Lagunaria replacement program
Lagunaria patersonia, commonly known as Norfolk Island hibiscus, is now considered an unsuitable street tree in many parts of Australia, including Hobsons Bay.
While the species has some beneficial attributes, the fine hairs released from its seed capsules can cause discomfort for nearby residents. These hairs may irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system.
The species can also create ongoing management challenges when planted beneath powerlines. It responds to pruning with vigorous regrowth, which can result in frequent and extensive pruning to maintain clearance.
Lagunaria patersonia removal and replacement
Street trees of Lagunaria patersonia can be nominated for removal and replacement using the form below. Council will assess both the nomination and the tree, and if approved for replacement, will notify nearby properties by letter prior to removal.
Residents who live directly adjacent to the nominated tree will have the opportunity to object to the proposed removal and replacement.
If removal proceeds, a suitable replacement species will be carefully selected, planted and maintained to ensure canopy cover is restored in a timely manner. In larger nature strips, where space allows, Council will seek to plant more than one appropriate canopy tree for each removed Lagunaria patersonia.
Lagunaria patersonia trees will not be removed from parks, reserves, or from locations directly adjacent to railway corridors.
Lagunaria patersonia seed-pod suppression trial
In 2026, Council is trialling a treatment program to reduce seed-pod production in suitable Lagunaria patersonia trees.
The trial will focus on healthy trees that have been nominated for replacement, but where removal is not suitable under the replacement program. This may include trees located near schools, in parks or reserves, or adjacent to railway corridors, where they are also close to residential properties.
The treatment involves injecting the tree with a naturally derived biological agent that works within the tree’s vascular system to suppress seed pod development.
Trees included in the trial will be monitored to assess the effectiveness of the treatment over time. If successful, the program may be expanded to include other Lagunaria patersonia trees with high retention value.
Scheduled removals and replacements
You can view the locations of Lagunaria patersonia trees that are already scheduled for removal and replacement as part of Council’s program.
Click here to view Lagunaria patersonia programs
To view the locations and species of trees to be planted in our upcoming Street Tree Planting Program, search for your address via our online Tree Planting Map:
Click to view our tree planting map
Important timeframes
Removal works for Lagunaria patersonia trees scheduled for 2026 have been planned.
To allow sufficient time for coordination with the Street Tree Planting Program, the cut‑off date for nominating trees to be removed in 2027 is 31 January 2027.
Approved removals usually take place between March and May of each year.
Click here to view form.
Privacy Collection Statement
Hobsons Bay City Council is committed to protecting your privacy. The personal information and opinions supplied by you in this survey in regard to the project will assist Council keeping you involved and up to date on the project. Your personal information will not be disclosed to any external party without your consent, unless required or authorised by law. You have the right to access your personal information and make corrections. If you have any queries or wish to gain access to amend your information please contact Council’s Privacy Officer on 1300 179 944.