Protecting urban trees: new research reveals how governments can better support landowners and communities
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Urban trees provide enormous benefits, from cooling our neighbourhoods and supporting biodiversity to improving liveability and wellbeing. But protecting trees on private land can be challenging.
New research led by CEEP’s PhD candidate, Emma Scaife, explores the experiences of Australian landowners who have protected trees on their properties, providing valuable insights into how governments and communities can work together to retain important urban trees.
Published in Landscape and Urban Planning (see paper), Emma’s research examined the experiences of 19 landowners to better understand what works, what challenges remain, and how tree protection policies could be improved.
Landowners value their trees but need support
A key finding from the research was that many landowners take great pride in caring for their protected trees. Rather than seeing their trees as a burden, participants often described them as important parts of their homes, neighbourhoods and local ecosystems.
Many spoke about their trees providing habitat for wildlife, creating shade and cooling, adding beauty to their streets, and connecting people within their communities. One participant described their tree as a “haven for birds” and a source of connection, while others saw themselves as temporary custodians of something that would benefit the community for generations.
However, caring for large, protected trees can also come with challenges. Landowners highlighted the cost of maintenance, the need for specialist arborist advice, concerns about falling branches, and uncertainty about their responsibilities under tree protection policies.
Finding approaches that support both tree retention and community support
Tree protection policies often involve a difficult balancing act. They must protect trees that provide community-wide benefits while recognising the rights and responsibilities of individual landowners. Emma’s research findings suggest that effective tree protection requires more than regulation alone. Supporting landowners through practical assistance, information and recognition can help build long-term community support.
Participants identified several ways governments could strengthen tree protection outcomes, including:
Providing maintenance support
Financial assistance, such as contributions towards maintenance costs or other forms of practical support, could help address the burden placed on landowners caring for significant trees.
Improving access to expert advice
Many landowners valued arborist advice to better understand tree health and address concerns about safety, particularly around limb drop.
Increasing community education and communication
Participants highlighted the need for clearer information about tree protection requirements, responsibilities and the benefits of urban trees.
Recognising the role of tree custodians
Simple forms of recognition and appreciation can reinforce the value of landowners’ contributions to creating greener, healthier communities.
Building stronger partnerships for greener cities
As cities continue to grow and urban canopy becomes increasingly important for climate resilience, biodiversity and liveability, retaining trees on private land will remain a key challenge. Emma’s research provides important insights for local governments, planners and community organisations looking to design tree protection approaches that are effective, practical and supported by the people who live alongside these trees.
The research also highlights that protecting urban trees is not just about policies and regulations — it is about building partnerships between governments, communities and landowners to care for the natural assets that make our cities better places to live.
Read the paper to learn more about the research, including opportunities for improving policy and practice:
Contact Us
Emma Scaife: emma.scaife@research.uwa.edu.au
Ram Pandit: ram.pandit@uwa.edu.au
Recommended Resources
Scaife, E. (2026). How can urban tree protection policies be more effective? Exploring landowners’ experience of a tree protection mechanism on private land. Landscape and Urban Planning 274 (2026) 105697
Scaife, E. J. (2025). Urban Tree Protection on Private Land: A Review of Regulatory Mechanisms in Australia. Springer Nature.
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