Gums, ginkgos and a golden wych elm: voting for Victoria’s tree of the year
News Source
•Tue, 22 Sep 2026 17:54:40 GMT
📰 What Happened
The National Trust of Victoria has named nine finalists for its 2026 tree of the year award. More than 40 trees were nominated, and a panel of 12 experts cut the list down. The winner will be announced later this month.
The finalists include a ginkgo planted in Geelong in 1859, redwoods in Warburton and a bunya pine in Maldon. Some stand in busy city spots, like Prahran and Carlton North. Others grow in Castlemaine and Ballarat.
🔍 The Backstory
The competition started in 2016. It aims to celebrate old and special trees, and to argue for their protection. To enter, a tree must be on the National Trust's significant tree register.
That register lists up to 10,000 trees across Victoria. Gardens manager Justin Buckley said on 23 Sep 2026 that people often nominate trees they played under as children. Voting closes 22 October and the winner is named 27 October.
🎯 Why It Matters
Old trees cool our streets and give wildlife a home. As cities get denser and more housing goes up, this vote helps protect the trees locals love.
The National Trust of Victoria has named nine finalists for its 2026 tree of the year award. More than 40 trees were nominated, and a panel of 12 experts cut the list down. The winner will be announced later this month.
The finalists include a ginkgo planted in Geelong in 1859, redwoods in Warburton and a bunya pine in Maldon. Some stand in busy city spots, like Prahran and Carlton North. Others grow in Castlemaine and Ballarat.
The competition started in 2016. It aims to celebrate old and special trees, and to argue for their protection. To enter, a tree must be on the National Trust's significant tree register.
That register lists up to 10,000 trees across Victoria. Gardens manager Justin Buckley said on 23 Sep 2026 that people often nominate trees they played under as children. Voting closes 22 October and the winner is named 27 October.
Old trees cool our streets and give wildlife a home. As cities get denser and more housing goes up, this vote helps protect the trees locals love.