Burke's Tree has played and will continue to play a significant role in the heritage of Hurstbridge.
Although Council arborists conducted several inspections and undertook work to improve the tree's health over the past few years, unfortunately the tree has died.
To preserve as much of the tree as possible whilst keeping the community safe from weathered and decaying branches, reduction pruning works were completed under the Victorian Government heritage permit.
"We wanted to make sure Burke's Tree is still standing to preserve its history and its significance to our community," Deputy Mayor Councillor Joiner said.
"I truly appreciate the combined effort we have taken to keep the stories of Burke's Tree alive and still be able to maintain safety for our community. I believe we have found the best possible solution for this tree and will continue to strive towards honouring its heritage and place in our community," she continued.
Council secured a heritage permit from the Victorian Government to complete the works which included pruning the tree's small outer limbs, reducing the risk of falling branches while ensuring the tree remains in place for the community to experience.
Learn more about the works on Burke's Tree
Why was the tree pruned?
Unfortunately, the tree had died and its weathering, decaying branches were at risk of falling on the road and onto road users.
What was the cause of the tree's death?
Council arborists have undertaken many works and inspections over the years to take care of the ailing tree and whilst it initially responded well, growing new foliage, arborists noticed its leaves turning brown during latter routine inspections. Further investigation revealed a bore hole in the trunk, indicating an act of vandalism and cause of the tree's final decline.
Are the removals legal and approved?
A heritage permit was granted by the Victorian Government, 43/2025/10P and covers the removal of the peripheral canopy to reduce the risk to our community. The intent of the pruning is to reduce the risk level whilst retaining as much of the canopy as possible.
Has the community been engaged regarding the removal and works around the trees?
Deputy Mayor Councillor Joiner along with Council officers facilitated a meeting with key community members to discuss the future of Burke's Tree. Together they determined an outcome that best served the need to preserve the history of Burke's Tree whilst also keeping the community's safety in mind.
Is Council planting other trees in the area?
We have been able to propagate some seedlings that were in the area of Burke's Tree and are now growing them at Edendale Community Environment Farm. Though we aren't 100 per cent sure these seedlings are from Burke's Tree they were located directly beneath and are likely to be the same species – Eucalyptus meliodora.
Eucalyptus generally don't like to be moved and we are not sure how they will respond but we are hopeful as we have nine growing well.
Along with the propagations which are still a few years away and hoping to plant them back into the area, we are planting new indigenous plants which will be added to the Burke's Tree site, along with canopy trees and a new garden bed.
Is Council doing anything to retain the memory and stories behind these trees?
We are planting around the tree to create a more inviting space for the community to come and reflect on the trees story.
