Choosing Specimen Trees for Melbourne Properties

The Impact of a Great Tree

A well-chosen specimen tree does more than any other single plant to define a garden’s character. It provides shade, creates vertical drama, offers seasonal interest, and develops a presence that grows over decades.

We see this impact firsthand in nearly every planting and gardens project we complete. A strategic tree selection transforms a flat backyard into a landscape with depth and history. From what we have observed, the right tree can increase perceived property value by up to 20% when it matures into a structural asset.

This guide helps you select the right specimen tree for your Melbourne property.

What Makes a Specimen Tree?

Definition

A specimen tree is planted as a focal point, a tree chosen for its outstanding qualities and given space to display them:

• Planted where it can develop its natural form
• Selected for specific visual or functional impact
• Given prominence in the design
• Often placed in lawns or feature beds

Qualities to Consider

• Form: Shape and structure (spreading, upright, weeping)
• Size: Ultimate height and spread
• Features: Flowers, bark, autumn colour, fruit
• Evergreen or deciduous: Year-round screening vs winter sun
• Growth rate: How quickly will it establish?

Australian Native Specimen Trees

Eucalyptus for Gardens

Not all gums suit gardens, but some make excellent specimens. We find that specific smaller cultivars offer the iconic “bush” look without the danger of massive limb drops.

Eucalyptus caesia ‘Silver Princess’

• Height: 6-8m
• Feature: Weeping silver foliage and large pink-red flowers.
• Why we love it: This tree is perfect for adding softness to angular modern architecture.
• Pro Tip: Stake this tree well for the first 18 months as the weeping habit can make it top-heavy in high winds.

Eucalyptus ‘Little Spotty’

• Height: 6-8m
• Feature: Attractive mottled bark.
• Value: Compact size makes it manageable for suburban blocks.
• Best Use: excellent for medium-sized gardens where you want filtered light rather than deep shade.

Corymbia ficifolia (Red Flowering Gum)

• Height: 6-10m
• Feature: Spectacular red flowers.
• Selection Advice: Always buy a grafted variety like ‘Wildfire’ to guarantee the flower colour.
• Significance: An iconic Australian tree that attracts native birds.

Other Native Options

Acacia pycnantha (Golden Wattle)

• Height: 4-8m
• Feature: Brilliant yellow winter flowers.
• Growth: Fast growing.
• Symbolism: National floral emblem.

Brachychiton acerifolius (Illawarra Flame Tree)

• Height: 10-15m
• Feature: Red flowers (deciduous when flowering).
• Display: Impressive summer display.
• Condition: Needs a warm position protected from frost while young.

Small Native Trees

Banksia serrata (Old Man Banksia)

• Height: 3-6m
• Feature: Sculptural form, distinctive flowers.
• Ecology: Bird attracting.
• Character: Develops a gnarled, ancient look that adds instant history to a new garden.

Exotic Specimen Trees

Deciduous Options

Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)

• Height: 3-6m
• Feature: Autumn colour, delicate form.
• Variety: ‘Seiryu’ is a specific cultivar we recommend for Melbourne as it handles the heat better than others.
• Requirement: Needs afternoon shade in hot areas.

Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’

• Height: 5m
• Feature: Stunning heart-shaped purple foliage that contrasts against green gardens.
• Visuals: Pink flowers appear on bare wood in early spring before leaves emerge.
• Warning: The branches are brittle, so plant it in a position protected from strong north winds.

Lagerstroemia indica (Crepe Myrtle)

• Height: 4-8m
• Feature: Summer flowers, autumn colour, decorative bark.
• Cultivars: ‘Natchez’ (White) and ‘Tuscarora’ (Coral) are standout performers in our climate.
• Suitability: Excellent for Melbourne climate due to heat tolerance.

Pyrus ‘Chanticleer’ (Ornamental Pear)

• Height: 8-12m
• Feature: White spring flowers, autumn colour.
• Form: Upright form suits smaller spaces.
• Reliability: Very reliable performer.

Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum)

• Height: 15-25m
• Feature: Outstanding autumn colour.
• Space: Needs space for ultimate size.
• Caution: Surface roots can lift concrete, so keep it away from paving and driveways.

Evergreen Options

Olea europaea (Olive)

• Height: 6-10m
• Feature: Silver foliage, gnarled character with age.
• Style: Mediterranean character.
• Resilience: Very drought tolerant once established.

The Magnolia Dilemma: Little Gem vs Teddy Bear

We frequently help clients choose between these two popular Magnolias. This comparison table highlights why the choice matters for your specific space.

Selection Criteria

Space Available

Be realistic about ultimate size:

Handling Slopes and Clay Soil

Many homes in Melbourne’s north-east (like Eltham or Doncaster) sit on heavy clay or sloping blocks. We find that standard advice often fails here.

For Sloping Terrain:

• Banksia integrifolia (Coast Banksia): Excellent for binding soil on banks.
• Acacia melanoxylon (Blackwood): Strong root systems help stabilize steep gradients.

For Clay Soil:

• Preparation is Key: You must dig in gypsum and organic compost to break up the clay before planting.
• Plant High: Mound the soil slightly so the tree’s root crown sits above the natural ground level to prevent waterlogging.

Distance from Structures

General guidelines:

• Half mature canopy spread from buildings
• Further from swimming pools
• Consider root zones for services
• Foundation impact assessment for large trees

Purpose

Shade Consider canopy spread and density:

• Deciduous for summer shade, winter sun
• Evergreen for year-round shade
• Open canopy for dappled light

Screening For privacy:

• Evergreen species
• Dense canopy
• Positioned for sightline blocking

Focal Point For visual impact:

• Outstanding feature (flowers, bark, form)
• Positioned for maximum appreciation
• Framed by surrounding planting

Council Regulations and Overlays

You must check your local planning scheme before removing or planting trees. Areas like Nillumbik, Boroondara, and Yarra Ranges often have Significant Landscape Overlays (SLO).

• The Rule: A permit is often required to remove any tree taller than 5m or with a trunk circumference greater than 0.5m.
• The Risk: Fines for illegal removal can be substantial.
• The Action: Call your local council or speak to a landscape architect to verify the overlays on your title.

Sourcing Quality Trees

Size at Purchase and 2025 Pricing

Advanced Trees (45L - 75L pots)

• Cost: Approx. $150 - $350 AUD.
• Benefit: Immediate impact with a height of 1.5m to 2m.
• Recommendation: This is the “sweet spot” for value and establishment success.
• Care: Establishment is critical.

Super Advanced (100L - 400L bags)

• Cost: $600 - $1,500+ AUD.
• Benefit: Instant maturity and screening.
• Risk: Higher transplant shock risk and requires professional installation.

Tubestock/Small Pots

• Cost: $5 - $20 AUD.
• Benefit: Very economical.
• Growth: Establish quickly and often catch up to advanced trees within 3-5 years.
• Trade-off: Long wait for visual impact.

Where to Buy

• Specialist tree nurseries
• Selected wholesale nurseries
• Avoid impulse purchases from hardware stores
• Request advice on suitability

Planting and Establishment

Critical Success Factors

• Adequate hole size (3x root ball width)
• Appropriate backfill
• Deep watering system for establishment
• Staking if required (remove after establishment)
• Mulching without burying trunk

Establishment Period

• First year: Regular deep watering is essential, especially from December to March.
• Second year: Reduced but consistent watering.
• Third year onwards: Rainfall may suffice.
• Ongoing: Monitor during drought.

Your Perfect Tree

The right specimen tree will give you decades of pleasure and become a defining feature of your garden. Take time to choose wisely.

Contact us to discuss specimen tree selection for your Melbourne property.