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Council Tree Programs

We coordinate a variety of programs to improve our City's tree canopy coverage.

These initiatives include our Whole Street Tree Planting and Reserve Tree Planting programs.

We also have an ongoing commitment to maintain and nurture trees in our City for the long-term betterment of our community, and the environment.

Whole Street Tree Planting Program

Our annual whole street planting program aims to ensure future tree-lined streetscapes that are shady, appealing, cool, and create a consistent, attractive avenue of trees of a similar size, shape and look.

We select tree species options that suit the specific growing conditions and environment in your street. Some properties can’t have a verge tree because of underground services or available space. Planting preparation usually starts around March, with trees being planted from April to June in the cooler, wetter months.

Under our Tree and Vegetation Policy, we don’t allow an option for ‘No Tree’. If you have a unique circumstance, personal condition, or request to share with us for special consideration, please share this with us during the consultation feedback period (now closed).

For our 2024 program, we have selected 26 streets and 18 tree species for planting. Limited streets are not offered a species choice because they already have an established, dominant tree species.

2024 Whole Street Planting Program - Streets Selected and Species to be planted

Future Sites Identified

Sites completed

Reserve Tree Planting

We are planting on reserves that will support and benefit from additional trees and tree cover and to support our Tree Canopy Improvement Strategy 2021 - 2045. To meet our tree canopy targets, we aim to plant 600 trees on our reserves, per annum. We have achieved 60% of this target for the 2023/24 financial year to date, with 404 trees planted and approximately 200 yet to be planted on the future identified sites in early 2024.

To find out more information about the tree species listed, the Botanic Gardens of South Australia Plant Selector Tool is a very helpful resource.

Planting Process

We may select up to 4 or 5 tree species for planting on a reserve, chosen for their biodiversity and canopy coverage benefits but also considering the reserve environment, available space and existing assets or infrastructure on the site.

Please be aware that as part of the reserve planting process, selected trees and shrubs that are in declining health (dead/dying) or are in poor structural condition will be scheduled for removal prior to the new planting being undertaken.

Planting will take between 1 to 2 weeks to complete from the day removals and/or planting is started, up to a maximum of 3 weeks to complete. There should be no access restrictions at any of the planting sites, though our trucks and staff will be present in the area during the works.

Tree Maintenance

Trees are maintained through our Whole Street Pruning Program

When we receive a tree maintenance request outside of our Whole Street Tree Pruning Program, we will inspect and assess the tree and then prioritise tree pruning if required according to risk management principals.

To report a tree that requires Council attention, please complete a Contact Form or email us at council@charlessturt.sa.gov.au. Note the specific location, nature of the request and your contact details.

If a tree or fallen branch is an immediate hazard please contact us on 8408 1111.

For pruning of trees through power lines contact SA Power Networks on 131 261.

Significant Trees/Regulated Trees

For information on Regulated and Significant Trees and whether development approval is required, please refer to Information Guide – D01. Regulated and Significant Trees.

The Heritage Conservation Program recognises the important role Regulated and Significant trees (as defined by the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act, 2016) play in contributing to the character of the City and provides financial assistance to assist in their ongoing maintenance.

The Program provides financial assistance for their ongoing maintenance. Up to 50% of the total costs of a single grant application up to a maximum of $500.

Note: The total value of the work to be undertaken for the maintenance of a significant tree must be greater than $500 .

Heritage Conservation Grants

Tree and Vegetation Management Plan

The City of Charles Sturt Tree and Vegetation Management Plan is the reference document for our City's Tree and Vegetation Policy.

This document is a guide to be used in conjunction with other legislation, standards and guidelines where appropriate.

Contact Us

P: 8408 1111
E: council@charlessturt.sa.gov.au