Help us protect Woollahra's natural history

Woollahra is home to some of Sydney's most wonderful trees. Our area's rich heritage of private and publicly owned trees provide much of the beauty, character and history that makes our LGA such a desirable place to live. Protecting Woollahra's significant trees is as important as protecting our heritage buildings and notable landmarks.

The Woollahra Significant Tree Register

Council's Significant Tree Register (STR) was originally developed over 30 years ago. The STR identifies trees in our public parks and streets, as well as those in privately owned properties, that have unique value. Recording these trees helps us manage and protect them for future generations.

This is the first time for new nominations since the STR was produced in 1991. This means that there are many worthy trees standing today that are not captured, and therefore missing important protections to ensure they are maintained for future generations.

That is why we are now updating our Significant Trees Register, which will have robust new criteria and include the significant trees of today.

Future heritage listings

Any nominated trees found to fulfil the relevant criteria will form part of a future project to be listed as heritage items in Schedule 5 of the Woollahra Local Environmental Plan 2014 and/or nominated for inclusion in the State Heritage Register as resources become available.

Nominations for significant trees

No one knows our trees better than the people who picnic, play, seek shade and live among them every day. We invited nominations for trees to be listed in the Significant Trees Register. Nominations closed Sunday 18 February 2024.


What makes a tree significant?

Our criteria:

  • Tree(s) that are outstanding for their height, trunk diameter or canopy spread.
  • Tree(s) that occur in a very prominent location or context.
  • Tree(s) that contribute significantly to the landscape character of the area in which they grow [including streetscapes, parks, gardens or natural landscapes].
  • Tree(s) that exhibit an unusual growth form or physical feature, including unusually pruned forms.
  • Tree(s) that exemplify an important and valued taste in street plantings, garden design or landscape style.
  • Tree(s) that are associated with a significant historical phase or commemorative event.
  • Tree(s) associated with a heritage place and represent the original or an important phase of its development.
  • Tree(s) that are particularly old or venerable.
  • Tree(s) that are strongly associated with a significant person or group of persons.
  • Tree(s) that have strong or special associations with a particular community or cultural group for reasons of strong religious, spiritual, cultural or other social associations, including trees associated with Aboriginal heritage and culture.
  • Tree(s) that are important to the local community and/or are important to a community’s sense of place.
  • Tree(s) that are rare or of important genetic value that could provide valuable propagating stock. This could include specimens that are particularly resistant to disease or climatic extremes or have a particular growth form.
  • Tree(s) that demonstrate the potential to yield information that would contribute to the understanding of natural or cultural history. This could include trees associated with research, type locality or a providing a significant reference or benchmark.
  • Rare or threatened or locally uncommon species or ecological community.
  • Indigenous remnant tree(s) that predate the urbandevelopment in its immediate proximity.
  • Tree(s) that make a significant contribution to the integrity of an ecological community, including its role as a seed source or specialised habitat.
  • A remnant specimen now reduced in range or abundance, which indicates the former extent of the species, or particularly range limits.
  • Tree(s) which provide a significant habitat element for rare, threatened or locally uncommon or common native species.

  • Why trees are so important to us

    From creating a 'sense of place' to reducing heat energy absorption, read about the aesthetic, environmental and financial benefits of trees in Woollahra.

    Read more 

  • Where to find our existing significant trees

    There are approximately 1000 significant trees and over 600 heritage trees already listed in our area. Check out our interactive map to learn about some of them.

    Read more 

Nominate a tree

We accepted nominations via the following methods:

  • Online: complete the nomination form or post a photo or comment on our ideas board below.
  • Email: records@woollahra.nsw.gov.au with the subject: 'nominate a tree'
  • Mail: Address your letter to the General Manager at Woollahra Council, PO Box 61, Double Bay NSW 1360

Nominations closed 18 February 2024.

Form

Ideas board