It has been suggested that SPRA should enter a local tree in the 2024 SA Tree of the Year Contest.

The organisers of the competition, 20 Metre Trees (facebook), will open nominations soon.

Do you know of a local tree that should be entered? If so, please contact Evonne Moore info@stpeters.asn.au and tell her why this tree is important to you. A story and photo will help in the application process. SPRA can assist with this.

Evonne will select the best example and enter it as the SPRA entry on your behalf. You may also submit your own entry.

The 2023 Tree of the Year article from National Trust SA article for details of last year’s finalists, including this paragraph on river red gums under threat:

River red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) proved popular with the public in the 2023 South Australian Tree of the Year competition, with specimens of the species taking out the top four placings. However, that doesn’t mean they are safe from development.

• The overall winner of the competition is at risk from proposals to improve the South Eastern Freeway interchange at Mount Barker.
• A river red gum at Brighton, which came runner-up, was cut down even while votes were still being counted.
• Another tree at Clapham, voted into fourth place, is still standing after the Mitcham Council rejected an application to remove it in 2022, encouraged by strong community support.
• Fortunately, according to the nominee, the final majestic example at Melrose remains standing in the middle of a road, with councils over the decades wisely deciding to work around it.

NPSP Tree Incentive Program

The Council is offering property owners within the City an $80 voucher towards an established tree to plant on their land. This could be your starting point to growing a future tree of the year.

The vouchers can be used to purchase tree species that meet specific criteria from participating nurseries including Heyne's Garden Centre on The Parade. More details are available on the council's Tree Incentive Program web page.