Tree Species Selection
When considering what tree to plant it’s important to select “the right tree for the right
location”.
A number of environmental, functional and aesthetic/design requirements should be
considered when selecting your tree.
Climate
For trees to establish and grow successfully they need to be able to tolerate the local
temperature and climatic conditions.
Sydney is part of the subtropical east coast generally experiencing a warm, wet summer
and autumn and cool, drier winter and spring. The mean maximum daily temperature is
250C between December and March and the mean daily minimum is <100C between
June and August.
Winds are predominantly north easterly in summer and southerly in winter with strong
westerly winds during late winter and spring.
Geology and Soils
The underlying geology and soil provides nutrients and water as well physical support for
the tree.
The western area of the City of Sydney, including Chippendale, St Peters, Erskineville,
Newtown and parts of Glebe, is located on Wianamatta shales which produce heavy
clay soils of moderate fertility and higher water-holding capacity.
Pyrmont and Ultimo and the eastern side of the City including Woolloomooloo,
Darlinghurst and Surry Hills are located on Hawkesbury Sandstone which produces
sandy, shallow and low nutrient soils.
The southern area from Moore Park to Rosebery is covered in dune sand blown inland
from the coast. These soils produce infertile but typically deep and well drained sandy
profiles.
Deciduous or Evergreen
Species should be selected that will provide the desired level of solar access. Deciduous
trees provide seasonal change/colour, maximising summer shade and winter warmth
and light. They are generally considered more tolerant to pollution than evergreen
species. Evergreen species provide year round screening, greenery and shelter from
winds.
Native or Exotic
Both natives and exotics have their strengths and weaknesses; both provide shelter,
food and habitat resources for a range of fauna.
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An important advantage of exotic deciduous trees is that they have hundreds of years of
selective breeding which has led to greater tolerance of root damage, canopy pruning
and the impacts of pollution.
Native trees provide wild life corridors between open spaces or other vegetated areas,
assisting in the movement of native fauna species. They are often (not always) drought
resistant and reinforce an “Australian” sense of place.
Size
The ultimate size of the tree is a critical selection criteria. Very large trees in confined
spaces can cause significant problems and management costs. Alternatively, small
growing trees do not necessarily contribute to visual quality or canopy coverage.
It’s important to consider the site constraints, such as overhead powerlines and
underground services, building alignments and vehicle clearances and to consider how
you want to use this area of your site.
Leaf and Fruit Drop
All trees, including evergreens, drop leaves. Some species have fleshy fruits, leaves or
flowers that become slippery on the ground when decomposing.