Tree planting FAQs

The City plants trees over the cooler months, typically from May to September. This is to take advantage of winter rains and to give the young trees the best chance of establishment. If you have requested a tree, please be patient as we wait for the conditions to be correct for planting.

Where space allows and the placement guidelines are satisfied, additional trees can be requested.

Consistent avenues of street trees have been found to add value to properties and create a sense of character and uniformity. However, in some instances the City can offer flexibility on the species to be planted.

There are two types of species enquiries:

• You received a letter and know that your street is part of a recent / current street tree planting project and would like to enquire about a species. Please submit a new enquiry via the Tree Planting Project enquiry form.
• If you have not received a letter and your street is not part of a recent / current tree planting project area but would like to enquire about street tree species. Please lodge your query via the General Enquiry and Feedback form.

To check species information and if your verge is included in a recent / current street tree planting project please visit our GREENspace map.

When enquiring about a change of location, please note:

• There is a set alignment in which street trees are planted in accordance with the Utility Service Providers Code of Practice.
• The standard alignment runs 2.4 – 3 m from the front property boundary (typically 2.7m) in line with existing trees and above ground power services.
• A distance of 2m from driveways and 3m from property lines (neighbours) is typically maintained.
• This is explained in more detail in the street tree placement guidelines.

If you would like to request an adjustment to the location a tree before planting, please submit an enquiry via the Tree Planting Project enquiry form.

It also helps if you place a marker (such as a garden stake or spray paint) in the preferred location before planting commences. If your nominated position does not meet the guidelines, it will be adjusted to the closest compliant location.

The City marks planting locations prior to installation. If no alternate location has been nominated (as per above), trees will be installed in the original location.

• You received a letter and know that your street is part of a recent/current street tree planting project and would like to enquire about a species. Please submit a new enquiry via the Tree Planting Project enquiry form.
• You have not received a letter and your street is not part of a recent/current tree planting project area but would like to enquire about street tree species. Please lodge your query via the General Enquiry and Feedback form.

To check species information and if your verge is included in a recent / current street tree planting project please visit our GREENspace map.

We understand that many people have reticulated verges and this can pose some issues, however reticulation doesn't mean a tree can't be planted. Locations can be adjusted to accommodate existing reticulations systems.

You can help avoid damage by marking out retic or requesting a location adjustment as detailed above by submitting a new enquiry via the Tree Planting Project enquiry form.

Whilst effort is always made to avoid damage to reticulation in the installation process, sometimes it can occur. In the event that damage to reticulation does occur, residents can contact the City to assess and address where deemed appropriate.

Hardstand verge treatments such as synthetic grass, pavement, gravel and concrete are restricted within the City and may only be applied to a maximum of one third of the verge area, this includes footpaths.

Where pre-existing hardstand treatments have been installed, the City can make the necessary modification to enable the planting of a street tree in a ‘Tree Well’. 

To find out further information relating to Tree Wells and verge treatments within the City:

• Verge treatment policy
• Tree well information sheet

There is some flexibility on tree well locations before installation commences. Detail on location requirements can be found in the street tree placement guidelines and in the location adjustment section above.

Property owners are encouraged to consider moving away from turfed and reticulated verge spaces and towards water smart (and low maintenance) planting and City runs a seasonal program to help residents make the change. Where turf exists, the planting teams will take care to remove what is required to make space for the new tree.

To avoid jeopardising young trees during the construction phase, locations with pending or current developments are deferred from  planting programs until the build is complete. 

• You received a letter and know that your street is part of a recent / current street tree planting project and would like to let us know about a near future or pending development application. lease submit a new enquiry via the Tree Planting Project enquiry form.

To check species information and if your verge is included in a recent / current street tree planting project please visit our GREENspace map.

If you have any other questions relating to street tree planting:

• You received a letter and know that your street is part of a recent / current street tree planting project and would like to enquire about a species. Please submit a new enquiry via the Tree Planting Project enquiry form.
• You have not received a letter and your street is not part of a recent / current tree planting project area but would like to enquire about street tree species. Please lodge your query via the General Enquiry and Feedback form.