Tree types
Verges are constrained by a paved road, a property line, driveways, and, in some cases, powerlines, and often the original soil has been replaced by clean fill. These characteristics make verges unsuitable for the majority of native trees. Only a handful of local native trees can thrive in these conditions.
Therefore non-native tree species are essential to ensuring adequate diversity and resilience of our urban forest.
Brush Box currently makes up more than 15% of the street tree population. This species is a proven performer in the hostile verge environment, not only in Perth but also in other cities around the world. They were a commonly planted species from the 1940s through to the 1980s.
As a thriving urban forest needs to include adequate tree species and age diversity, the City has reduced the proportion of Brush Box planted each year.
Brush Box species are now only planted in streets where they are a common theme. This will ensure a tried and tested species use continues while also maintaining the cultural heritage of those streets.
In streets without a high number of these species, they are being replaced by other tree species as they reach the end of their lives.
Verge and street trees
To request a street tree be planted by the City on the verge of your property where there currently is not one, please lodge a new street tree request.
For all other street tree planting enquiries including Development, Themed Avenue, Replacements and existing requests please use the Customer Enquiry Form.
Where space allows and the City’s street tree placement guidelines are satisfied, additional trees can be requested.
Consistent avenues of street trees have been found to add value to properties and also create a sense of character and uniformity.
A tree species is typically determined by the dominant tree species within the streetscape. However, in some instances the City can offer flexibility on the species to be planted.
To check species information and if your verge is included in a recent/current street tree planting project please visit our current tree projects.
When requesting a specific location, please note:
- There is a set alignment between the property boundary and the road on which street trees are planted in accordance with the Utility Providers Code of Practice.
- There is some flexibility on planting locations along this alignment to accommodate accessibility and personal preferences where practicable - including verge parking and access, and vegetation.
If you would like to request a location for the street tree, please submit an enquiry here.
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 reticulation systems. You can also help avoid damage by marking out retic or requesting a location as detailed above.
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.
Where a hardstand verge treatment such as paving, synthetic turf or concrete has been placed on the verge, it is a condition of the City’s verge treatment policy that a street tree must be planted.
Currently hardstand verge treatments are restricted within the City and may only be applied to a maximum of one third of the verge area. Prior to mid-2013 the total verge area could have a hardstand treatment applied, though provision needed to be made to plant a street tree.
In Themed Avenue Planting projects where verge treatments have been installed before the 2013 policy change or by a previous owner, the City will make the necessary modification at no expense to current owners to enable the planting of a street tree.
To find out further information relating to Tree Wells and verge treatments within the City:
There is some flexibility on tree well locations. See ‘Can I request the location of a tree?’ above.
Pruning, damaging, poisoning and removing a street tree by an unauthorised person is considered vandalism and penalties may apply. If you notice vandalism of a street tree, please:
- Take photographs or video footage on your mobile phone if possible
- Call Stirling Community Patrol on 1300 365 356 if the vandalism is currently occurring
- Report the vandalism to the City via customer general enquiry and feedback form if it has already occurred.
For residents who have received a street tree in 2025 a New Plant Pack is available to help your tree thrive.
The pack contains:
- 1L Ezi-Wet Concentrate Soil Soaker,
- 1.2L PowerFeed All Purpose Fertiliser
- Insulated water bottle
- Kids activity booklet
- Bucket.
To receive the pack, simply email sustainability@stirling.wa.gov.au with the heading 'New Plant Pack'.
Please provide your name, address and contact number for verification.
Packs will be available to collect from the City of Stirling Administration Centre at 25 Cedric Street, Stirling WA 6021 during business hours.
In addition, residents with a new street tree can enter the Tree Tales competition by naming and submitting a photo of their street tree. Terms and conditions apply.
