Content components About our tree canopy today Boroondara is known for its abundance of trees, which provide the large range of benefits outlined below. We need to protect this important part of our city by maintaining and expanding Boroondara's tree canopy. Tree canopy in Boroondara is defined as all trees and shrubs over 3 metres. This includes trees and shrubs in streets and transport corridors, parks, native reserves, private gardens, schools and any other area within our city limits. In Boroondara today, 25.7% of all land is covered by tree canopy. Of this total: 23.3% of all private land is covered by tree canopy 31.6% of all public land is covered by tree canopy.BenefitsTrees provide environmental, economic and social benefits for our community: Improved climateincreased shade and cooling in summerreduced flood riskreduced wind speeds.Healthier environmentincreased habitat for wildlifeincreased carbon capturemore attractive urban areas.Improved community wellbeingbetter sleep in adultshigher rates of physical activitybetter opportunities for people to connect with nature. Improved community healthlower cardiovascular riskimproved mental healthreduced deaths from extreme heat.Better liveabilityreduced traffic spreadsreduced crimeimproved social cohesion and community connection.Stronger economyincreased retail activityincreased property valueslower heating and cooling costs. Challenges and threatsUrban environments can be difficult for trees, with threats and challenges limiting their ability to thrive and survive. Expand all Collapse all Threats to our tree canopy There are a number of threats to our tree canopy. These threats include:overshadowing and wind tunnel impacts from large developmentpruning clearances required around buildings, lighting and power linesextreme heat and droughtpests and diseasesbranch damage from large vehiclesroot damage caused by footpath, kerb and drainage worksradiated heat from hard surfaceslack of root space, nutrient and water to support growthcompetition with underground services given priority over trees. Challenges with trees on private land There are challenges in managing tree canopy on private land.These challenges include the statutory limitations of tree protection regulations, pressures caused by increased urban densification and larger dwellings, community attitudes and perceptions, and available data.For a full list of these challenges, download a copy of the draft strategy from our document library on our main page and refer to section 4. Challenges with trees on public land There are challenges in managing tree canopy on Council-owned land.These challenges include balancing the diverse needs and uses public land must accommodate for (like parks and open spaces, roads, footpaths and drainage), considerations and regulations around infrastructure owned and managed by other authorities (like powerlines, underground communication cables and water mains), community concerns about risks caused by trees (like mess and damage) and damage caused by infrastructure renewals and underground services.For a full list of these challenges, download a copy of the draft strategy from our document library on our main page and refer to section 4. Expand all Collapse all How we currently manage treesWe currently follow these guidelines and laws to protect and manage trees in Boroondara:Boroondara Planning SchemeTree Management GuidelinesProtection of Council Assets and Control of Building Sites Local LawTree Protection Local Law.We recently made changes to our Tree Protection Local Law following community consultation. The updated Tree Protection Local Law was adopted by Councillors on Monday 27 May 2024. Find out more on our Tree Canopy Local Law consultation page.We have 2 Council teams dedicated to managing trees. They are responsible for:maintaining, removing and planting trees on public landmatters related to trees on private land.Some of the things we do include: Pruning around powerlinesWe are responsible for maintaining trees around powerlines. We advocate for changes to regulations to reduce pruning and retain canopy.We advocate for changes to regulations to reduce pruning and retain canopy.Education and enforcementOn private land, we invest in education and enforcement of tree protection on building sites. Tree plantingHistorically, we planted 900 new trees per year in our streets in parks. We have increased this commitment to planting 2,000 new trees per year.Tree removalEach year, around 700 trees on private land and 800 trees on public land are removed due to their age, poor health, structure, or location.
