How will we achieve our goals?
Tree Experts: how will we achieve our goals?
To achieve 30% canopy cover we'll need to plant 13,410 trees across the Council area over the next 25 years. Our research shows that Council has the capacity to plant 8,101 of these trees on public land, which is 2.5 times more than what would be planted under our current 'business as usual' planting rate.
Private land covers 64% of the Council area, which means we can't achieve an increase to 30% tree canopy alone; we need your help.
Where will the new trees be planted?
We want to plant the right trees in the right places to ensure the health and longevity of the trees and minimise disturbance to infrastructure and homes. To do this, we’re using data, including urban heat maps and canopy cover data, to select planting locations.
Our parks offer the greatest opportunities for plantings on public land due to the amount of available space. However, this needs to be balanced with the needs of people using the park for sports and recreation. Our nature strips are another impactful location for tree planting as there is available space to plant and people would benefit from the shade brought by new trees.
To request a tree to be planted either on a nature strip or at another location near you, visit the request a public tree page.
View what trees are being planted near you where you will find a link to an interactive map showing planting underway on your street.
To reach 30% canopy cover, trees also need to be planted on private land, which covers 64% of our Council area. See how you can get involved for info on planting at your home, workplace or school.
How many trees will we plant?
8,101 trees will be planted by 2033.
The next 7 years of planting is crucial - we need to plant more trees over this period in order to give the plants more time to mature by 2050. We'll also be planting more medium and larger size trees to help us achieve our canopy target quicker.
Protecting existing trees
Aside from planting new trees, we need to care for and protect our existing trees. Removing trees is always a last resort and replacing them is a priority.
We're looking at our planning controls to see how we can do more to encourage large and medium size trees to be incorporated into new developments.