Trees

This page provides information and resources on protecting trees, tree management and how to apply for a free street tree to help create a greener, healthier and more connected environment for future generations.

Trees offer many benefits; not just shade on a hot day. Trees individually and collectively benefit our community and the natural environment by:

• providing food and shelter to a range of birds, animals and insects
• filtering the air, improving air quality
• buffering urban noise
• improving visual aesthetics
• moderating extremes of temperatures
• assisting in energy conservation
• enhancing property prices
• increasing personal wellbeing and quality of life.

Understandably trees do provide some challenges trying to compete for the ever decreasing space in the urban environment, however we encourage the community to embrace trees as the benefits greatly out way the inconveniences that they present.

Tree management - City reserves and streetscapes

We are responsible for the planting, maintaining and removal of trees within the City’s reserves and streetscapes.

In an urban environment trees, from time to time, can have some potential impacts such as:

• debris from leaves, flowers, fruit, or bark dropping on roofs, gutters, paths, garden beds or lawns
• potential damage to infrastructure either from encroaching roots or branches
• shading of lawns, shrubs and solar panels.

Overall the benefits from trees are considered significantly higher than the potential impacts and for this reason, we follow strict guidelines regarding the management of trees. When requests are received to remove or prune trees the principle is that alternative options will be explored before removing or pruning trees.

If you consider that a tree poses a hazard due to it being dead, diseased or unsafe it can be reported and a City officer will inspect and make assessment. To request a tree inspection or report an issue make and enquiry via our online form. Alternatively please call 9528 0333.

Street tree requests

Would you like a street tree planted on your verge? Please let us know as we would love to plant more trees within the City’s street verges.

We undertake public request tree planting each winter with requests now open for the 2026 planting program. 

On receiving your application, a City officer will assess the suitability of your tree request and determine the most appropriate tree species for the location, taking into account factors such as soil type, verge width, existing above and below ground infrastructure and verge treatments. You will be notified within eight weeks if your request has been approved along with the species of tree selected to be planted.

The City prioritises the use of Western Australian and Australian native trees, however an exotic species may be selected if the site conditions are unsuitable for a native species. 

Approved applicants will receive the tree(s) supplied and planted at no cost. However, we ask that you assist with post-planting care and watering until the tree is fully established.

Applications for the 2026 planting program close on 31 March 2026 with planting to commence in June 2026. Please contact the City on 9528 0333 if you would like any further information.

Apply for a street tree

The Strategy provides a framework for protecting and expanding Rockingham’s  urban forest through greening in public open space and streetscapes, building on the City's Greening Plan 2017.

It is guided by four key elements:

1. Protect the existing urban forest and apply a valuation framework.
2. Expand the urban forest and increase tree canopy cover with an integrated approach.
3. Proactively manage the City’s tree assets, monitor changes to canopy cover and apply best-practice maintenance principles.
4. Drive change through collaboration with community and incentivise tree planting and protection.