FAQs

Council will plant trees in urban areas on Council-managed land. 

• Our urban areas include parts of Bonnie Doon, Goughs Bay, Jamieson, Mansfield, Merrijig and Merton. These are the areas highlighted in blue on the Urban Tree Planting Ideas - Location Map
• Council-managed land includes roadsides and nature strips, parks and reserves, and public open spaces.

We focus on areas where trees will provide the most benefit in terms of shade, cooling, biodiversity, and visual amenity.

Urban areas have less greenery and more hard surfaces, which makes them hotter and reduces air quality. Planting trees helps cool these spaces, improve the air, and support public health — especially in densely populated areas.

Council assesses all locations suggested by the community based on:

• Space availability — ensuring that there is enough space for the growth of a tree. 
• Environmental and safety factors — evaluating soil health, underground services, power lines, visibility, and overall suitability.
• Community feedback — incorporating existing or previous customer requests and community feedback.

When selecting locations, we are limited to the number of trees that can be planted within the planting season (May - September). To make the most impact, Council prioritises the most suitable and high-value locations first, based on the assessment criteria above.

Suggestions that are not selected for planting in the current year will remain under consideration for future planting seasons, as resources and tree stock become available.

Certain tree species — both native and exotic — are better suited to urban environments due to their size, resilience, and adaptability.

Our Parks and Gardens Supervisor, in consultation with the Arborist and Environment Officer, selects species based on current research and practical experience with trees suited to the Shire’s conditions.

You can view the types of trees planned for next year in the Urban Tree Planting - Species List - 2026.

Council's Parks & Gardens team gives special care to newly planted trees during their establishment period (2-3 years), including watering, mulching, and formative pruning. After that, we continue to maintain them in accordance with our Tree Management Plan.

If you are having difficulty using the map tool, you can share your idea with the Supervisor Parks & Gardens by emailing council@mansfield.vic.gov.au or calling 03 5775 8555.