Greerton's biggest yarn installation

Gaylene Sharp displays some of the village's newest creations. Photo/George Novak

Greerton trees have been covered in about $1000 of wool as part of its biggest yarn bombing installation yet.

A total of 60 trees have been embellished, with 45 dedicated to not-for-profit organisations.

Greerton Village Mainstreet manager Sally Benning said it was the biggest Greerton Village yarn bombing installation to date.

"Last year we had 46 trees, so this year is the largest."

Mrs Benning said some yarn creations were put up on Saturday, with the final installations on Sunday.

"This is the fifth yarn bombing installation," said Mrs Benning. "But this year people can vote and donate a gold coin for their favourite tree.

"We are hoping to raise money for 45 charities," she said.

Mrs Benning said the Greerton Lions Club had been very helpful with installing some of the creations.

The Greerton Village Association funded the yarn, which Mrs Benning guessed would cost about $1000.

She said most of the wool had either been reused or donated by the community.

Mrs Benning said the yarn bombing brightened up the community during winter.

"Greerton is very well-known for its cherry blossom trees, but in the winter they are totally bare.

"It is one way to brighten up the village in winter. It is really good for Greerton Village, it makes people smile and feel happy when they see them."

The 45 charities included the Asthma Respiratory Association, St Vincent De Paul, Shakti Women's Refuge, Red Cross, Waipuna Hospice and more.

St George's Anglican Church and op shop's knitted creation was based on Eric Carle's children's picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

"I used to read those books when I was at school," said knitter Gaylene Sharp.

Mrs Sharp said a few of the church and op shop volunteers helped her create the knitted masterpiece which included watermelons, apples and, of course, the very hungry caterpillar.

"Kids love The Very Hungry Caterpillar and we thought it might make them stop to have a look and maybe donate," she said.

The yarn bombing installation will stay up for eight weeks. People are encouraged to vote and donate a gold coin for their favourite tree.

There are 12 stores around Greerton Village with donation boxes.

During the installation throughout July and August, people can also buy hearts to place on the Heart of Greerton, and take a selfie and post it to the Greerton Village Community Yarn Bombing Facebook page.

Children can also complete the Greerton Village Yarn Charity trail activity sheet and enter to win lunch for their classroom.

Children can collect an activity sheet from their teacher or from the Greerton Library.