Reports that about 70 trees between Sunshine and Ardeer railway stations have died will be investigated by Brimbank council.
The council said 900 trees have recently been planted on Forrest Street, along the train line, and on the opposite side at Ridgeway Parade as part of Regional Rail Link works.
But Ardeer resident Justin told Star Weekly he had counted about 70 trees that had died since being planted out.
“They were planted about three months ago,” he said. “I’ve never seen anybody watering them. They’ve gone brown.
“We are crying out for trees in the area.
“They have dug holes half a foot deep – you need at least a foot.”
A Public Transport Victoria spokesman said it had received numerous complaints from residents about the state of the trees.
“Brimbank council has installed and maintained the landscaping along Forrest Street as part of the overall Regional Rail Link project, and is investigating why some of the trees have not thrived,” the spokesman said. “Subject to the results of these investigations, which will include soil testing, the unhealthy trees are to due be replaced by the end of November.”
Council’s infrastructure and environment director Neil Whiteside was aware some trees along the new Sunshine Trail have struggled.
“This can happen at times when trees are transferred from an ideal growing environment within a nursery to being planted in an environment where they are exposed to high winds and compaction,” he said.
“None have died at this stage.
“The trees are being maintained by a contractor as per contract requirements, and are being watered regularly.
“Some of these trees are starting to come back … any trees that show no signs of growth at the end of this month will be replaced by the contractor at no cost to council.”
