THE ACT Government will spend $270,000 planting more than 1000 new trees will be planted throughout Canberra over the next month.

Luke Bulkeley, acting manager, Urban Treescapes says: “Planting will take place along Canberra’s major arterial roads, residential streets and in parks and reserves across 64 suburbs.

“Trees will be planted on many of Canberra’s roads, including Flinders Way, Launceston Street and throughout Canberra’s central business district. In Dunlop, an initial 400 trees will be planted, with 200 to follow in spring.

“Approximately 20 different species of trees, both native and exotic, will be planted this winter including Ashes, Ornamental Pears, Liquidambars and Oaks. The trees have been chosen to complement the surrounding landscape and for their suitability with Canberra’s climate.

“The cooler, damp weather provides the perfect conditions to undertake these plantings, with work expected to be completed by the end of August.

“While the primary goal of this tree planting activity is to replace trees that have been removed due to disease, hazard or age in streets, the new trees will also re-establish planting themes in heritage listed parks and other areas of high recreational use.”

The ACT Government manages one of the largest urban forests in Australia, containing more than 730,000 trees. More than 800 trees were planted in autumn.