Media responses - tree target costs

Published on 20 April 2026

Enquiries - The Advertiser

Enquiry one: According to the agenda, council is aiming to plant 100,000 trees by 2037, at an estimated cost of around $60 million.

• Can council provide figures on how much it has spent achieving this target to date?
• How much has the council currently budgeted to spend on this initiative in the future? 
• Are these expenses an appropriate use of ratepayer money in a cost-of-living crisis?

Enquiry 2: Under council’s new canopy target, council would need to plant around 80,000 by 2027. At the estimated $530 per tree, that’s $42.4 million. A further 40,000 trees by 2055 would require another $21 million spent on trees.

• Is this correct?
• Where is the financial analysis for this decision? Why isn’t the cost of the target reflected in the March agenda or other council documents?
• How will council fund the increase in the canopy three target? Will council increase rates to fund this?
• What is the retention rate -the acceptable death rate of trees?
• Where will the trees be planted?
• Is council obligated to meet these targets as a result of government legislation or just a guideline?

Responses

Comments attributed to Mayor Moira Were

Council recently approved revised tree canopy targets that align with the state government’s, and an increase to our tree planting target – from 100,000 to 150,000 trees on council land by 2037. We’ve already planted more than 70,000 trees toward this target over the past 9 years, and we’re now exploring options for planting additional trees on council land to meet the increased 2037 target.

This planting program could include a mix of street trees, grant-funded projects, reserve tubestock (i.e. seedling) plantings, and more. The cost to meet this target will vary depending on the mix we settle on. The cost of a tree planting program can also vary due to major variations in per-tree costs depending on the tree type, where they’re planted, and what’s invested into their establishment.

We currently produce trees in our nursery for about $45 and purchase some trees for about $77 wholesale (which might cost $190–220 if you were to purchase it at a garden store chain, depending on the species). Overall, the cost to grow, plant and maintain a street tree for the first 3 years currently averages around $530 per tree, which includes things such as the purchase or cultivation of the tree from seed, site assessment and community consultation, planting, stakes and water bowl, ongoing watering, compost, mulch, fertilisers, formative pruning and maintenance. This investment helps ensure the trees are well established and given the best possible chance to thrive into the future.

Seedlings/tubestock used in reserve planting are significantly cheaper due to their younger age, and they require fewer resources to establish because of their more suitable growing conditions.

Future costs for the revised targets will be considered through our annual business plan and budget processes, however at this stage it’s unlikely additional costs will be applied to the draft Annual Business Plan and Budget 2026–27, which is currently out for engagement.

Our community has consistently told us how much they value greening and trees, including through our 2024 Tree Survey, and our annual community surveys (2021–25).

Investment in trees is an investment in the wellbeing of our communities, given they make our suburbs more liveable, healthier and cooler – providing resilience against urban heat – while also benefiting biodiversity, air and water quality.

Under council’s new canopy target, council would need to plant around 80,000 by 2027. At the estimated $530 per tree, that’s $42.4 million. A further 40,000 trees by 2055 would require another $21 million spent on trees. Is this correct?

No, this is incorrect. Costs for planting programs depend on the mix, size and location of trees planted (i.e. street trees, tube stock), investment in their initial establishment, and other factors such as grant funding and partnership opportunities.

Where is the financial analysis for this decision? Why isn’t the cost of the target reflected in the March agenda or other council documents?  How will council fund the increase in the canopy three target? Will council increase rates to fund this?

The decision to increase the tree planting target from 100,000 trees by 2037 to 150,000 trees by 2037 was made by elected members at the 17 March Council meeting as an amendment to the original recommendation in the Council report.

Costings and opportunities to increase the tree planting target to 150,000 trees by 2037 are being developed by council staff.  This information will then be presented to Council for consideration and direction. Council will not be increasing rates in 26–27 to fund this.

What is the retention rate – the acceptable death rate of trees?

A recent audit of street tree planting in Aldinga identified a survival rate of 89 per cent. Survival rates are influenced by seasonal conditions, site constraints and vandalism.

Where will the trees be planted?

On suitable council-owned or managed land. Exact locations are planned on an annual basis.

Is council obligated to meet these targets as a result of government legislation or just a guideline?

Council has endorsed meeting the tree planting target as part of a broader suite of canopy measures that align with the state government canopy target under the Greater Adelaide Regional Plan.

ENDS