AUSTEP is a constant work in progress as we look to provide the industry with tree evaluations, items of interest and tree happenings. Regularly, we will publish more news and data, this to meet our objective of giving you a continual reference point for tree information.

First committee meeting and new evaluations for 2009

The AUSTEP committee had their first meeting for the year on March 18 and have mapped out a busy year of new evaluations. It is hoped that these evaluations will expand the reach of AUSTEP to include many new councils, some newer residential housing developments and even some interstate visits. The AUSTEP committee welcome your input and if you have an area that you think we should visit we would love to hear from you, via the contact section on this website.

Following the meeting the committee undertook some evaluations at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery www.necropolis.net.au These stunning gardens were a delight to visit and have some wonderful trees that are well worth making the effort to see, at any time of the year. Our thanks to Dominic Borg, Horticultural Services Manager, for his time in assisting us find the trees to evaluate.

Many of the trees in the gardens are showing signs of stress due to recent extremely hot weather. One of the trees that was a stand out as it has not been affected by the high temperatures was Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Urbdell'- Urbanite™. This cultivar has now been evaluated in a number of sites with similar reports of good performance in all locations. If you would like to try this tree in your area please contact us.

All the best for 2009.

The AUSTEP Committee