Street tree planting program

Victoria’s climate is becoming hotter, with heatwaves increasing in both frequency and duration. Urban areas are, on average, more than 8°C hotter than surrounding non‑urban areas. Increasing tree canopy cover is one of the most effective ways to cool our neighbourhoods — shading streets and buildings, cooling the air and reducing the Urban Heat Island effect.

In addition to cooling our neighbourhoods, trees provide a wide range of environmental, social and health benefits, including:

  • Improving air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other pollutants, and producing oxygen
  • Reducing stormwater runoff by slowing rainfall and filtering pollutants before they enter our creeks and waterways
  • Providing shade that protects people, pets and infrastructure from extreme heat
  • Supporting biodiversity by providing habitat and food for birds, insects and other wildlife
  • Improving street amenity by creating greener, more attractive streets and public spaces
  • Supporting community wellbeing, with studies showing greener areas can improve mental health and encourage outdoor activity

To help keep Hobsons Bay cool and liveable, Council is working towards a target of 30 per cent tree canopy cover by 2040. Since adopting the Urban Forest Strategy, more than 30,000 advanced trees have been planted across Hobsons Bay’s streets and reserves.

As we continue to implement the Urban Forest Strategy, every suitable nature strip will receive at least one tree, helping to create cooler, greener streets for current and future generations. To learn more about the benefits of urban trees and Council’s long‑term approach, read our Urban Forest Strategy(PDF, 935KB).

2026 tree planting program

The 2026 program includes over 2,000 trees to be planted throughout streets, parks and reserves. Tree planting is carried out during the cooler months of the year, between May and September. Tree establishment maintenance, including regular watering, weed maintenance and mulching is provided over a two-year establishment period. 

To view a map of tree planting locations in 2026, click the link below.

Request a street tree

You can request a tree via the portal, My Hobsons Bay Hub

or Request a street tree using our online form

or by contacting customer service via 1300 179 944 from Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. 

Street tree planting program FAQs

When will my tree be planted?

Tree planting occurs between May and September when cooler temperatures and natural rainfall give new trees the best start. Due to the scale of the project and various site conditions, we cannot provide exact planting dates for individual locations.

Who will care for the new tree?

Council provides establishment maintenance for the tree, including watering, mulching and weed maintenance. We appreciate voluntary community support in helping new trees thrive. You can help care for the tree by:
✅ Watering the tree regularly, especially during summer — two buckets of water per week is ideal.
✅ Leaving the tree stakes and watering well in place.
✅ Avoiding placing grass or mulch at the base of the trunk (this can cause collar rot).
✅ Not pruning, removing, or transplanting the tree.
✅ Avoiding damage to the tree from vehicles or other activities. Please be advised that vandalism of street trees is          strictly prohibited by Council local laws.

What if I have concerns?

We understand that you may have questions or concerns about new trees. Council considers all feedback carefully; however, the street tree planting program is guided by the Hobsons Bay City Council Tree Policy (2021) and our Urban Forest Strategy, which aim to ensure the wider community benefit from increased tree canopy. 

To provide feedback, please email us or contact the customer service centre on 1300 179 944.

Can I request the removal of a tree after it has been planted?

If you believe a tree has been planted in an unsuitable location, please contact our customer service centre on 1300 179 944. Removal requests are assessed by a qualified Council arborist in line with the Tree Policy (2021).

In accordance with the Tree Policy (2021), trees cannot be removed due to:

  • personal preference
  • perceived nuisance (e.g. leaf litter)
  • a desire for parking space
  • concerns that a tree will hamper views
  • allergy concerns, unless medical advice from a medical specialist in the field of allergies is provided, demonstrating the tree significantly diminishes the quality of life and there is no other way of managing the problem.

Can I request a fruit tree?

Fruit trees are not included in Council’s list of approved street tree species, as they typically require higher levels of care and maintenance and can create safety hazards when fruit falls onto footpaths or roads.

 

Further information

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