Leaf it to us: new street trees planted

This initiative is part of Sunshine Coast Council’s ongoing effort to nurture and enhance the region’s urban environment.

Why street trees matter

Street trees do much more than provide shade. They play a crucial role in cooling urban areas, improving the aesthetic appeal of our streets and contribute to the overall health and quality of life on the Sunshine Coast.

Our region is already one of the greenest local government areas in Queensland, with 57 per cent of land featuring trees, and a proactive master plan in place to increase that coverage even further.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 6 Councillor Christian Dickson said the addition of the new street trees in Sippy Downs enhanced the beauty of the neighbourhood, and provided significant environmental benefits.

“The new street trees on Springhill Drive are a fantastic addition to our community, adding character to the street and providing essential food and shelter for native wildlife,” Cr Dickson said.

“Planting trees in urban areas is vital for reducing heat risks and keeping built-up areas cool. Street trees absorb and store carbon, release oxygen and play a key role in reducing stormwater load.”

Unique biodiversity

Recent planting on Springhill Drive involved carefully identifying where trees were most needed and which species would be planted to create a vibrant and diverse network of trees to suit the area.

The species planted include:

• 28 Elaeocarpus obovatus (hard quandong)
• 12 Waterhousea floribunda (weeping lilly-pilly)
• 3 Syncarpia glomifera (turpentine)
• 1 Brachychiton acerifolious (flame tree)

The hard quandongs form an attractive avenue along the western side of the street, providing excellent shade and supporting local wildlife. The weeping lilly-pillies enhance the continuity of the canopy. The turpentines and flame trees serve as nodal feature plantings, adding unique character and visual interest to the area.

Image: Council Officer caring for street trees in Pelican Waters

Interested in adopting a street tree in your area?

Council is looking for tree custodians to partner with us to care for young street trees. If you would like to see more trees planted in your street or nearby location and can help care for these trees while they establish. We want to hear from you!

Submit a request to Council via [email protected].

Council will assess the area, select a suitable species and plant the tree. As a tree custodian, you will help establish and care for your new street tree.

Learn more about how you can care for street trees along with Council’s street tree maintenance plan.