Boroondara’s tree canopy: protecting our trees
Ray Peck
It is estimated that humans have removed roughly half of Earth’s original forest cover. While the dominant cause is agricultural expansion, in Australia, urban sprawl is also a significant contributor. In urban areas, the shade from trees is a major way to combat the “heat island effect” where buildings, roads, and concrete absorb and re-radiate heat. A recent study has found that trees and greenery can cool cities by as much as 18°C.
Different distribution of tree canopy in Hawthorn.
While Boroondara’s tree canopy is better than many other local government areas, the distribution of trees is unequal as shown by the aerial photograph above. Arbor Carbon’s 2022 study revealed that, across Boroondara, tree canopy ranged from around 31 per cent in Canterbury down to around 22 per cent in Hawthorn East.
But even in leafy Boroondara, the tree canopy is under threat and decreasing. Each year, around 700 trees on private land and 800 trees on public land are removed due to their age, poor health, structure or location.
Boroondara provides advice on tree planting and species
While 2,000 new trees are planted each year by Boroondara’s tree team, it takes decades before their canopies match the size of the mature trees lost. If you have a place on your nature strip for a new tree or two, you can put in a request online or using the Snap Send Solve app. The latter is more user friendly.
There is also advice on how to plant a tree at your place with species suggestions – simple ways to keep your home and neighbourhood looking good and staying cooler in summer.
Visit Boroondara’s Our tree canopy today page for more information about what tree canopy is and why it is important.
Illegal removals
But sadly, some of Boroondara’s trees are removed illegally, either deliberately or out of ignorance. In the period 2021-25, there were 72 prosecutions. Most, 45, were in the last two years and 44 were in just three suburbs: Balwyn North, Kew and Camberwell. The prosecution details are recorded here.
When is a permit required?
Trees on private land are protected by the Tree Protection Local Law and Clause 52.37. A permit is needed to remove or do works less than 2 metres from the trunk of a Canopy tree, or to prune, remove or do works within the Protection Zone of a Significant tree. Further details of protected trees and permit requirements can be found here: Tree works permits | City of Boroondara
Some trees are designated as significant because of their impressive size, age, rarity, ecological value or cultural and historical significance. Boroondara’s significant trees can be located on the interactive map.
The Council’s new Tree Protection Local Law and planning enquiry tool, myLot, is a useful online first guide to permit requirements.
Planting opportunities
To get involved in local tree and biodiversity planting join a Friends Group.
KooyongKoot Alliance (KKA) supports 24 Friends groups in the Gardiners Creek catchment and is a great place to start.
KKA planting at Nettleton Park
KKA nature strip planting in Ashburton
To get involved in planting new biodiversity corridors on the outskirts of Melbourne contact the Tree Project. The people, lunches and scenery are brilliant.
Planting a new wildlife corridor at Healesville with the Tree Project
“It’s surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth.” David Attenborough
Ray is a member of the Lighter Footprints Forest Working Group and a member of the newly formed Tree Canopy and Biodiversity Community Group supporting Boroondara Council to achieve its tree canopy and biodiversity targets.