Mitcham retains ‘Tree City’ title

City of Mitcham has joined five cities across Australia and 120 worldwide as a ‘Tree City of the World’ for its commitment to urban forestry.

In its second year, the Tree Cities of the World program was established by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Arbor Day Foundation to recognise cities that have committed to growing and maintaining trees.

Mitcham has retained its title by meeting five core standards that show its dedication and determination towards planting and conserving trees for a greener future.

City of Mitcham Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross welcomed the recognition and highlighted Council’s push to protect trees on private and public land.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult for Council to combat the loss of canopy through clearing for urban infill and government infrastructure,” she said. “To this end, our elected member body continues to lobby the State Government to strengthen legislation around the removal of significant and regulated trees on both private and public land, and the retention of open space.”

As part of its annual tree planting program, City of Mitcham aims to plant 1,800 trees across its streets and reserves, helping provide shade and cool the city, as well as improving amenity and providing habitat for native species.

“We applaud all of the cities that have earned Tree Cities of the World designation,” Arbor Day Foundation President Dan Lambe said. “They are leaders when it comes to planning and managing their urban forests. Many of the cities being recognised have gone above and beyond to use trees as part of their green infrastructure. This distinction is a celebration of their creativity and sustainability in creating healthier urban spaces.”

When a city joins Tree Cities of the World, they show their willingness to be a sustainability and urban forestry leader. Planting trees in a metropolitan area comes with myriad benefits beyond the recognition of this program. Increasing the number of trees in a community can help reduce costs for energy, stormwater management, and erosion control.

Find out more about City of Mitcham’s tree planting program here: www.mitchamcouncil.sa.gov.au/trees