Let's bust some myths about eucalypts in urban areas

‘Myth’ – a widely held but false belief or idea.

Myth 1 – “Eucalypts are too big for urban areas”

This myth probably originated some years ago when there was increased interest in planting eucalypts in parks, reserves and back yards but little attention was paid to species selection. Yes, of course, SOME eucalypts are too big for back yards and some public spaces. So are some pines and some oaks and some ….

Nearly one half of all 800-odd eucalypt species however are mallees or shrubs that grow no more than 10 metres – some only 2 or 3 metres.

(Image of mallee eucalypts in a garden)

And, it matters where you plant them. You wouldn’t or shouldn’t plant a Mountain Grey Gum within 20 metres of your house. Equally, you wouldn’t or shouldn’t build your house within 20 metres of a mature Mountain Grey Gum. That just does not make any sense at all.

There are plenty of open spaces in most urban areas where the majesty of a mature Mountain Grey Gum can be safely appreciated.

Myth 2 – “Eucalypts are prone to dropping their branches”

A few are, most are not. A large, fast-growing tree of any species will sometimes shed a branch, especially if the branch is heavily laden or disproportionally long.

Climatic conditions – heavy rain, humidity, drought, high winds – can cause ANY tree to shed its branches. Disease can be a reason for a tree to drop a limb. A healthy tree is far less likely to shed its branches.

Eucalypts that are known for dropping branches unexpectedly include; Sugar Gums, some Red Gums, Manna Gums and Yellow Box.

Other species that have a reputation for shedding their limbs include; oak, Liquidamber, pear, pine and ash.

Most trees in Australia are eucalypts, so most sudden limb drop in Australia is going to be from a eucalypt. The term ‘widow-maker’ was derived in the days of early settlers clearing their land – land covered in eucalypts and not much else. Records from other countries suggest that ‘widow-making’ took place during early settlement as well – but the trees were not eucalypts.

Myth 3 – “Eucalypts with borers, termites or mistletoe should be removed”

Many century-old eucalypts can be host to all three and the tree will continue to survive for another century or two. Borers, termites and mistletoe should be viewed as part of the biodiversity of the tree. Termites for example, eat the dead heartwood of the tree and have little impact on the living sapwood and cambium layers. In this way, they create hollows within the tree which are vital for much of our native wildlife.

(Image of large, stand-alone eucalypt biodiversity hotspot)

Mistletoe presents little problem to any healthy tree, eucalypt or otherwise. Mistletoe may impact a tree which is already under additional stress from other causes; dieback, drought, root zone disturbance, etc.

Myth 4 – “Eucalypt roots are invasive”

Not really. They are opportunistic like the roots of ANY tree and will seek sources of air, water and nutrient, just like any plant does for its survival. Eucalypts generally have shallow root systems. Even some of the tallest, biggest gums may have the bulk of their roots not much more than 50cm below the surface. Finer roots might go deeper in the search of water.

Before worrying about eucalypt roots invading your garden, keep an eye out for; Camphor Laural, fig species, willows, Illawarra Flame Tree, casuarinas, Jacaranda and Plane Trees. All are much more of a worry for root invasion than any eucalypts.

Eucalypts encapsulate so much about Australia. They serve so many functions and there is a eucalypt for every home garden, street or park situation. Eucalypts are our urban evergreen canopy.

(Here’s a link to a series of videos on how to select, grow and maintain suitableeucalypts in the home garden by Eucalypt Australia and Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria)