Guidelines clearly state that 'Litter generated by footpath trading must not be swept into the gutter. It must be picked up and deposited within the permit holders own bins kept within the premises.' [1.8.4 p10.85] Besides, how can we make Rouse St attractive as a living environment when it is undermined in this way?

Renewal of Rouse St

Landscaping in Rouse St West is underway.

Rouse Street upgrade

These line markings indicate that work in Rouse St is imminent. This is the first of two stages of works in Rouse St between Bay and Princes St. The first stage will introduce a treed median similar to those already in Rouse St, Graham and Liardet Streets. The project will bring more 'green' into this part of Rouse St where development has been most intense - as well as slow traffic, and improve conditions for walking and cycling. The second stage is proposed to be funded in the draft budget and will add further landscaping and other improvements. The project is funded jointly by developer contributions and council. To view an artist's impression of the project, please click here.

Rouse St trees

Today the black shade cloth protection was removed from the trees in Rouse St and broken ties renewed. The trees are now assessed as being sufficiently robust to stand on their own.

Rouse St - west of Bay St

The Council is putting forward a streetscape plan for this section of Rouse St. The plan introduces more 'green' and trees into the street, and makes it better for walking and cycling. It includes a central median with trees, a cycle lane, and improved parking layout.

If you ever walk, cycle or drive down Rouse St, please fill in the survey [which includes the streetscape plan] here.

Rouse St trees

The trees on Rouse St have been re-staked, and their wind protection re-instated.
It's a tough gig for trees on Rouse St - windy, shady, and attractive to vandals.
Some doubt the trees will succeed, but I am optimistic. The trees are Eucalyptus scoparia and you can see a photograph of the potential of these trees here.
If you search Port Focus by Rouse St you will see how far the trees have come. I have found this blog is a good way of tracking projects.

Improving Rouse St bit by bit

I am glad that these large kerb extensions on the corner of Johnstone & Rouse St have been planted up. Grass hasn't done well. The plantings will add some needed green to Rouse St.
Over the wild and windy weekend, trees in the Rouse St median were knocked over. This has been reported and I hope they will be re-staked soon.

Looking after the trees in Rouse Street

The trees in the Rouse Street median have received some tlc with new stakes, a good water and replacement shade cloth.

I know I am not alone in keeping a close eye on their welfare as they tough it out in that windy location.

Rouse St trees will be replaced

The median will be re-planted in April when the weather is cooler by Citywide, Council’s tree maintenance contractor.
(The current trees were planted by the contractor who put in the median)
Citywide will maintain these trees with recycled water for a minimum of 12 months. At that time the condition of the trees will be reviewed to determine whether more watering is required.
It is a great disappointment that the trees were not well enough looked after in the first instance.

Rouse St disappointment

Many of the trees that held such promise have died. Residents have asked me how this could happen.

Maintenance of the trees is still the responsibiliy of the contractor who will be required to replace them at their cost.

The questions remain: why was insuficient care given to the trees during the maintenance period and why was there such poor monitoring of the contract?

I have sought a response to these questions as well as a solution that will support the trees to maturity.