Whittlesea man saves unwanted palm trees from landfill

A palm tree fanatic is turning his Whittlesea property into a suburban oasis by salvaging 40 tonnes of tropical trees from demolition sites.

Arthur Kitchin has been saving palm trees from demolition sites and replanting them on his own property. Picture: Rob Leeson

A palm tree fanatic is turning his property into a suburban oasis by salvaging the tropical trees from demolition sites.

Whittlesea’s Arthur Kitchin, 67, has saved 16 palm trees from landfill and has replanted them around a lake next to his home on Beach St.

“I’m trying to create something special here by reusing trees that usually go to landfill,” Mr Kitchin said.

“(The area) is developing so much and I get a bit disheartened when I see a lot of these beautiful trees and plants demolished.”

Arthur Kitchin says his palm tree paradise gets a lot of attention from the public. Picture: Rob Leeson

The plant enthusiast has shifted more than 40 tonnes of palm trees in two weeks and has no plans to slow down.

“It’s going to be a peaceful little area around the lake with all the palm trees and in the future a little boardwalk,” he said.

“I like palm trees, to me they’re a peaceful sort of tree and it’s just to beautify the area.”

The piece of paradise has stopped locals walking by in their tracks.

“Many people stop on the footpath and see how good it looks, people toot and wave,” Mr Kitchin said.

“It’s encouraged me to do more.”

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The personal project has turned into a community effort, with others helping to create the tropical haven.

“I had some local farmers helping me sit them up and get them into position, it’s been a bit of a group effort in a way,” he said.

“The highest tree is about 10 to 11 metres high so we’re talking major trees, not little things.”

The plumber by trade is considering donating the blissful utopia to the council for the public to enjoy in the future.

“It’s going to be quite valuable to the community. Children and grandchildren can admire the wildlife,” he said.

Mr Kitchin is hoping that any future discarded palm trees will be sent his way and can be contacted by email on [e-mail].

“I’m keen to get some more trees,” he said.