Annual Tree Planting Program

The City prioritises the use of native tree species to support resilient, sustainable urban greening outcomes. Native species are well adapted to local conditions, offering higher long-term survival rates, reduced water demand once established, and valuable habitat local wildlife, including birds, insects and pollinators.

In residential areas, tree selection focuses on small to medium-sized species that suit the available verge space and surrounding environment. 

Species selection is guided by the City's Tree Planting Guidelines, ensuring each planting is appropriate to site conditions, available space, infrastructure constraints and long-term maintenance considerations. This approach supports the creation of attractive, functional and enduring streetscapes for the community.

The City continually refines our species selection in response to changing environmental conditions, plant availability and past performance. Expert advice, along with guidance from state and federal governments on issues such as pest and disease risks, informs these decisions to ensure the long-term health, safety and benefits of the urban canopy.

The City of Swan is planting trees as part of our Urban Forest Plan (2022), which aims to:

• Increase tree canopy cover
• Improve air quality
• Reduce urban heat
• Support local wildlife
• Improve neighbourhood amenity
• Address the ongoing loss of urban tree canopy.

Street trees contribute to thriving, liveable communities by providing long-term environmental, social and wellbeing outcomes for residents now and into the future.
 

Each year, before the annual planting season (typically between October and December), the City engages with residents and property owners about the proposed verge tree planting program.

Residents on identified streets receive a consultation letter and have the opportunity to opt out of having a tree planted on the verge adjacent to their property during the consultation period.

This approach supports shared decision-making while contributing to greener, more liveable neighbourhoods. Community feedback consistently highlights the importance of streetscapes, street trees and verge presentation, with these elements ranking among the City’s top priorities. This strong community support reinforces the City’s commitment to enhancing neighbourhood amenity, improving urban canopy, and delivering lasting wellbeing benefits for residents.
 

The City sends consultation letters to affected properties ahead of planting.

Where no response is received during the consultation period, the property is typically included in the planting program, allowing the City to continue delivering greening outcomes that benefit the broader community.

The City takes a proactive approach to engaging residents, making every effort to distribute consultation materials and encourage participation. While not all community members choose to engage in every initiative, the program continues to reflect strong overall community support for greener streets and improved neighbourhood amenity. As such, planting may still proceed where consultation responses are not received, ensuring the ongoing delivery of environmental and community benefits.
 

The City will generally only consider removal or relocation where there is a demonstrated technical issue, such as:

• Conflict with underground services
• Conflict with approved infrastructure or development applications
• Safety concerns
• Access constraints
• Other site-specific issues.

Where a resident has been provided with an opportunity to opt out during the consultation period and no response is received, and a tree is subsequently planted on the verge adjacent to their property, the City's position will be to retain the tree unless there are valid technical, operational or safety reasons that warrant its removal or relocation.

This approach recognises that the City has already invested public funds in the planning, purchase, planting and establishment of the tree for the benefit of the broader community. Removing a newly planted tree without a justifiable reason would not represent an efficient use of ratepayer funds and could create an expectation that verge trees may be removed upon request, which would undermine the objectives of the City's Urban Forest Plan and broader urban greening initiatives.

Personal preference alone is generally not sufficient grounds for the removal or relocation of a verge tree in the road reserve.

The verge forms part of the road reserve and is public land under the care and control of the City for the purposes of safe travel and installation of public utilities.

Although residents commonly maintain the verge adjacent to their property, and many in a way that is complementary to their own property, it is public property.

Tree locations are guided by the City's Tree Planting Guidelines and are assessed to avoid conflicts with:

• Driveways
• Underground services
• Street lighting
• Traffic sightlines
• Existing infrastructure
• Other constraints.

Final locations may be adjusted during construction to accommodate site conditions.

The City selects appropriate species and planting locations to minimise the likelihood of future conflicts.

Trees are positioned with consideration for nearby infrastructure and underground services.

Tree planting is guided by the City's guidelines and are selected and managed to maintain appropriate sightlines.

As trees mature, their canopy generally lifts above eye-height with the only visual obstruction being a clear trunk.

The City waters and maintains newly planted trees during the establishment period (typically two years).

Once established, as they are native species, most verge trees require minimal maintenance.

While leaves and natural litter may occasionally occur, these are considered a normal part of urban tree canopy and are outweighed by the environmental and amenity benefits provided by street trees.

If a verge tree is damaged, becomes unstable, or poses a safety risk following a storm, residents are encouraged to report it to the City as soon as possible so it can be assessed and made safe. 

For emergencies where a fallen tree presents an immediate risk to people, property or road users, please contact the City immediately or, where appropriate, emergency services.

Newly planted trees are supported by stakes during the establishment period to help them grow upright and withstand wind and other environmental conditions.

If stakes are bent, damaged, removed or vandalised, please report it to the City so we can inspect and repair, if required.

To report street tree damage:

• Call us on (08) 9267 9267 and ask to speak with the Project Management Team regarding verge tree planting as part of the Capital Works Program; or
• Send an email to swan@swan.wa.gov.au

Please provide the location of the tree and, if possible, photographs of the damage to help the investigation.

Residents may request a verge tree to be planted adjacent to their property. In addition to the City's annual tree planting programs and Capital Works projects, the City's Parks Maintenance team also plants verge trees on a case-by-case basis where suitable locations are identified.

To request a verge tree, please email the City at swan@swan.wa.gov.au or call us on (08) 9267 9267. Your request will be referred to the relevant City officer for assessment.

Please note that all requests are subject to site suitability, available verge space, underground services, sightline requirements and other operational considerations.

For further information, please contact the City on (08) 9267 9267 and ask to speak with the Project Management team regarding verge tree planting as part of the Capital Works Program.