Tree of the month | Glenview Road, Strathmore

Common name: Himalayan or Bhutan Cypress

Botanical name: Cupressus torulosa

Type: Avenue

Location: Glenview Road, Essendon, between Upland Road and Grammer Street

Height: Average at 12.5 meters

Spread: Average at 5.6 meters

Each month we shine a light on one of Moonee Valley’s most remarkable trees. For our second feature, we are once again not only spotlighting one tree, but one of Moonee Valley’s significant avenues of multiple trees.

Along Glenview Road in Strathmore, you will find one of Moonee Valley’s most unique and eye-catching streets. On both sides of this road, you will find an avenue of Himalayan or Bhutan Cypress (Cupressus torulosa). The planting dates back to the 1940s, giving the street a timeless character and a touch of history.

This type of tree is native to mountainous regions of the Himalayas and northern India, this beautiful tree is admired for its tall, narrow shape and dark, thick foliage.

Lining the road, this corridor of trees creates an eye-catching avenue that looks almost like a living wall. The avenue is the only known example of Cypress being used as a street tree in Victoria.

These trees are officially recognised on both Moonee Valley’s significant tree register and the National Trust’s register of significant trees, thanks to their size, form and impressive presence along the street. With around 23 Bhutan Cypress standing tall, the avenue has become a dominating feature in the landscape of Strathmore.

Our parks and gardens team looks at trees like these when planning for the future. Historic plantings help us understand what species thrive locally and how we can create climate resilient streetscapes.

Each tree we plant today helps us shape a greener, cooler, and more sustainable Moonee Valley for generations to come.

Stay tuned for next month’s tree of the month, where we will explore another unusual and unique planting in our municipality!