Tree planting in Fairfield City

In 2019, Fairfield City Council was one of 20 councils successful in securing a share of $5.3 million in grant funding to deliver more trees across Greater Sydney.

Fairfield City Council embarked on an ambitious plan to plant an additional 2,308 trees at multiple sites within the Fairfield local government area, including Fairfield Showground, Smithfield Road Corridor and Clear Paddock Creek.

The project included a mix of street tree planting and planting at parks and sports fields to increase shade, reduce ultra-violet radiation exposure and improve amenity. Fairfield City Council planted new trees strategically between older, isolated trees to provide areas of continuous canopy. In addition to this, planting around sports fields and in parks was designed to provide more shade and natural habitats for wildlife.

The project established several sites of newly planted trees throughout the city in various streets, parks and sports fields. The new trees were intended to support passive and active recreation within Fairfield City streets and open spaces.

Council planted more than 2,300 trees under this program to help increase the canopy cover in our suburbs, making our streets, parks and reserves cooler and much more pleasant for families to enjoy and be active in.

The trees are in addition to the 8,000 to 10,000 we plant each year, and will provide further homes for our wildlife and make our suburbs more attractive places to live, work and play.

Fairfield City Mayor, Frank Carbone

• Bosnjak Park, Edensor Park
• Hollywood Drive, Lansvale
• Polding Street, Wetherill Park
• Carrawood Park, Carramar
• Lalich Park, Bonnyrigg
• River Avenue, Villawood
• Clear Paddock Creek Reserve, Wakeley
• Endeavour Sports Park, Fairfield West
• Rosford Park and Brenan Park, Smithfield
• Nelson Street, Fairfield
• Emerson Park and Wetherill Park Reserve, Wetherill Park

• All trees planted were native species endemic to the Fairfield City area. This included water gum, brush box and spotted gum. This ensured healthy, long-lived trees made a positive contribution to the street and open space amenity, environment, aesthetic and heritage values of the local area.
• The planted trees linked remaining isolated tree groups, providing continuous canopy for habitat, as well as shady refuge for the community.

• Fairfield City Council was required to ensure a successful 18-month tree establishment period as part of the grant conditions. This was an important component of the grant program, as the first 18 months are critical to the ongoing life of trees.
• Council conducted regular monitoring of all trees during the establishment period. Council attended to the new trees by maintaining moisture levels to prevent them from drying out and to provide optimum conditions for plant establishment and growth. Weed control was conducted by hand when possible. Regular monitoring of all trees included light pruning, slow-release fertilising and checking for pests and diseases.
• The planting program delivered a 95% success rate for tree survival. As trees matured, locals and visitors began to enjoy canopy cover and its cooling effects.