New trees
Planting of new trees
Council is responsible for trees in streets, on nature strips, in parks and reserves. Residents are not permitted to plant trees on Council land.
Trees are a community asset and an important part of our environment. They make our streets more attractive, provide shade, and are a home for birds and wildlife.
When and where new trees are planted
Council plants new trees in streets and open space between May and September each year. Planting is carried out according to a plan which prioritises areas which have missing trees.
Council and local groups host community planting days from April to September. Residents come together to plant new trees along creeks and in open space.
Types of trees planted
Council selects the most appropriate tree for the street or space. Selection of a tree considers the space available to grow a tree and any impact on infrastructure such as footpaths, roads, overhead wires and property.
Council plants a range of trees species, including indigenous (Victorian), native (Australian), and exotic tree species.
When Council plants a new street tree, we let residents next to the tree know the type of tree which has been planted and its characteristics. There are also many websites which provide information about trees.
The Moreland Urban Forest Strategy 2017-27 (DOC 20Mb) provides a guide for all new street tree planting. Council is also developing a Street Tree Planting Plan to guide the planning, planting, management and resourcing of Merri-bek street trees.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on work activity have impacted our tree target for 2020. We will complete a backlog of tree planting beginning April 2021, pending suitable tree planting weather conditions. We seek your patience and understanding as we continue to plant trees to grow Merri-bek's sustainable urban forest.
Request a new street tree
Request a new street tree through the Council website if you do not have a tree on the nature strip near your property. Alternatively you can contact Council.
All requests are considered and if approved are placed on the Council planting list.
New trees on private property
You do not need Council approval to plant a new tree on private property.
Planting trees in your garden helps to increase tree canopy and provides shading. Search the Moreland Tree Finder tool to select a suitable tree species for your space.
Using indigenous plants can help your garden be drought tolerant. See a selection of indigenous trees we recommend for planting in Merri-bek.
Maidenhair Tree
Ginkgo bilobaMedium oval tree from 12m. Unique, double lobed, fan shaped leaves of rich green, and turn yellow in autumn
Wallangarra Gum
Eucalyptus scopariaMedium to tall open tree to 12-18m tall. Trunk is a powdery white and the foliage is semi-pendulous and green in colour.
Yellow Box
Eucalyptus melliodoraMedium to tall open tree to 20-25m. The bark is rough and tightly held to the trunk and the foliage is semi-penduluous.
Search the Moreland Tree Finder tool for a full list of indigenous trees (select 'Indigenous to Merri-bek' under Advanced) or visit gardening with indigenous plants for a list of indigenous shrub and grass species.