Verges and Street Trees
Find out about verges and street trees including our verge herbicide program, the free verge plant program, the street tree program and how to 'keep it local' with local plant species.
Verge Herbicide and Planting Program
We provide free verge herbicide (glyphosate biactive) to assist with managing weeds on residential verges. If you're not keen on herbicides, you can contact us for advice on alternative methods of weed control.
Application Form for Verge Herbicide
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
Program schedule
Our Street Tree Program is delivered in stages across each financial year, with the application stage open from 1 July - 31 March.
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Application Period
1 July - 31 March
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Applications may be submitted year round. However, any received after 31 March will fall into the following financial year.
Due to budget restraints, only a set number of trees can be planted in one year. Requests will be processed in order of when they are received.
All applications are recorded on the relevant financial year register. |
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Site Inspection and Tree Selection
1 April - 31 May
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Inspections are carried out by Shire staff periodically throughout the year, or through April and May.
If approved, a suitable tree species will be selected for your verge (based on availability and Street Tree Master Plans). This informs the final financial year planting plan.
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Trees Ordered and Allocated
By 30 June
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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 Street Tree Policy.
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Tree Planting Season
June to September
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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 next year’s season.
Please note trees are only planted in June to September to maximise chance of survival. |
Apply for a Street Tree
Free Verge Plant Program now open! (21 May 2023)
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.
The Free Verge Plant Program operates annually in partnership between Landcare SJ, the Roadside Care Volunteers, and the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
The program is advertised here and on the Shire Facebook page each year when the program opens for registrations.
Residents can receive plants up to four times (conditions apply).
Residents are encouraged to plant native species in their gardens which increases connectivity for native birds and and animals throughout the Shire.
Apply for FREE verge plants today!
Simply click here and fill out the form.
Keeping It Local
We encourage the use of plants native to the Swan Coastal Plain wherever possible. These plants are hardy, waterwise, and in some instances even fire-resistant.
Useful Documents
Keeping It Local - Native Species List
Local Low Flammability Native Species
Recommended Urban Trees: Indigenous and Exotic