Urban forests plan to cool cities
Faced with the prospect of rising global temperatures and higher density living, Perth councils are taking steps to protect their trees.
Some, such as the cities of Vincent and Bayswater, have set targets to increase their tree canopy.
Others, such as the cities of Perth, Armadale and Belmont, have commissioned urban forest strategies to guide future tree numbers, type and location.
Driving the green push is growing evidence to show the environmental and health benefits of trees. There are also concerns the trend towards infill development will exacerbate the disappearance of green space. But experts say councils should not be solely responsible for boosting WA's tree numbers and a broader mentality shift is needed.
Helen Brown, director of health, safety and environment at Curtin University's school of public health, said trees performed "critical services" when it came to human health and the environment.
"One of the roles trees perform in cities is to reduce temperatures," she said. "They basically take the heat out of the environment.
"Connected to that is that having a nice shady environment also encourages people to go outdoors. They basically encourage outdoor physical activity.
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Dr Brown said she was encouraged by local government's efforts but the onus should not be solely on them.
"It's also individuals that are making these decisions," she said.
"The efforts that are being made by local governments really across Perth are fantastic. I think that is absolutely critical but I think we can't be naive in thinking that the responsibility should be just left to local government."
She said WA could consider controls similar to those in the Eastern States, where there were tighter rules around when and where trees could be removed.
Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi said the city's proposed urban forest plan would set targets for increasing tree canopy in public areas, replacing ageing tree stock and protecting the city's existing trees and landscapes.
