What's happening
Trees cool and shade our homes and buildings reducing electricity bills, increasing property value, provide habitat for wildlife, and are our best way of adapting to the impacts of climate change. Our urban areas are becoming hotter and drier due to a changing climate and higher density development. More trees are being removed from private land than public. This leaves many streets and suburbs vulnerable to impacts from increased heat during summer months.
In light of this, Council set an ambitious tree canopy target of an increase of 35% by 2050. To achieve this target Council is committed to planting 3000+ new trees in our streets and reserves per year and encouraging private land owners to plant 500 new trees on private land per year.
The ‘Get Shady’ Project was established as an incentive program to increase tree planting on private land. In 2022 we provided 150 property owners in our hottest suburbs with a free advanced (1m high) tree to plant on their land.
In 2023 we doubled the number of trees available providing 300 property owners across our City with a free advanced mature tree (nursery value $60-$80) to plant on their land.
Now, in its third year, the project will provide another 300 advanced trees to residents.
Registrations for our 2024 Get Shady Tree Giveaway program are now closed as all trees have been allocated.
Tree Map
Where are Get Shady trees located?
Below is a map of what suburbs Get Shady trees were allocated in 2022 and 2023, as well as locations of tree registrations for 2024.
Video
Tree planting tutorial
We have made this tree planting information sheet and tree planting tutorial video to demonstrate how to plant your new tree to give it the best chance to flourish in your yard for years to come. The best time for planting in Adelaide is during our cooler autumn and winter months, and after our first rains, usually May through to August. This will allow your tree to establish with the help of natural winter rain. Happy planting!
Tree Species
Tree species that are available in 2024
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1. SA Blackwood
Acacia melanoxylon
A large, attractive, shade tree with dark brown wood. A hard tree with many pale yellow flowers in cluster from late winder to early spring.
Not suitable for narrow streetscapes, under power lines or close to pipes or drains.
Height: 7-18m
Canopy spread: 4-10m
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2. Jacaranda
Jacaranda mimosifolia
*Non-native (South America)
Medium to large tree. An elegant sub-tropical tree that produces clusters of fragrant purple flowers in summer. An excellent choice for providing shade with its dense fern-like leaves. A common street tree in Adelaide.
Height: 8-10m
Canopy spread: 8-10m
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3. Coast Banksia
Banksia integrifolia
Medium-large tree suited to coastal areas and sandy soils. It is fast growing, distinctive for its size, long green leaves with a silver underside and iconic gold flower spikes.
Not suitable for narrow streetscapes, under power lines or close to pipes or drains.
Height: 7-15m
Canopy spread:5-10m -
4. Water Gum
Tristaniopsis laurina
Medium tree (between 5m-11m)
A popular, low-maintenance shade tree for gardens with smooth, light grey bark and large, lush, deep green leaves. Scented yellow flowers in summer can attract birds and butterflies.
Height: 6-8m
Canopy spread: 4-5m
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5. Dwarf SA Blue Gum
‘Euky Dwarf’ Eucalyptus leucoxylon
Native Australian tree
Small to medium native tree. Perfect for smaller gardens where a standard SA Blue gum would be too large. An excellent shade tree to help cool a hot garden. Clusters of cream or pinkish-red flowers from autumn to spring.
Height: 6-7m
Canopy spread: 4-5m
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6. Tuckeroo
Cupaniopsis anacardioides
Native Australian tree
Medium tree. An attractive, hardy and reliable tree with rounded shape and evergreen leaves. Cream flowers in autumn and bright orange fruit in spring.
Height: 7-8 m
Canopy spread: 4-5 m
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7. Silver Banksia
Banksia marginata
Medium to small. A hardy and versatile native suitable for coastal locations. Dense foliage make it a an attractive shrub or small tree with long green leafs bearing silver underside. Attracts native birds and insects for food source and habitat.
Height: 1- 8m
Canopy spread: 1-5m
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8. Cottonwood
Hibiscus tiliaceus
Medium to small. Dense evergreen tree with attractive dark green leaves and bright yellow Hibiscus flowers.
Spreading crown makes for an excellent shade tree.
Can tolerate full coastal exposure as well as poor draining soils.Height: 4-8m
Canopy spread: 3-4 m -
9. Bottlebrush - Gawler Hybrid
Callistemon ‘Harkness’
Small tree. A beautiful domed shaped tree with weeping branches and red bottlebrush flowers in autumn and spring.
Height: 5-6 m
Canopy spread: 3-4 m -
10. Pink Crepe Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
*Non-native (Eastern Asia)
Small tree (up to 7m). A popular ornamental tree often planted on street verges. Beautiful clusters of pink flowers in late summer which can attract birds and butterflies.
Height: 5-6m
Canopy spread: 4-5m
