A VIP has returned to Surrey Hills – a very important palm tree that is.
The impressive 12m date palm that previously stood tall in the former Surrey Hills Station car park is once again standing proud, transplanted to the new Union Station northern car park.
Weighing in at a whopping 6 tonnes, the palm tree was replanted in its new home last week after a 16 month stay at a Dingley nursery while construction crews worked to remove the dangerous and congested level crossings at Union Road, Surrey Hills and Mont Albert Road, Mont Albert, and build the new Union Station.
The palm is believed to be more than 80 years old and formed part of the gardens at the original station master’s house, which was demolished in 1971 to make way for the third rail line and station car park.
The palm was retained as part of the new station precinct given its historical significance to the Surrey Hills area.
While other mature trees don't typically respond well to being transplanted, palms are highly adaptable and cope well with the relocation process, with the Level Crossing Removal Project successfully removing and reinstating 65 palm trees in the past six years.
“They are incredibly hardy and can be grown in sandy or clay soils. Coming into the heat of summer is an ideal time to plant because that is when the tree can generate more roots more quickly and the crown uses the sunlight to feed the roots,” Tree Transplanting Victoria owner David Caldecott said.
David said palms could live to more than 120 years of age and reach heights of up to 30 metres.
“They really are striking trees and certainly add presence to a landscape and skyline. They work particularly well planted near buildings, adding perspective and softening the lines,” he said.
The palm tree is in lush green surrounds, with the project team busy planting more than 65,000 trees, shrubs and plants throughout the station precinct and local area, and incorporating habitat logs into the landscaping to encourage native animals and birdlife.
