City of Maroondah tree canopy standards aim to retain and grow urban forest

The City of Maroondah, located in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, has adopted Maroondah Minimum Standards for Canopy Tree Provision (2020) document to serve as an important reference guide for Council, landowners, developers and the community for managing and supporting the retention and growth of Maroondah’s urban forest.

An eastern suburb of Melbourne, Maroondah is made up of a diversity of trees of varying age and species that contribute to and define the city’s leafy green character.

With an increased density in urban development and the impacts of climate change, the need to preserve the health and sustainability of the tree canopy is becoming increasingly important. To achieve this, it is critical to provide conditions necessary for these trees to be able to establish, grow and live a long, healthy life.

Backed by expert analysis and research, Maroondah’s Minimum Standards for Canopy Tree Provision document provides clear guidelines for managing the provision of new trees whilst planning for future vegetation that responds to the impacts of climate change, new development and that contributes to our biodiversity and liveability.

Mayor of Maroondah Rob Steane, said the document will help future-proof Maroondah’s canopy tree cover levels and shared “The minimum standards provide guidance to help ensure new canopy trees can be given the best opportunity to grow and reach maturity in a healthy condition. This will help ensure we can maintain and protect Maroondah’s renowned and much-loved leafy green character in the years to come.

“Along with contributing to Maroondah’s leafy greenness, canopy trees can provide habitat for wildlife and biodiversity, protect the health of our soils, provide shelter and shade, moderate wind and absorb pollutants, reduce noise and dust levels, and support the sustainability of our environment and community, so it’s important to ensure they remain part of our environment in the future.”

View the Maroondah Minimum Standards for Canopy Tree Provision (2020) document.