Street Tree Planting

The City of Ryde is committed to increasing tree canopy cover as part of the NSW Government’s 5 Million Trees for Greater Sydney Program, which aims to expand Greater Sydney’s tree canopy to 40% by 2030.

Our Street Tree Planting Program focuses on planting entire streets, avenues, or roads identified as high priority due to community interest and/or their importance as habitat corridors.

How Council Manages Public Trees

Council manages its trees under the guidance of two key strategies:

Each year, using a priority matrix from these strategies, a number of streets across Ryde are selected for new plantings within the road reserve or nature strip.

Selecting the Right Tree Species

Council’s qualified horticultural staff carefully assess and select the most suitable tree species for each location. Before planting, we undertake:

A site inspection to check space availability and underground/overhead services
A Dial Before You Dig search to minimise service conflicts
Sourcing trees only from reputable nurseries that comply with Australian Standard AS2303:2015 – Tree Stock for Landscape Use

For consistency, quality and long-term success, residents are asked not to plant trees directly on Council road reserves.

Benefits of Street Trees

Street trees are a vital part of creating a greener, healthier city. They help to:

Make streets more attractive and welcoming
Provide shade, reduce glare and cool the urban environment
Reduce stormwater runoff
Improve local air quality
Enhance property values

Request a Free Street Tree

Residents can request a street tree for the road reserve directly in front of their property. Requests can be made online or by contacting Council’s Customer Service Centre on (02) 9952 8222.

Caring for Your Street Tree

While Council maintains all street trees, residents can play an important role in helping new plantings establish by:

Watering young trees regularly, especially during dry periods
Maintaining a clear mulch circle around the base of the tree
Protecting trees from mower and whipper-snipper damage

For further guidance, visit our Tree Selection and Establishment page.