Council is committed to the beautification of Northam’s streets with particular emphasis on tree planting/ streetscape. Tree planting is generally completed during the winter months with a predetermined quantity planted each year. Trees are provided at no cost to the residents.

Depending on where they are situated, residents are entitled to:

• Standard lot – one tree.
• Corner lot – 1 tree on short side or 2 on the long side, 20 metres apart.

The standard alignment for a verge tree is:

• Central on a standard block
• 5 metres from any crossovers
• At least 1.5 metres from the road or footpath
• 10 metres from the road truncation
• 2.7 metres from the front property line or in line with existing plants

Residents requiring a tree for their verge are requested to complete a tree planting request form, (available from the Town of Northam’s administration building or from the works depot), and return it to the administration building. Residents may want to plant the tree themselves, in which case, a tree will be delivered and a location identified.

When a tree is planted, it will have been fertilized, mulched and staked. Thereafter, watering the tree is then the responsibility of the resident.

The Town of Northam recommends the following guidelines when caring for your tree.

• Provide the tree with one or two buckets of water per day during the warm weather for at least three summers
• Keep the basin 5 cm lower than the ground level but not lower than the base of the tree. Keep this area weed free
• Use a stake. Staking provides support and protection. After two years the tree should be capable of standing alone and the stake should be removed.
• Tie your tree to the stake. The tree tie should be checked regularly. The initial tying is tight for support and to encourage the growth of a straight trunk. After approximately four months the tree tie may be loosened to allow some flexibility.

All other maintenance required should be referred to the Towns Parks and Gardens Supervisor.

For further information contact the Works Depot on 9622 6126, or email operations@northamtown.wa.gov.au.