Why do trees matter? It’s a simple question with infinite answers and the Treebate team discovered a range of touching and personal ones when we asked Western Australians at recent events.
At the WA Tree Festival and the Perth Garden Show, people of all ages and backgrounds stopped by to reflect on the role of trees in their lives.
From practical benefits to deeply emotional connections, their responses revealed how trees shape our communities, environment and wellbeing.
Nature Policy and Strategy Senior Manager Julie Rutherford-Cantem said the events showed a strong awareness of the Treebate offer of a $150 cash back for people who plant a native tree in their yard, although some were yet to make a claim.
“Many people we spoke to had already heard about Treebate and the nursery industry continues to be a strong advocate, actively promoting the program to customers,” she said.
“We engaged with people who were extremely knowledgeable through to new residents to Perth, with limited awareness of native trees.
“It reminded me how lucky we are in Western Australia to have amazing parklands, especially compared with cities around the world where green space is scarce and people may not have the same connection to its benefits or chance to contribute.”
Visitors, including Minister for the Environment Matthew Swinbourn, joined an interactive activity, completing the prompt “Why trees matter to me” on paper leaves and added them to a large tree display.
The result was a vibrant, visual reminder of the many ways tree enrich our lives, from providing shade and cooling our neighbourhoods to creating spaces for play, culture and connection.
Here are some of our favourite reflections – as written by our visitors of all ages:
- They are links to the past, present and future
- A cool breath of green amid the city’s relentless pulse. Calm in the crush
- Thay hellp us breth
- They keep my home cool. Remind me of holidays. I love hearing the birds in them.
- The faeries live there
- Shade! I love the drop in temperature walking down a tree-lined street
- They are so special, some are only found here!
- Na chra is col (nature is cool)
- Planting a tree is a sign of hope for the future
- For maintaining our atmosphere and keeping us alive
- To climb it
Whether it’s shade on a hot day, a place for wildlife or a symbol of hope, one thing is clear: trees matter – and their impact is strongly felt across the community.
For more information on the WA cashback offer for planting native trees go to Treebate .
