Thompson Avenue in Cowes has been recognised by the National Trust of Australia, Victoria as an Avenue of Significance, preserving it for future generations to enjoy. The Golden Cypress trees planted in the Avenue are an iconic feature that we have been working with the Friends' of the Golden Cypress to rejuvenate.
Three Golden Cypress trees will be removed and replaced in 2011. Two independent arborists’ reports found the trees were unhealthy and need to be replaced to ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers. The trees marked 3, 9 and 117 on this map (PDF 392kb) are to be removed.
Two of these trees are located mid way between Chapel Street and Church Street. The third is mid way between Chapel Street and The Esplanade.
About ten years ago, four Chinese Elm trees were planted as a temporary measure until young Golden Cypress trees were available. Some of these trees are starting to interfere with the surrounding paving which will be re-laid as part of the project.
In deciding which Elm trees to replace, we looked at existing infrastructure such as street lights before finalising the planting design.
Details of which trees will be removed and replaced are available on this map (PDF 556kb)
The young trees are about two to three feet tall and were propagated for Council by a nursery in Monbulk. When planted, we will also install root barriers and fence guards which are designed to protect the trees while they are young and avoid interference with surrounding infrastructure as the trees mature.
Golden Cypress trees are relatively slow growing and we expect them to take 20 years to reach full maturity.
Thompson Avenue was named after Island residents and benefactors William and Lucy Thompson. The Thompsons donated land for the Warley Hospital in 1923. Mr Thompson was President of the Progress Association in 1912. He suggested a line of trees be planted along a central medium strip, with a single line of traffic either side. However, this decision was overruled by a majority vote from the association and it was agreed that the present layout be adopted. The first cypress was planted in the Avenue in 1912