ArbWest Position Statement — Support for Tree Canopy Retention

ArbWest strongly supports the intent and direction of the Urban Greening Strategy for Whadjuk (Perth) and Bindjareb (Peel) and welcomes its clear acknowledgement that trees and green infrastructure are essential community assets rather than optional amenities .

As the peak professional arboricultural association in Western Australia, ArbWest’s long-standing advocacy position is that retention of existing tree canopy must be the starting point for any credible urban greening or development framework, particularly on State and local government land where public benefit, leadership and accountability are paramount.

We endorse the strategy’s recognition that retaining existing vegetation is the most efficient, cost-effective and impactful form of urban greening. However, ArbWest considers there is a risk that, without stronger policy weight and enforcement mechanisms, the stated aspiration to “retain where possible” may be undermined by competing development pressures. In practice, tree retention is still too often treated as negotiable late in the planning process, rather than as a primary design constraint established early and informed by arboricultural expertise. This creates a disconnect between policy intent and on-ground outcomes.

While ArbWest acknowledges the genuine need for sustainable development, increased housing supply and infrastructure delivery, we do not support development pathways that achieve these outcomes at the expense of mature trees that cannot be readily replaced within meaningful timeframes. Canopy loss followed by small-scale replanting does not deliver equivalent cooling, ecological or social benefits, particularly in the context of accelerating urban heat and declining biodiversity. The strategy’s 30% canopy target is commendable, but ArbWest cautions that a focus on future targets must not mask ongoing incremental losses of established canopy, especially on infill and public land projects.

We also note potential tension between water-wise objectives and long-term canopy outcomes. ArbWest supports efficient water use and appropriate species selection, but cautions against interpretations that inadvertently discourage the retention or establishment of large-canopy trees. Mature trees, once established, often provide a net environmental benefit that outweighs their water inputs, particularly when compared to hardscape alternatives that exacerbate heat and runoff.

ArbWest’s position is clear: stronger, enforceable tree protection measures are required across State and local government land, supported by consistent application of arboricultural standards, qualified advice, and transparent decision-making. Sustainable development and tree protection are not mutually exclusive; when properly integrated, they deliver more resilient, liveable and economically sound communities. ArbWest remains committed to working with government, industry and the community to ensure urban greening outcomes are achieved through retention first, planting second, and long-term stewardship always.

See the Urban Greening Strategy Here.