Council’s 2026 Annual Tree Planting Program has successfully wrapped up, with ninety-two advanced trees planted across the region this season.
Following a dry spring and summer, the arrival of autumn rain created ideal planting conditions, helping to give the new trees the best possible start.A total of twenty-eight street trees were planted across the Port Macquarie Hastings region in response to resident requests for trees on Council verges. These trees have been ‘adopted’ by residents, who will go on to assist in the early establishment of the trees, through regular watering regimes.An additional sixty-four advanced trees were planted in parks and reserves, including Apex Park Laurieton, Bain and Landrigan Parks in Wauchope, the Petanque Piste at Wood Street and Greenmeadows Reserve in Port Macquarie, Rainbow Beach Sporting Fields, and Lake Cathie Reserve.
Some trees were planted as replacements, while others were added to increase canopy cover and enhance local open green spaces.
A diverse mix of species was carefully selected to suit each location, create some botanical interest and improve urban canopy resilience. Species planted this season include:
- Kauri Pine (Agathis robusta)
- Backhousia citriodora (Lemon Myrtle)
- Coastal Banksia (Banksia integrifolia)
- Bottle Tree (Brachychiton ruprestris)
- Old Man Banksia (Banksia serrata)
- Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius)
- Bottlebrush (Callistemon ‘Kings Park Special’)
- Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica ‘Tuscarora)
- Swamp Mahogany (Eucalyptus robusta)
- Bull Bay Magnolia (Magnolia ‘Exmouth’)
- Watergum (Tristaniopsis laurina)
- Weeping Lilly Pilly (Waterhousia floribunda)
These plantings are an important step in growing the region’s urban canopy, providing long-term environmental, social, wellbeing and aesthetic benefits for the community. Visit Council's website to learn more about how we manage, protect and maintain trees within our local area.
