Trees on streets are necessary to meet the targets within our Strategic Plan 2024-2028 and Integrated Climate Strategy 2030.

Street trees will help reach our priorities of a cool city with no urban heat island effect.

To respond to this strategic target, we are investigating city streets and laneways that have less than 5% canopy cover up to 30% canopy cover up. Moving forward we will also look to include tree planting opportunities within Streetscape projects and along our Main Roads.

During the design phase we will consider various factors, including:

• Locations of driveways
• Vehicle sightlines
• Underground services
• Traffic lane widths
• On-street parking

The final location of the trees will be subject to the location of existing services. The location of existing underground services will occur during the design process to ensure we can place these new trees.

This investigation will confirm locations for detailed designs moving forward.

What is council doing about climate change and the future liveability of our city?

Through the Integrated Climate Change Strategy, Strategic Plan 2024 -28 and Draft City Plan, City of Adelaide has set the following targets:

• 40% canopy cover by 2035
• 40% of street trees (5,143) have water sensitive urban design (WSUD) passive watering by 2030 and 60% by 2035

We will shade and cool areas where people move around and use the city, such as footpaths, outdoor dining, events, sports, main streets and retail destinations. Using our heating mapping we know where hot spots are located throughout the city and will target these areas for cooling. We will create cooler, greener streets by establishing a green grid for the city, connected by shaded pedestrian paths and active transport. Green corridors will connect the Adelaide Park Lands and Squares creating a continuous tree canopy that contributes to cooling, climate resilience, urban biodiversity and comfort to the users of the city.

Why are trees important?

Trees play a vital role in making our city cooler, greener, and more liveable – especially as we face hotter, drier summers due to climate change. They provide natural shade, improve air quality, support biodiversity, and reduce the urban heat island effect, making streets more comfortable and healthier for everyone. Beyond environmental benefits, trees also store carbon, filter stormwater, lower energy costs, and even reduce flood risks. They enhance kerb appeal, increase property value, offer privacy, and foster community connection. Recognising these wide-ranging benefits, the City of Adelaide is committed to increasing tree canopy cover to 40% by 2035. Through initiatives like passive watering systems and green corridors connecting Park Lands and Squares, Council is targeting known heat hotspots and creating a cooler, more connected city. Trees aren’t just part of the landscape – they’re critical infrastructure for a sustainable, climate-resilient future.

Why have you chosen this tree in my street?

Our selected species for this program has gone through a vast analysis. We consider the street aesthetics, existing overhead, and underground infrastructure to ensure the selected species will suit the current environment.

On each street, we consider trees that:

• Provide effective canopy cover to cool and shade the area
• Are suited to the site's microclimate and available sunlight
• Are resilient to hotter and drier climate conditions
• Have the right form and shape for the location—for example, ensuring they don’t obstruct traffic or infrastructure
• Complement existing species while adding diversity to the urban forest across the city

We must also select appropriate species near SA Water assets and choose from the approved species list from SA Power Networks if proposed to plant near power lines.

Will the planting of new trees create more footpath and road maintenance?

As part of the design process, the location of nearby assets and services are carefully considered. Root barriers will be installed where needed to prevent root intrusion. Many of the proposed tree locations will include underground structural tree cells. These provide a controlled growing environment beneath roads or footpaths, helping to protect surrounding infrastructure and support healthy tree growth

Regular cleansing programs and maintenance schedules are in place to keep the area clean throughout the year.

SA Power Networks undertakes an annual cycle of inspection and tree pruning in high bushfire risk areas. Within non-bushfire areas, SA Power Networks currently undertakes a three-year cycle of inspections and tree pruning. This work is undertaken in accordance with the Electricity Act 1996.

What is water sensitive urban design (WSUD) passive watering?

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is a set of principles that can be applied to sustainably manage water within urban areas and support healthy ecosystems. The natural water cycle in towns and cities has been disrupted by buildings, roads, and stormwater drainage pipes, which prevents rainfall from soaking into the ground and recharging local waterways and groundwater, instead the runoff is sent straight into the nearest creek. WSUD aims to slow the flow, prevent pollution and enable water to once again naturally support plants and trees.

The WSUD in these areas will allow for the water runoff to provide ongoing water supply to the trees.

Will the planting result in parking loss?

During the design phase of the project several elements have been considered to inform the positioning of street trees including locations of driveways, sightlines, underground services, traffic lane widths and on-street parking. Many of these constraints have legal requirements such as traffic lane widths and intersection sightlines which need to be adhered to and as such, the space in which trees can be planted is restricted.

We have aimed to strike a balance between minimising the impact on on-street parking spaces and maximising tree planting opportunities and believe that these proposals will result in multiple benefits for the street.

As a result of the new tree planting and greening, some car parking spaces may be affected.

Will there be an impact to Pedestrian or vehicle movement during construction?

City of Adelaide are focused on minimising any disruption to residents, businesses or public movement when undertaking construction works within the city. Stakeholders and residents will be notified prior to works commencing.

When will the works start?

As soon as consultation has been completed, we intend to get our designs out to the market for works to occur shortly after.

We have asked for feedback about planting additional trees on the following streets.

To view the proposed plans, click on the streets below.

• Allen Place, Adelaide
• Barton Terrace East, North Adelaide (O’Connell Street to Lefevre Terrace)
• Blyth Street, Adelaide
• Cardwell Street, Adelaide (Angas Street to Carrington Street)
• Cardwell Street, Adelaide (McLaren Street to Halifax Street)
• Devonshire Place, Adelaide (Tam-O-shanter Place to Pirie Street)
• Eliza Street, Adelaide
• Frederick Place, North Adelaide
• Frew Street, Adelaide
• Gawler Place, Adelaide (Flinders Street to Wakefield Street)
• James Street, Adelaide (Angus Street to dead end)
• 60 King William Street, Adelaide
• Logan Street, Adelaide
• Market Street, Adelaide
• Mill Street, Adelaide
• Mills Terrace, North Adelaide (Childers Street to Barton Terrace West)
• Myers Street, Adelaide
• Nelson Street, Adelaide
• Queen Street, Adelaide (Angas Street to Carrington Street)
• Queen Street, Adelaide (Carrington Street to Halifax Street)
• Royal Place, Adelaide
• Strangways Terrace, North Adelaide
• South Terrace, Adelaide (King William Street to Morphett Street)
• Wakefield Street, Adelaide
• Wilson Street, Adelaide (East Terrace to Tomsey Court)
• Worsnop Avenue, Adelaide (Frome Road to dead end)