Seedlings, plantings and street trees

By applying to the program, you will take ownership of a tree by watering and caring for it during the establishment stage.

After you apply, our arborists assess the location of each requested site to evaluate any suitable areas for planting. If there’s an area deemed suitable at the location, we will decide the best species to be planted based on trees that are already nearby, what will grow best in the area and what trees are available at the time. Unfortunately, not all applicants are guaranteed a tree.

Local planting events

Council hosts Community Planting Days in Autumn and Spring each year, bringing the community together to plant trees and include a compost and seedling giveaway. By attending these days, you also have the opportunity to ask our environmental experts questions about biodiversity.

Upcoming events

• Bolwarra Heights Public Nature Reserve
  Sunday 21 May, 9.00am
• Flying Fox community planting - Beryl Humble Reserve, Tenambit (next to the BMX Track)
  Sunday 28 May, 9.00am

Our Recreation and Environment teams are working together to include community ideas in the plans to improve the local sporting complex, such as adding native trees and revegetation of land surrounding the project.

As a part of preparing the Environmental Sustainability Strategy, we will continue to engage with the community regarding the greening of local spaces throughout Maitland.

Bushland reserves

Council successfully received grant funding from the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program to investigate new environmental spaces that will benefit the community.

Dunmore Road in Largs and Weblands Street Reserve in Aberglasslyn were both identified to turn into spaces that incorporate habitat preservation for native wildlife, and recreational opportunities for local residents to connect with nature.

Dunmore Road Reserve vegetation

The vegetation covers approximately 5.5 hectares of remnant bushland with a canopy layer composed of scattered old trees but dominated by younger regrowth of Forest Red Gums. Some of the remnant trees are over 100 years old and possess numerous hollows that provide important nesting sites for numerous species of native fauna.

Weblands Street Reserve vegetation

The vegetation covers approximately 20 hectares of remnant bushland with a mostly intact canopy layer composed of Spotted Gums and Ironbarks. Some of these trees are upward of 100 years old and possess numerous hollows that provide important nesting sites for many species of native fauna.
An ephemeral creek runs through the centre of the site which provides suitable habitat for some amphibian species. This creek runs eastward along Denton Park Drive before draining into the local wetland.

Bushland improvements

Community consultation revealed that the lack of formed tracks, weed invasion and illegal access vehicles represent major issues.

As a result, the grant funding has been spent on priority works, including:

• The establishment of formal walking tracks
• Fencing in strategic areas to limit vehicular access to the reserves
• Weed control to improve the health of the vegetation
• Building picnic tables and seating
• Installation of educational/interpretative signage relating to the indigenous and European heritage as well as the ecology of the sites
• Continued partnership with Hunter Regional Landcare Network
• Wildlife nesting boxes.