National Tree Planting Day: A Superficial Solution to a Deep-Seated Problem

As National Tree Planting Day approaches, I find myself grappling with a deep sense of frustration. While the initiative to plant trees is undoubtedly well-intentioned, it feels like a hollow gesture when juxtaposed with the ongoing destruction of our natural landscapes and cherished places like Scott’s Farm in Ripley Valley.

Nature has an incredible ability to heal us—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can relieve stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even boost the immune system. Practices like Japan’s "shinrin-yoku" or forest bathing have demonstrated profound benefits for mental health, including the reduction of depression and anxiety. Even the presence of plants in our indoor spaces can significantly improve our well-being.

Yet, despite these benefits, we continue to see a devastating trend: the destruction of our natural environments in favour of development. Scott’s Farm is a prime example, a 130-year-old farm at risk of being replaced by urban sprawl. How can we justify planting a few trees in designated areas when these very spaces are at constant risk of being obliterated by council or government decisions?

Where do we draw the line between progress and nature? At what point do we stop to appreciate and protect the natural beauty that we still have, rather than allowing it to be consumed by endless development? It's disheartening to see housing estates and urban sprawl encroaching on every available green space, with little regard for the ecological and historical value these places hold.

Our botanical gardens, once revered as spaces to understand and appreciate nature, are now often treated like parks. People have lost sight of their purpose, using them as playgrounds, rollerblading and playing football on the lawns instead of using them as sanctuaries of biodiversity and knowledge. My children grew up respecting these spaces but also enjoying them—finding flowers, new pathways, insects, and animals, and understanding their importance. Now, it seems these values are being eroded.

We need to shift the conversation. It’s not enough to plant a few trees and pat ourselves on the back. We need comprehensive green growth planning for new communities, ensuring that our urban jungles don’t become concrete deserts. Small green spaces in new housing developments are often neglected, turning into paved areas devoid of life. We need to prioritise creating lush, vibrant environments that benefit both people and wildlife.

National Tree Day, established by Planet Ark in 1996, is Australia's largest community tree-planting and nature care event. It encourages Australians to contribute to their environment by planting and caring for native trees and shrubs to improve the natural habitat. The day serves as an educational opportunity, especially for children, to learn about environmental stewardship, the importance of native plants, and the role of trees in ecosystems. It fosters a sense of responsibility and connection to the natural world, promoting long-term environmental sustainability​ (National Tree Day)​​

Over the past decade, local councils across Australia, including Ipswich, have participated actively in National Tree Day, planting thousands of native trees to enhance the local environment. Through initiatives like the Habitat Connections Program, councils have planted significant numbers of native plants each year to improve waterway corridors and boost biodiversity​ (Ipswich City Council). However, where do we draw the line between a PR campaign with the community planting trees versus the councils doing their job in the first place to keep these important greenspaces alive? We can rely on the community to get together to help plant the trees, but who takes care of them after planting?

Specific data on the survival rate of these trees over the last ten years is not readily available. Studies on urban tree mortality suggest that the success of tree planting initiatives can be significantly influenced by factors such as funding, soil conditions, and maintenance practices. Elaine Cresswell, founder of ReShaped, highlights in her podcast "The Death and Life of City Trees" that an estimated 30% to 70% of city trees die within a year of planting due to these very issues. These problems often begin long before the trees are even planted, starting with the nursery conditions and extending through to planting and aftercare practices​.

Not planting trees is not the answer. Instead, we must learn how to better manage and live with them. Trees are worth the trouble. Proper tree management, such as selecting the right species and ensuring they are planted and maintained correctly, can mitigate many of the risks associated with urban trees. For instance, removing all trees around a building can cause wind speeds to double, putting roofs, buildings, and lives at greater risk. Trees also stabilise land on slopes, reducing the risk of landslides, and keep us cooler during summer heatwaves.

We need trees. We need green urban jungles, not concrete ones. In a previous blog, I emphasised the necessity of plants and trees around our homes. They make us happier and healthier, improve our house values, make neighbourhoods safer, and can even reduce our bills. We need to change the conversation. We should be asking why people don’t have gardens and if their answer is lack of time, promoting the value of having a horticulturally trained gardener.

Gestures are just that—gestures—unless they are backed by concrete plans and sustained actions. We need to start implementing forward-thinking council plans for homeowners and public spaces. We need continuous education and engagement to create a future of green urban jungles, not concrete ones. Only then can we truly claim to be making a difference.