Private tree removal, public loss: Valuing and enforcing existing tree protection mechanisms is the key to retaining urban trees on private land

Abstract

In many cities, private trees dominate urban tree canopy cover, but densification often means fewer private trees and diminishing urban tree canopy cover. Local governments use several mechanisms to protect trees on private land, but their strengths and weaknesses are not well understood. We review private tree protections in six local governments in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia and interview 23 urban planning and urban forest professionals to understand their perspectives on; 1) the causes of private tree removal, 2) the efficacy of significant tree registers, local laws, and planning overlays, and 3) ways to improve the protection of trees on private land. Each local government applie..