Free Resident Street Tree Program

Our Street Tree Program provides SJ residents with the chance to apply for FREE street trees to be planted on their verge.

Trees are an important natural asset that provide many environmental, economic and social benefits. They are effective at cooling neighbourhoods and provide shady areas during the warm months. Research has shown, in hot weather, it can be up to six degrees cooler under a densely shaded tree.

It is important that we increase the tree canopy cover of an area, with healthy street trees for a variety of reasons including;

  • Provide cooler liveable residential areas
  • Positive impact on Mental Health
  • Reduces energy demands like air conditioning, due to shade
  • Improve air quality
  • Increase biodiversity and provides habitat
  • Effective wind breaks
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
  • Increase property values
  • Reduces stormwater runoff and erosion
  • Improves people’s sense of wellbeing

This initiative is proudly co-funded by Water Corporation’s Waterwise Greening Scheme and forms part of our ambition for the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale to be a leading waterwise community.

Program schedule

The Street Tree Program is open all year, however applications need to be submitted by 31 March each year, with the approved trees then planted in Winter the following calendar year. For example, an application received before March 31 2025, will be planted in Winter 2026. The process takes a minimum of 15 months from application to planting.

During Application Period
  • Budget considerations determine the number of trees planted per year. This may vary year to year.
  • Requests will be processed in order of when they are received.
  • All applications are recorded on the relevant financial year’s Free Street Tree Register.

Site Inspection and Tree Selection
  • Site inspections are carried out by Shire staff throughout the year.
  • If approved, a suitable tree species will be selected for your verge (based on species availability and Street Tree Master Plans).
  • This informs the planting plan for the year.

Trees Ordered and Allocated
  • The Shire places tree orders 9-12 months in advance of the start of any planting season to ensure the availability of desired species.
  • Trees are delivered and hardened off ready for planting by Shire staff.
  • Once planted, owners are required to maintain and water the tree as per the Shire Tree Policy.

Tree Planting Season
  • If your approved request is not able to be completed for any reason (e.g. supply, resources, weather) it will be placed as priority for the next planting season. Please note that this will mean a wait beyond the minimum 15 months.
  • Please note trees are only planted during May to August to maximise chance of survival.
  • If you believe your approved tree has been missed, please wait until after 30 August to follow up, as planting may still be underway.

Apply for a Street Tree

You can apply for a street tree online by clicking the button below.

Apply for a street tree

Useful Documents

Recommended Urban Trees: Indigenous and Exotic

Shire Trees Council Policy

Street Tree Information Brochure

Urban and Rural Verge Council Policy

Urban and Rural Verge Guidelines