The festival highlights the important role trees play in our lives, from helping combat the effects of climate change, creating cleaner, greener and cooler spaces, and providing habitat and food for our wildlife. This year with a bigger array of tree-mendous events, responding to the results of the 2025 Community Scorecard Survey showing residents’ number one priority is sustainability and climate action.
City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair said she’s excited to team up with more than 25 other Local Governments to bring attention to the importance and benefits of trees and protecting and enhancing our tree canopy.
“This year’s WA Tree Festival is bigger and better than ever, with something for everyone, from gardening in a changing climate with green-thumbed celebrity gardener Sabrina Hahn and rewilding for Carnaby’s and other birds and wildlife, to building climate resilient homes through inspired infill,” Mayor Mair said.
“Our Libraries will be transformed into an urban forest oasis where kids, families and adults can attend a variety of tree-inspired events during April and May. These events tend to book out quickly so be sure to book your place early.
“The festival aims to unite local councils and members of the community through a variety of events and activities that are fun, educational, interactive and engaging for people of all ages and interests.
“We are also launching our Native Plant Giveaway in the coming weeks to help re-leaf and rewild Melville with 9,000 free native plants available for residents to plant in their gardens. We look forward to providing more information coming soon.
“We are committed to protecting and enhancing our urban forest canopy through active tree planting programs and saw nearly 6,000 trees planted last financial year along verges and in commercial areas, which often suffer under higher temperatures during the summer months.
“The WA Tree festival is a fantastic State-wide environmental initiative that aligns with this focus to protect and enhance our natural environment, ecosystems and biodiversity.
“The City’s Council Plan for the Future 2024-2034, Community and Corporate Climate Action Plans and Urban Forest Strategy all place high emphasis on the importance of trees and retaining tree canopy for a clean, green and climate resilient community.”
The 2026 WA Tree Festival is sponsored by the Government of Western Australia, with the support of Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) and Perth Natural Resource Management NRM.
For more information on the WA Tree Festival and tree services within the City, please visit www.melvillecity.com.au/trees and to check out our WA Tree Festival events, visit www.melvillecity.com.au/watreefest
Tree Climate Action Facts*
- One tree absorbs approximately one tonne of CO2 over 40-50 years.
- The City has nearly 50,000 street trees, that is 50,000 tonnes of CO2 absorbed over 40-50 years.
- Trees can release (transpire) significant amounts of water, with a mature tree able to transpire up to 150litres per day. In hot and dry conditions this produces a cooling effect like two air conditioners running for 20 hours.
- Trees can reduce the air temperature by as much as five degrees, with temperatures directly under trees reduced by up to 12 degrees.
- Shade from strategically planted trees close to homes can reduce air conditioning costs by 15-35%.
- Trees can reduce allergens such as dust, smoke and pollen from the atmosphere.
- Trees help reduce flooding potential and help break the force of strong winds.
Trees are home and provide food sources to many of WA’s wildlife.
*Sources;
https://ecotree.green/en/how-much-co2-does-a-tree-absorb
https://www.giss.nasa.gov/edu/icp/research/ppa/2001/anwar/
https://www.bccab.com/article/understanding-carbon-sequestration-in-trees/
https://climate.mit.edu/posts/supply-curve-forest-based-co2-removal
https://onetreeplanted.org/blogs/stories/how-much-co2-does-tree-absorb?srsltid=AfmBOopMWByvgvNnu0U2OMhr6WosT5Bv817ec7Qd4W-oxYN_IuFUIeQW