As National Tree Day approaches on 26 July, Council’s Tree team is out planting new trees across the city as it works toward completing the 2026 planting season.
Council’s tree planting programs are guided by Council’s Urban Tree Strategy, endorsed in 2022, which sets a long-term target to achieve 20 per cent canopy cover by 2045 and 60,000 new trees planted across the next 25 years.
City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty said the city was established as a garden city with wide linear reserves and creek lines for residents to enjoy, making tree planting an important part of maintaining open spaces for future generations.
“Tree planting is a practical way Council is helping to shape a healthier and more liveable city for residents,” Mayor Docherty said.
“In planning the future of our city, we aspire to help build an environment that supports healthy outdoor activity, while suburbs with leafy green streets are also preferred by residents when choosing where to live and work,” he said.
“Trees provide shade, help cool streets, support biodiversity and improve the look and feel of suburbs across Playford. Our trees are important natural assets that have intrinsic and financial value to our community.”
This year’s planting program includes:
• 534 street trees in Munno Para West
• 273 customer request and replacement trees across multiple suburbs in Playford
• 1500 amenity trees in windbreaks, local parks and minor parks opposite housing
• 350 linear corridor trees, focused mainly along the Smith Creek biodiversity corridor and shared-use walking trail in Craigmore.
Tree planting will take place across many suburbs including Elizabeth Vale, Elizabeth Grove, Elizabeth East, Elizabeth Downs, Hillbank, Craigmore and Blakeview.
With more than 200 customer requests for trees received this year, recent planting has taken place across Munno Para, Davoren Park, Smithfield, Elizabeth Park and Munno Para West.
Trees are planted across the city during the cooler months, generally from late May to August, when rainfall helps soften the soil and creates better conditions for young trees to establish.
Mayor Docherty also said the community has an important role to play in helping new trees to thrive after planting.
“A little care, especially during dry periods, can help young trees establish and grow into lasting assets for future generations,” Mayor Docherty said.
