In the City of Stirling most tree removals are coming from privately owned residential and commercial land, because of infill and redevelopment.
If we continue to allow trees to be removed from our suburbs they will get hotter and hotter, regardless of climate change. Shade trees keep urban temperatures lower.
Heat-related deaths exceed the road toll in WA, this is a serious public health issue.
Air-conditioning will not save us, productivity decreases sharply in very hot weather as people stay home to try and stay cool. If Perth is to be a prosperous city it must be liveable.
As temperatures rise and the public become more aware about the importance of shade trees for urban cooling, properties with trees will become more highly valued.
Below are examples of houses and developments where existing trees have been retained. The results speak for themselves.
We need to change the way we approach developments, the old clear first and think later (Tabula Rasa) approach can’t go on.
1.Have the trees checked by a professional arboricultural consultant. If they aren’t worth saving, find another lot or get them to advise where future trees could go so you can leave room for them and what species they would recommend those locations.
2. Find architects and builders who understands that trees are important and are willing to work around them.
3. Make sure the architects and builders strictly follow the Australian Standards – Protection of Trees on Development Sites
Click on the images to find out more;