Learn about our Exceptional Tree Register and how you can protect our urban forest for future generations.
We’ve just added 108 special trees to the Exceptional Tree Register, which means a total of 268 special trees are now protected from being removed or significantly pruned.
These trees are on privately owned or managed land and include those of outstanding size, old age, outstanding habitat value, Aboriginal association, curious growth form, significant environmental services, among other exceptional criteria.
Trees are nominated by the community and then evaluated by an expert panel.
You can nominate any tree on private land within the City of Melbourne. This could be trees in private backyards, residential communal gardens, schools and universities – we even have exceptional trees at some of our favourite places to visit like Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne Museum and Yarra Park.
Listed trees are protected under the Melbourne Planning Scheme and a permit is needed to remove them or to undertake works that might affect their health or condition.
Next time you’re out and about, check out these exceptional trees:
Lemon-scented Gums
Tree 140 and tree 141 on our Exceptional Tree Register are a pair of Lemon-scented Gums (Corymbia citriodora) that are a dominant feature of the University of Melbourne Parkville campus.
Sugar Gum
Tree 163 is a large, spectacular specimen of Sugar Gum (Eucalyptus cladocalyx) that dominates the Melbourne Museum forecourt.
Port Jackson Fig
Tree 170 is attractive for its curious growth form. This Port Jackson Fig (Ficus rubiginosa) is perched atop a stone wall at RMIT University with long aerial roots draped down metres to the ground.
Common Coral Tree
Tree 171 is found in a unique location within the heart of the city in Exhibition Street. This landmark tree is an excellent specimen of the Common Coral Tree (Erythrina x sykesii) which provides good canopy and shade in summer.
Avenue of English Elms
Tree 175 is an avenue of 74 English Elms (Ulmus procera) of varying age that form the 1889 Queens Walk. They provide a significant contribution to the historic Yarra Park landscape, and a shaded, active transport route for Melburnians.
River Red Gum
Tree 176 in Yarra Park is a living Scarred tree with Aboriginal significance and is likely to be about 300 years old. The scar on this River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) was created when the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples removed bark to make canoes, shields, food and water containers, string, baby carriers and other items.
To see which trees made the list or for more information, visit our Exceptional Tree Register.
