The argument for not having street trees because of Power lines can end here. We have got some recommendations on Australian native trees growing no more than 6mts in height to keep the utility companies and there shears away from them. No more heavily pruned, donut shaped trees please.

Angophora hispida or Dwarf Apple usually growing to 6mts and rarely exceeds 7mts. You can see in the photos the buds on the tree are red and open up to large sprays of white flowers in Summer are a magnate for birds, bees and beetles. Also great as cut flowers to bring inside.

Hispida means bristly with new growth of stems and foliage being covered in a reddish hair.

Can be grown as a single or multi stemmed plant, the gnarled branches and rough loose bark with the mallee habit give off a tonne of Australian character. I have written about my love of this plant before here

This brings us to Eucalyptus ficifolia ‘Summer Red’ Grafted which is classed as a large shrub or small tree growing between 3-5mts in height. Covering itself in a decorative display of bright red flowers in Summer and attracting birds and bees.

When not in flower the foliage is a glossy green, new growth has a reddish colour. If you love the dwarf gums you can read more here.

A tree recommended by some local councils for ‘under wire’ species is the Hibiscus tiliaceus ‘Rubra’. Its dense rounded spreading crown, provides plenty of shade and screening whilst only growing to a small tree of 6mts tall. This plant responds well to pruning and shaping if required after flowering.

Heart shaped, green to red leaves contrast with the yellow flowers that appear in Spring. Tolerant of drought, wind and sea spray, this is a hardy tree in warm frost free areas.

Ok we are throwing this one in here, it is over 7mts, however it is slow growing and happy to be pruned below the power lines. Stenocarpus sinuatus or Firewheel tree, is a medium to large Australian rainforest tree. It can grow to 30 metres tall, but will be smaller in cultivation and in cooler temperatures.

It is evergreen with glossy dark green leaves either simple or lobed like that of an oak tree. Looking through multiple books, it seems that the heavily lobed leaves are that of the juvenile plant and simple leaves on an mature tree, however some plants retain both leaf structures. New growth is often tinged on the tips a redish brown.

Dramatic red circular flowers of up to 20 radiating around a central disc hence the Fire Wheel. These flowers occur in Summer. Can be grown inside in a pot for the foliage but is unlikely to flower.

This is just a starter of the many Street Trees we have to share, if none of these interest you keep an eye out for the next installment.