How we care for Monash trees

Published on 16 March 2026

Trees are essential to what makes Monash a great place to live. 

They cool our neighbourhoods, improve air quality, make our streets more walkable and protect the garden character our community values.

Caring for our trees is a longterm commitment and investment for Council, and one of our most significant community service areas.

Why tree canopy matters

As our city grows and the climate changes, tree canopy plays an increasingly important role in keeping Monash liveable. Shaded streets and parks help reduce urban heat, improve comfort on hot days and support biodiversity by providing habitat for birds and wildlife. 

We have a longstanding goal to increase tree canopy across the municipality, recognising that today’s investment delivers benefits for decades to come. 

In 2024/25, we planted more than 140,000 trees and plants to grow Monash’s urban forest and increase tree canopy, and we’re working hard to do this again in 2026. This longterm investment helps reduce heat in our suburbs, supports biodiversity and ensures future generations benefit from leafy streets and green spaces.

Looking after trees across Monash

Council is responsible for managing trees in streets, parks, reserves, bushland areas and around community facilities. This work focuses on keeping trees healthy, safe and growing well, while balancing public safety and the protection of surrounding infrastructure. 

Tree services include:

• Inspecting and maintaining street and park trees.
• Pruning to support healthy growth and manage canopy structure.
• Clearing trees safely around powerlines, roads and buildings.
• Responding to storm damage and urgent safety issues.
• Managing tree roots where they impact paths, roads and drainage.
• Removing trees ONLY when necessary, such as when they are unsafe or beyond recovery. 

Proactive care to protect canopy 

Much of Council’s work is proactive — caring for trees before issues arise. Regular inspections and planned maintenance help trees live longer, reduce the risk of failure during storms and minimise the need for emergency works. 

This approach supports a healthier, more resilient urban forest and helps protect canopy cover across the city. 

Planting for the future 

Alongside maintenance, Council plants new trees every year in streets, parks and open spaces. Where trees must be removed, replacements are planted wherever possible to maintain and grow canopy over time. 

Diversity is also important. A mix of tree species helps protect against pests, disease and climate stress, ensuring Monash’s urban forest remains resilient into the future. 

Working with residents on local street planting

When Council is planning new tree planting in local streets, we engage with residents to help shape how their street looks – including providing options about what tree species they would like to see. This engagement supports strong community understanding of why trees matter and gives people input into how their local environment looks. 

A longterm investment in liveability 

Tree management is not just about individual trees, it’s about protecting a citywide canopy that supports health, wellbeing and liveability. 

Through careful maintenance, strategic planting and longterm planning, Council is working to ensure Monash remains a cool, green and leafy city for current and future generations. 

If you’re worried about a tree in a public space 

If you’re concerned about a tree in a park, reserve or other public space, for example if it appears damaged, unsafe or affected after a storm, let us know: Report a tree issue. 

Reports from the community help our team prioritise inspections and respond where needed. This helps ensure Monash’s public spaces remain safe, welcoming and well cared for.