There are almost 100,000 street trees across the City and our verges have room for about 100,000 more.
The City plants on average 5,000 new street trees each year through a range of programs. By 2035 our verges will be full and there will be at least one tree on each and every verge in the City.
Find out more about the City's tree planting initiatives here.
Residents concerned about the health of a street tree should contact the City as soon as possible to request the tree is inspected using the customer general enquiry and feedback form.
Residents can help street trees to survive and thrive by:
- Giving the tree a deep watering once per week in the middle of summer
- Avoiding compaction of the trees roots by not parking on the verge.
Pruning, damaging, poisoning and removing a street tree is considered vandalism and penalties apply.
If you notice vandalism of a street tree occurring, please:
- Take photographs or video footage on your mobile phone if possible
- Call City Security on 1300 365 356 if the vandalism is currently occurring
- Report the vandalism to the City via customer enquiry online if the vandalism has already occurred.
Streets and footpaths are swept twice each year to remove leaf, flower and seed debris dropped by street trees.
Residents who believe that their street requires additional maintenance can submit a request to the City via a customer general enquiry and feedback form. An inspection will be performed and additional cleaning if appropriate.
Tree leaves are not litter: they contain an abundance of nutrients that are best reintegrated into the soil. If left on the ground, they will eventually break down. This applies even to Eucalypt and Brush Box leaves.
Therefore, what to do with fallen leaves is a personal choice. Some options are:
- Leaving them to break down on the ground
- Collecting them with a rotary mower when mowing the grass and either composting them or placing them in the green bin
- Raking them and using them to mulch garden beds, composting them, making leaf mould or putting them in the green bin
- Using them for crafts or to play.