Bunbury’s Iconic Tree Streets Renewed for the Next Century

Five-year program begins April with quick replacement ensuring streets stay green throughout transition

The City of Bunbury is kicking off the first stage of a comprehensive five-year renewal program for the iconic Tree Street area, with 18 trees replaced in year one.

The program will see aging Cape Lilac street trees systematically replaced with advanced nursery stock South West native species, with every tree removed replaced to maintain the continuous green canopy the area is renowned for.

The Tree Street area, widely regarded as one of Bunbury’s most cherished neighbourhoods, has been defined by its tree-lined streets for decades. Professional arborist assessments have identified that many Cape Lilacs in the area have reached the end of their viable lifespan, with significant structural decline, internal decay, and increasing safety risks.

Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the program reflected the City’s commitment to protecting what makes Bunbury special.

“If you’ve ever walked through the Tree Street area, you get the sense and know those streets are something special,” Mayor Miguel said.

These trees have served Bunbury beautifully for decades, but the arborist evidence is clear – many have reached end of life, and the safety risks are real.

“The question was never whether to act, but how to act well. This program ensures Tree Streets remains exactly what it’s always been – one of Bunbury’s most beautiful places.”

The program’s defining feature is its replacement approach. Every tree removed will be replaced with an advanced nursery stock native tree.

“This isn’t a removal program. It’s a renewal program,” Mayor Miguel said.

“Not a single street will be left bare. Healthy Cape Lilacs and other beautiful established trees throughout the area will remain. What residents and visitors will see is new trees growing alongside mature ones – the green character doesn’t disappear, it transitions.”

Two South West native species have been selected as replacements:

• WA Flowering Gum (Corymbia ficifolia) – A striking ornamental tree (6-15m) renowned for spectacular summer blooms in red, pink, and orange
• WA Weeping Peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) – A graceful evergreen (7-10m) with distinctive weeping form and white flowers

Both species are native to South West Western Australia, selected through rigorous expert assessment for climate resilience, infrastructure compatibility, wildlife habitat value, and expected lifespans exceeding 100 years.

Species selection was led by qualified arborists and horticulturalists. The Cape Lilacs currently being replaced were originally chosen primarily for their appearance without full assessment of long-term suitability. The City has deliberately taken a different approach this time, prioritising expert evaluation of climate resilience, root system compatibility, structural longevity, and soil suitability to ensure these trees genuinely thrive for the next century.

The City has undertaken targeted community engagement with Tree Street residents since January 2026 informing of the current context and approach forward, including direct letter notification to all households within the area, two community drop-in sessions attracting almost 50 residents, a dedicated project page with comprehensive FAQs and species information, and ongoing individual conversations with residents.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Karin Strachan said the engagement process revealed both support and understandable concern.

“We heard a deep attachment to the Tree Street character – these trees are part of people’s daily lives and hold real personal meaning,” Mrs Strachan said.

“We also heard strong acknowledgment that many Cape Lilacs are visibly aging and failing, and support for a planned approach rather than waiting for reactive emergency removals.

“Both perspectives are valid and both have shaped how we’re delivering this program.

“I also want to acknowledge that the people managing this program – our staff – are the same people who’ve cared for these trees for years. They’re not taking a single one down lightly.”

Staged Approach

The five-year program is staged based on individual arborist assessment of each tree’s condition:

All new trees will be planted as advanced nursery stock (2 to 3 metres tall) and will receive professional establishment care including watering and maintenance for a minimum of 12 to 18 months.

The Tree Streets program sits within the City’s broader commitment to Bunbury’s urban forest. In 2025, the City planted 618 new trees across Bunbury, with a further 584 planned for 2026, including Marri and Agonis trees in the Big Swamp area specifically to strengthen local possum and cockatoo habitat.

Bunbury’s tree canopy cover has increased from 13.7% to 16.8% based on comprehensive aerial vegetation mapping conducted in 2020 and 2025 using the same methodology.

“Bunbury’s tree canopy is growing, not shrinking, acknowledging we have a long way to go still but we’re committed to that,” Mayor Miguel said.

“We planted over 600 trees last year and we’ll plant almost 600 more this year. Tree Streets isn’t an exception to that commitment – it’s part of it.”

Background: Why Cape Lilacs Are Declining

Cape Lilac trees (Melia azedarach) were planted throughout the Tree Street area approximately 50-60 years ago. While valued for their shade and character, professional assessments have identified:

• Extensive internal decay extending through trunks and primary branches
• Structural weakness from historical pollarding practices
• 10 significant limb failures recorded in the area in the past 12 months
• Age-related deterioration consistent with the species reaching end of viable urban lifespan

The City has engaged certified arborists to individually assess every Cape Lilac in the area, with removal decisions based solely on professional condition ratings and risk assessment.

For more information, please visit the community project page.