Urban Forest

Trees provide environmental benefits by supporting flora and fauna, addressing the impact of climate change, adding character to our streetscapes and increasing property values. Trees are an important element of the rich cultural heritage of Unley and a considerable asset to the community. The estimated economic value of street trees in Unley is $150 million.

The City of Unley commits significant resources to ensure our City has the best possible streetscapes and reserves, and we encourage our community to play an important role For further information, view Council’s Tree Strategy and Tree Policy which aim to ensure these important assets are protected and enhanced for current and future generations.

Our City currently has approximately 26,000 Council owned trees, of which 22,426 are street trees.

The City’s streetscape is supported by numerous natural space and open space trees. While Unley is restricted to 3% open space, many large remnant trees remain to support a diverse urban forest. The City of Unley is committed to managing and enhancing these significant parcels of remnant vegetation.

Trees are not permanent fixtures though. There comes a time in their life cycle when trees decline to a stage where they must be removed or when disease or damage means that replacement is the most responsible long-term approach.

In our urban environment, the removal of trees is sometimes necessary for property development or the installation of infrastructure.

To lodge an application for the removal of a street tree, please complete a Street Tree Removal Form.
 

Increasing Canopy cover is one of the best ways that councils and communities can create cooler more liveable places for comfort and amenity in a changing climate. Every living tree acts like an evaporative air conditioner and provides shade to cool our urban environment. The urban forest measured as a canopy cover percentage of the total land area, is recognised as a primary component of the urban ecosystem.
The 202020 Vision is a collaborative project to increase canopy cover in urban environments around Australia by 20%.

The City of Unley is partnering in the Resilient East Climate Adaptation Project on priority actions to support communities in adapting to climate change. Resilient East has established a Mission and Strategy that is helping to guide councils towards increasing canopy cover by 20% (proportional increase) by 2045 compared with 2013 levels, or for those councils which already have 30% canopy cover, to maintain current levels as a minimum.

Canopy trees need room to grow and the competition for physical space to grow mature trees is rapidly increasing with urban consolidation. It is important that councils, developers and landholders collaborate on preserving existing canopy cover where possible and incorporating new tree canopy in our streets and public space, in developments and re-developments.

While vegetation forms a key part of our urban landscape, there are risks associated with trees and their proximity to powerlines.

Although Council manages the urban forest, it is not responsible for the clearance of vegetation from powerlines nor does it have the expertise to deliver this role.

SA Power Networks is required by legislation to inspect and clear vegetation from around powerlines at regular intervals of no more than three years.

For detailed information on vegetation clearance near powerlines visit the SA Government website.

Trees on or adjacent to your property may be protected by legislation, which will require appropriate approvals and protection during your development project. You should seek advice from a qualified arborist to determine the legal status of the tree/s, and to assess the possible impact your proposed development activities may have on such tree/s.