ONE of Wagga's fast-growing northern suburbs is taking the next step towards becoming an established part of the city.
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Wagga City Council are ready to roll out the next round of street trees throughout Gobbagombalin as more houses near completion.
The council's tree maintenance team leader Andrew Oliver said now was the time for residents to have their say in the process.
"Each household who will be getting a tree planted on the footpath outside of their home will have received a pamphlet in the mail outlining what tree they are getting and how to care for it," he said.
"We strongly encourage people to get in touch with us and provide feedback on the placement of the tree, what type they're getting and other concerns they may have, because that actually helps us deliver a smooth rollout."
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With many homes already having established landscaping or existing trees, Mr Oliver reminded residents that the footpath did belong to the council.
"We do always advise people to ask us first before planting anything on that footpath because it can interfere with things like garbage trucks and buses, and people's line of sight backing out of driveways," he said.
"The other factor is the irrigation systems, they can sometimes get damaged if we're putting these trees in, so it's very important that residents get in touch and let us know if they have those systems in place so we can do our best to work around that."
A selection of trees have been chosen for different areas of the suburb, and Mr Oliver said it was a matter of considering suitability and practicality.
"The goal is to improve Wagga's canopy cover and provide a corridor effect for birds and wildlife," he said.
"A lot of our trees are exotics as they give a better return in terms of viability and provide a beautiful colour contrast.
"We try and create an avenue, a nice street appeal, while keeping in mind the need for garbage collection and buses passing by so we don't want them to overhang too much."
Council has taken a more "proactive approach" to the next stage of tree planting, giving residents more notice in order to provide feedback.
"We are looking to start rolling out the trees in May and June, and the flyers have been delivered so residents can get in touch now and give us time to finalise orders," Mr Oliver said.
"They do have a choice to opt out."
Mr Oliver addressed concerns around the allergenic properties of some trees in Wagga, and said those being planted in Gobbagombalin would be unlikely to negatively impact residents.
"I think it's a little bit of a misconception when it comes to the impact trees can have on allergies," he said.
"Obviously the plane trees in town can affect some people, but the ones chosen to be planted out at Gobbagombalin are not going to be at such a large scale like that.
"It's actually things like agricultural blooms and thunderstorms and such that cause most allergy issues."
Penalties do apply for removing trees on council property, so residents who do not want a tree or have concerns are urged to get in touch with council now by calling 1300 292 442, or emailing council@wagga.nsw.gov.au.
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