The Right Tree in the Right Place: Why Are Urban Tree Targets in Australia Harder Than They Seem?

Urban trees are universally praised for their cooling effects, biodiversity benefits and contributions to human well-being. Yet, despite widespread enthusiasm about greener cities, tree-planting initiatives in Australia often encounter surprising resistance. Residents who advocate for more urban canopy might baulk when a tree is planted outside their own home because of concerns for fallen leaves, root damage, blocked views or losing a parking space. At a policy level, the challenge is even greater: ensuring trees are planted in the right locations, thrive in changing climates and do not create unforeseen economic or environmental trade-offs. In this article, I will discuss the challenges of achieving urban tree canopy targets, including the economic, environmental and social trade-offs that city planners must navigate.

JEL Classification: Q57, Q23, R52