FAQs
- Hardiness to disease and pests
- Stormwater collection
- Aesthetic value
- Streetscape character
- Habitat for local species
- Community appreciation
- Whether the species is native
- Design considerations: Tree selection and planting locations account for overhead and underground restrictions, including powerlines, to avoid conflicts with infrastructure.
- Species selection: Certain species are marked as suitable for planting under powerlines (maximum height under 6m)
- Precinct plans: Each precinct map shows where overhead powerlines exist and recommends appropriate species for those areas.
What is the Street Tree Masterplan?
Street trees and green verges provide shade, cool our city, make our neighbourhoods more beautiful, contribute to better health for our community and provide food and homes for our native wildlife.
The Street Tree Masterplan is an outline of the important role trees play in enhancing our verges and road reserves. It aims to increase the current and future canopy cover in less green urban areas, helping to reduce heat, offer protection from wind and rain, and improve biodiversity. To choose where trees should go we consider criteria such as:
This plan is for all new plantings, areas for subdivision, and current verges. This is only considered for new species, and we will not remove current trees unless they pose a threat.
In each precinct, the community has told us they care about the benefits of trees and which of these benefits matters most to them. This was a crucial factor in the creation of the Street Tree Masterplan and the unique species chosen for each area.
Why do we need a Masterplan?
Mandurah is growing quickly, and we need to balance urban development with our unique environment. Street trees provide shade, cool our city, improve neighbourhoods, and support native wildlife by offering food, shelter, and movement pathways.
To achieve this, we aim to increase canopy cover (the ground area shaded by tree leaves) which helps with cooling, weather protection, and biodiversity. Like all living things, trees age and eventually die, so planning for replacements is essential to maintain these benefits for future generations.
The Masterplan gives the community a clear vision and a chance to have their say on the trees along our streets. Creating precinct-specific plans means we can meet the unique needs of each area.
The City implements the Masterplan by prioritising planting in lower canopy cover areas within our local government area. These areas are identified through aerial imagery and canopy cover data provided by the State Government.
Why is it important to have your say now on street trees?
As a City and community what matters to us is hearing and embracing all voices. Our Masterplan was created based on community feedback and we would like to continue to hear your voices as we roll out our annual street tree planting campaign.
Planting takes place during the winter months (typically June or July) so the trees need to be selected, ordered, and grown in our nurseries so they are ready to plant by Winter. Having your say now makes sure we can get the right trees in the right place come planting time.
How were the trees selected?
Street trees were chosen to boost canopy cover, reflect Mandurah’s cultural and environmental character, and create a more sustainable, liveable city. Selection was guided by community feedback from a 2019 Mandurah Matters survey, which identified the top five values for trees:
1. Increasing habitat and biodiversity
2. Providing shade and cooling
3. Improving air quality
4. Absorbing carbon dioxide
5. Community health and wellbeing
Species were chosen that meet these values.
Does the Masterplan consider existing street tree themes?
Yes, the Masterplan approach includes continuing existing streetscape characters where appropriate, identifying problem species, and reinforcing existing tree plantings. Each precinct plan integrates the current landscape character and existing trees into its objectives, ensuring that new plantings complement and enhance the established themes rather than replace healthy trees. Over time, species nominated in the plan will be introduced as replacements when existing trees require renewal, maintaining consistency with the area's character.
Does the Masterplan consider overhead powerlines?
Yes, the Masterplan does consider overhead powerlines. It includes:
Do the trees selected support native wildlife?
Yes. 50% of the tree species selected are WA natives, while 30% are native to Australia. This guarantees that all species available are waterwise and can feed, support and host local wildlife.
As per DPIRD guidelines, the City no longer plants any of the top 10 reproductive hosts of the Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer beetle.
Who is responsible for the street trees?
Trees located on the street verges are only to be pruned or removed by the City or its contractors. The City will also water and check the condition of the street trees on rotation, however, we appreciate any extra care (watering, weeding, mulch placement) by residents if you would like to contribute to the wellbeing of the trees.
Can I choose the species?
Current species in the plan have been chosen based on community consultation, technical knowledge, and specific benefits, including shade, size, use for wildlife, and more. There are a number of trees within the Masterplan that have been chosen for their unique value. As a resident, you can choose a species from the list of trees that have been selected for your area. Our verge suitability checklist within our online submission form will guide you on how to choose the most suitable street tree for your verge.