Local ecology

Tell us about the street trees near you

We’re revising and updating our street tree master plan. We invite you to share your thoughts on the types of trees planted in our area.

Woman walks her dogs down a street in Alexandria.

Our street tree master plan nominates the species of tree to be planted in each street across our local area.

The plan helps us match the most appropriate tree species to each street’s local conditions. We also consider the predicted future climate to make sure our street trees are healthy and green for future generations.

If a certain type of tree is proposed for a street, it doesn’t mean we remove existing street trees to plant a new species. The plan helps us to decide what to plant over time, as trees need replacing.

Our current plan was adopted by Council in 2011 and has guided our street tree planting since then.

Now it’s time to take another look to make sure it’s fit for purpose and that the trees we choose to plant will stay green, healthy and resilient into the future.

Wilson Street, Newtown.
Wilson Street, Newtown.

Share your thoughts on local trees

We’re gathering advice from experts, and experience gained during the implementation of the existing master plan to revise and update the street tree master plan.

We’d also like to hear from our communities. Perhaps you work in the City of Sydney or maybe you’re a resident: we’d like to hear your thoughts.

We’ve created an online map with an interactive survey so you can tell us exactly where the tree or trees are that you want to tell us about.

You can also email or post your feedback.

The importance of diversity in greening

Our communities have repeatedly told us that greening our city is a top priority. But cities can be tough places for trees to grow, with paved surfaces, compacted ground and buildings reflecting light and heat.

Tree in Womerah Ave, Darlinghurst.
Tree in Womerah Ave, Darlinghurst.

To meet the current and future challenges facing our city, our urban forest will continue to include a mix of native and exotic tree species.

Native trees will always be a major part of the urban forest. Seven out of the 10 most common species are native to Australia, but other introduced species also have an important role to play.

Deciduous trees are preferred in some locations since they shade streets from the summer heat, but also allow access to light and heat in inner city homes and public spaces in winter.

Have your say

This consultation closes at 5pm on Wednesday 3 August 2022.

We will then review all community feedback, along with expert advice and make any changes to the master plan where required.

The draft street tree master plan will be available in late 2022 to early 2023 for further community feedback before it’s finalised and adopted by Council in mid-2023.

Published 11 July 2022, updated 14 December 2022

More on TreesStreets