Street Trees

Photo courtesy of Geraldton Tree Canopy Advocates

Street trees (or verge trees) are an important feature of the urban landscape. Trees not only shade and cool urban areas, they also provide protection from Geraldton’s strong winds, creating more people friendly spaces.

Increased tree canopy cover has a broad range of environmental, social and economic benefits. These include:

• Reducing the urban heat island effect (heat reflected from hard surfaces that heat surrounding area). Well placed street trees can reduce surrounding area temperature by up to 10 degrees.
• Supporting biodiversity by providing habitat, safe refuge and a food source for native animals.
• Providing shade to properties and people, including pedestrians.
• Improving air quality and absorbing carbon emissions.
• Attractive, well planned, tree-lined streets can increase property values by up to 30%.

The City recognises the benefits of street trees and increased canopy, therefore have been planting street trees over many years.  Residents are able to request a free street tree, planted by the City’s Horticulture team, during the winter planting season.

Request a free street tree

There are two ways you can request a free street tree for your verge:

• Online via the form here 
• Phone the City of Greater Geraldton on 08 9956 6600

Please note: The City of Greater Geraldton Horticulture team will assess the suitability of your property. The City reserves the right to determine the most suitable tree for your verge, and according to tree stock availability.  All applications should be submitted by 31st March.  If applications are over-subscribed this year, your application will be placed on our waiting list for the following year.

Maintaining street trees

Trees planted on verges will become the property of the City and will be maintained by the City's Horticulture Team. This includes watering for the first two years, although additional watering by the resident is recommended during dry and hot weather. City staff will also undertake pruning of street trees where necessary using qualified arborists, and may, under exceptional circumstances remove trees if necessary (for example, if a tree becomes a public safety risk, or becomes diseased). Tree pruning or removal must not be undertaken by the property owner.  

The benefits of street trees are well understood as noted above however it must also be remembered that the primary purpose of the street verge is for the provision of community utilities including Power, Water, Gas and Telecommunications. Maintaining good vision for road users and pedestrians along the verge also contributes to a safe and effective road network and these considerations are included with the City’s planning and assessment of the suitability for street tree planting locations.

Planting your own tree

Check out our great tree guide here for more information on selecting, planting and caring for your own tree.