Loss of tree canopy and gardens

Across Victoria’s new planning framework, a combination of higher-density zoning, reduced setbacks, and standardised building codes is significantly changing how much space remains available for trees and vegetation on residential land.

While tree planting is still encouraged in principle, the practical ability to retain and establish canopy trees, gardens and meaningful vegetation on private land is being reduced. There is concern that a strong focus on canopy targets alone can overlook the broader landscape conditions required for healthy, mature trees and gardens to survive and thrive.

Smaller setbacks, less room for trees

One of the most direct impacts on tree canopy comes from reduced building setbacks under new townhouse, mid-rise, and activity centre controls.

With buildings now able to be constructed closer to boundaries:

Front gardens are reduced in size
Side and rear planting areas are constrained
Root zones for large canopy trees are limited
Mature trees are more likely to be removed during redevelopment

In many cases, there is simply not enough space left on a typical lot for meaningful tree canopy coverage.

Higher site coverage, less open ground

New planning codes also allow for higher site coverage and more intensive development envelopes.

This leads to:

Larger building footprints
Increased paving and hard surfaces
Reduced permeable soil for planting
Limited space for deep-rooted vegetation

This also reduces space for meaningful gardens, soft landscaping and permeable surfaces that support biodiversity, absorb stormwater and create the conditions necessary for large trees to mature over time.

Even where landscaping is required, it is often restricted to smaller or shallow-rooted plantings rather than large canopy trees.

Reduced canopy targets

Tree canopy requirements have been standardised and, in some cases, reduced under the new system.

This means:

Lower minimum canopy coverage on private land
Limited ability for councils to set stronger local requirements
Less variation to reflect local climate or neighbourhood character

Over time, this weakens the overall urban forest structure across suburbs.

Loss through redevelopment cycles

While a single redevelopment may remove only one or two mature trees, the cumulative effect across neighbourhoods is significant.

As older homes are replaced by higher-density developments:

Mature trees are progressively lost
Replacement plantings are smaller and slower-growing
Gaps in canopy coverage persist for decades

Because large trees take many years to establish, losses are effectively long-term.

Impact on streetscapes

Street trees and private garden trees together form the visible green character of Melbourne’s suburbs.

Reduced canopy leads to:

Less shaded streets and footpaths
Increased visual dominance of buildings and hard surfaces
A more exposed and less green streetscape experience
Loss of seasonal variation and natural character

This changes not just environmental outcomes, but how neighbourhoods feel and function.

Why this matters

Tree canopy is not decorative — it is essential urban infrastructure.

It provides:

Cooling and heat mitigation
Shade and outdoor comfort
Habitat for birds and urban biodiversity
Improved air quality
Mental and physical wellbeing benefits

Gardens and understorey vegetation also play an important role in their own right. They support insects, birds and small urban wildlife, contribute to neighbourhood character and community wellbeing, and help create softer, cooler and greener residential environments.

In a warming climate, canopy trees and gardens are increasingly critical for urban resilience.

What this means for Melbourne

The current planning reforms enable more intensive development on residential land, but do not ensure that tree canopy and gardens are adequately protected or replaced at a meaningful scale.

Without stronger requirements and sufficient space for mature vegetation, Melbourne risks:

A gradual but widespread loss of suburban tree cover and garden space
Hotter, less shaded neighbourhoods
Reduced biodiversity, environmental resilience and liveability
Increased dominance of hard surfaces and built form in residential areas

Once mature trees and established gardens are lost, they cannot be quickly or easily replaced — making protection at the point of redevelopment critical.