Street Trees
Photo courtesy of Geraldton Tree Canopy Advocates
Street trees (or verge trees) are an important feature of the urban landscape. Trees not only shade and cool urban areas, they also provide protection from Geraldton’s strong winds, creating more people friendly spaces.
Increased tree canopy cover has a broad range of environmental, social and economic benefits. These include:
- Reducing the urban heat island effect (heat reflected from hard surfaces that heat surrounding area). Well placed street trees can reduce surrounding area temperature by up to 10 degrees.
- Supporting biodiversity by providing habitat, safe refuge and a food source for native animals.
- Providing shade to properties and people, including pedestrians.
- Improving air quality and absorbing carbon emissions.
- Attractive, well planned, tree-lined streets can increase property values by up to 30%.
The City recognises the benefits of street trees and increased canopy, therefore have been planting street trees over many years. Residents are able to request a free street tree, planted by th