Tree species diversity and why is it important

Tree species diversity considers the number of different types of trees that exist in our streets and open space areas.

Research indicates that having lots of different types of trees (aka. a ‘rich species diversity’) is a key element in creating a resilient urban forest. Threats to a tree population from pests and/or diseases tend to be family, genus or species dependent. For example, a pest or disease that attacks a eucalyptus tree is unlikely to cause any harm to an elm tree, and vice versa.

Through having many different types of trees within a population, there is less potential for devastating effects to the entire population from a pest and/or disease.

It is challenging to create a rich species diversity with indigenous and native tree species alone. We therefore also use suitable species from different regions across the world in our tree planting programs.

The work Council is doing in improving our tree species diversity is supported by research by Santamour and Kendall.