Annual Tree Planting Programs

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What is an Urban forest

What is an urban forest? Put simply, it is a population of trees and vegetation growing within an urban or peri-urban area or setting. More than just greenery, a thriving urban forest plays a vital role in improving the comfort, health, and liveability of our communities.

The City's Urban Forest Strategy was endorsed by Council in 2014 and is currently being reviewed. The strategy aims to grow and sustain our green canopy. As part of this strategy, trees are planted across parks, road reserves, and residential verges, enhancing our shared spaces for current and future generations.


Why Urban Forests Matter

Urban forests enhance environmental quality, support local biodiversity, improve human health and provide economic and social benefits in cities. Our annual planting program delivers many benefits to the City's community, the most significant being:

  • Reduces urban heat by increasing canopy cover
  • Supports community health and well-being
  • Boosts property values
  • Reduces energy and water use
  • Extends the life of roads and infrastructure



How are we growing canopy cover

Recent data collection has highlighted areas in the City most at risk of suffering the effects of increasing heat. With this information in hand targeted planting will prioritise areas with low existing canopy cover and higher than average land surface temperatures.

Past efforts have concentrated on planting 30lt trees on verges and reserves. This has now been diversified to include tube stock planting and a heavier focus on planting in reserves. This refreshed approach has seen the introduction of a range of greening programs, some that are entirely implemented by the City and some that rely on community participation.


City implemented planting:

In 2026 planting season, the City implemented component is being delivered in conjunction with the first project under the ‘Dry Parks Strategy’ adding value to each project. Kuhl Park and Don Simmons Reserve are to have irrigation redesigned; large areas of turf replaced with mulched areas and planted with 235 30lt trees and 4000 tube stock. With a view to reducing water use and increasing canopy cover over time.


City supported Community Programs:

Street Tree Request Program - Through this program City residents and property owners are encouraged to apply for a tree to be planted in the verge adjoining their property. The City will supply, plant and maintain the tree for life. Residents commit to ongoing watering with the establishment period being the most important. 2026 has had a record number of applicants with 188 trees being planted. Applications are open for the 2027 season here.


Branch Out Tree Giveaway - This initiative coincides with WA Tree Festival it was launched last season and is specifically aimed at encouraging residents to plant on their own private land. Front or backyards are great but not for verges. Residents apply for one of 300 5litre trees, the City delivers to the successful applicants along with a planting guide. From here it's up to residents to plant and care for their tree.


Community Planting Event - The Community planting event encourages residents to get directly involved with tree planting in a public open space, that benefits all users of the park. The 2026 planting event is being held at Shipwreck Park in Hilbert on Saturday 4 July, 9am - Midday. There are 1000 tube stock to be planted, look out for more details on the City's social pages.


For more opportunities to get involved in greening the community please see the 'Important Links' section to the right of this page.


What is an Urban forest

What is an urban forest? Put simply, it is a population of trees and vegetation growing within an urban or peri-urban area or setting. More than just greenery, a thriving urban forest plays a vital role in improving the comfort, health, and liveability of our communities.

The City's Urban Forest Strategy was endorsed by Council in 2014 and is currently being reviewed. The strategy aims to grow and sustain our green canopy. As part of this strategy, trees are planted across parks, road reserves, and residential verges, enhancing our shared spaces for current and future generations.


Why Urban Forests Matter

Urban forests enhance environmental quality, support local biodiversity, improve human health and provide economic and social benefits in cities. Our annual planting program delivers many benefits to the City's community, the most significant being:

  • Reduces urban heat by increasing canopy cover
  • Supports community health and well-being
  • Boosts property values
  • Reduces energy and water use
  • Extends the life of roads and infrastructure



How are we growing canopy cover

Recent data collection has highlighted areas in the City most at risk of suffering the effects of increasing heat. With this information in hand targeted planting will prioritise areas with low existing canopy cover and higher than average land surface temperatures.

Past efforts have concentrated on planting 30lt trees on verges and reserves. This has now been diversified to include tube stock planting and a heavier focus on planting in reserves. This refreshed approach has seen the introduction of a range of greening programs, some that are entirely implemented by the City and some that rely on community participation.


City implemented planting:

In 2026 planting season, the City implemented component is being delivered in conjunction with the first project under the ‘Dry Parks Strategy’ adding value to each project. Kuhl Park and Don Simmons Reserve are to have irrigation redesigned; large areas of turf replaced with mulched areas and planted with 235 30lt trees and 4000 tube stock. With a view to reducing water use and increasing canopy cover over time.


City supported Community Programs:

Street Tree Request Program - Through this program City residents and property owners are encouraged to apply for a tree to be planted in the verge adjoining their property. The City will supply, plant and maintain the tree for life. Residents commit to ongoing watering with the establishment period being the most important. 2026 has had a record number of applicants with 188 trees being planted. Applications are open for the 2027 season here.


Branch Out Tree Giveaway - This initiative coincides with WA Tree Festival it was launched last season and is specifically aimed at encouraging residents to plant on their own private land. Front or backyards are great but not for verges. Residents apply for one of 300 5litre trees, the City delivers to the successful applicants along with a planting guide. From here it's up to residents to plant and care for their tree.


Community Planting Event - The Community planting event encourages residents to get directly involved with tree planting in a public open space, that benefits all users of the park. The 2026 planting event is being held at Shipwreck Park in Hilbert on Saturday 4 July, 9am - Midday. There are 1000 tube stock to be planted, look out for more details on the City's social pages.


For more opportunities to get involved in greening the community please see the 'Important Links' section to the right of this page.

Page last updated: 16 Apr 2026, 09:41 AM