Canberra is the capital of Australia and it experiences four distinct seasons. The weather in this region can be quite extreme for tree removal Canberra experts, with hot summers and cold winters. However, it is also a very dry city, with only around 650mm of rain falling each year. This means that the city experiences very little humidity, even during the summer months. This has a major effect on the flora and fauna of the area.
The average maximum temperature in Canberra during summer is around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), while the average minimum temperature during winter is around 2 degrees Celsius (36 degrees Fahrenheit). However, it is not uncommon for the temperature to reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) or below zero during either season.
If you plan to plant trees in your property based in Canberra, avoid the following tree types.
Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.)
The bottlebrush is a common sight in many Australian gardens, but this hardy plant is not well suited to the colder climate of Canberra. Bottlebrushes prefer a temperate or subtropical climate, and will not thrive in the Capital Region’s cooler temperatures.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.)
Eucalyptus trees are often associated with the Australian bush, but they are quite unsuitable for planting in urban areas like Canberra. Eucalyptus trees are very tall and tend to drop large branches, which can pose a danger to people and property.
Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
The Jacaranda is a beautiful tree that is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. However, the jacaranda is not well suited to the Canberra climate and will struggle to survive the cold winters. Jacarandas also have a very shallow root system, which can damage pavements and pathways.
Lemon-scented gum (Eucalyptus citriodora)
The lemon-scented gum is another species of eucalyptus that is unsuitable for planting in urban areas. Like other eucalyptus trees, lemon-scented gums are very tall and can drop large branches, posing a danger to people and property.
Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
The Norfolk Island pine is a popular ornamental tree, but it is not suitable for planting in Canberra. The Norfolk Island pine is native to a subtropical climate and will not survive the cold winters in the Capital Region. Norfolk Island pines also have shallow root systems and can damage pavements and pathways.
Olive (Olea europaea)
The olive is a popular tree for planting in Mediterranean-style gardens, but it is not suitable for the Canberra climate. Olives prefer a warm, dry climate and will not survive the cold winters in the Capital Region. Olives also have a very shallow root system, which can damage pavements and pathways.
Paperbark (Melaleuca spp.)
Paperbarks are a common sight in many Australian gardens, but they are not well suited to the Canberra climate. Paperbarks prefer a tropical or subtropical climate and will not survive the cold winters in the Capital Region. Paperbarks also have a very shallow root system, which can damage pavements and pathways.
Willow (Salix spp.)
Willows are a popular choice for planting in wet areas, but they are not suitable for the Canberra climate. Willows prefer a cool, damp climate and will not survive the cold winters in the Capital Region. Willows also have a very shallow root system, which can damage pavements and pathways.
Wattle (Acacia spp.)
Wattle trees are a common sight in many Australian gardens, but they are not well suited to the Canberra climate. Wattles prefer a temperate or subtropical climate and will not survive the cold winters in the Capital Region. Wattles also have a very shallow root system, which can damage pavements and pathways.
Weeping fig (Ficus Benjamina)
The weeping fig is a popular ornamental tree, but it is not suitable for planting in Canberra. The weeping fig is native to a subtropical climate and will not survive the cold winters in the Capital Region. Weeping figs also have a very shallow root system, which can damage pavements and pathways.
These are just some of the many plants that are not well suited to the Canberra climate. If you are thinking about planting a tree or shrub in your garden, it is important to choose a species that will be able to survive the cold winters. Talk to a professional gardener or landscaper for advice on which plants are best suited to the Capital Region.
