6. Trees in cemeteries

Cemetery landscapes are more than just paths, monuments, and graves. The horticultural and environmental elements also contribute greatly to visitors’ experience of the site. These include the grasses, flowers, and trees chosen. Here, we are stopped near a collection of Conifer trees, which are of European heritage. It is common to see evergreen trees at older cemeteries for their symbolic everlasting value. These trees, and other evergreens like them, were often selected not only because they are evergreen, but also for their pleasant scent and the fact they aren’t brightly coloured.

These trees here hold an important place at Melbourne General Cemetery. Many of them, and the areas around them, are heritage listed and they assist in celebrating the history of the site. They have also provided us with important learnings that have been considered when planning Project Cultivate.

When trees are first planted, they are small and create little impact other than beauty in the space around them. As these trees grow and mature, they contribute significantly to the cemetery environment, through provision of shade, habitat creation, symbology and, of course, aesthetics. But they can also pose challenges to living and built assets around them. Their large, complex root systems and ever-expanding trunks can cause damage to monuments, pathways, foundations, and buildings. For this reason, the planting of new or replacement trees within Melbourne General Cemetery is carefully considered. This ensures adequate space of suitable quality can be provided to allow trees to grow to their full potential, and pose minimal risk to visitors, monuments and other cemetery assets.

Continue along the road you were following and turn right at the next intersection. Follow this road to its end, and then turn left. Continue up Sixth Avenue, past the intersection. The next stop will be on your left.