Local governments seek DPIRD support for upcoming tree giveaways to manage invasive PSHB species
Local governments are holding tree planting drives and giveaways in May and are refocusing on tackling a dangerous invasion threatening WA’s native trees.
The Department for Primary Industries and Regional Development is helping local governments tackle the invasive polyphagous shot-hole borer that is ravaging WA’s urban canopy.
“DPIRD’s capacity building and training team provides practical support, training and resources to upskill local government, communities and industry,” a DPIRD spokesperson said.
“The Ministry recently hosted a national stakeholder workshop, including local authorities, to share important local, national and international insights and expert advice.”
PSHB invades trees and kills vascular tissue, causing trees to die and die.
The invasive insect species was detected in WA in 2021 and is the subject of a nationally funded biosecurity intervention to halt rapid spread and protect WA’s tree structure.
A DPIRD spokesperson told PerthNow that the national response shifted from an eradication strategy to a long-term management approach, after which it was determined that removing the borer was no longer “feasible”.
“As with any other existing plant pest or disease, it is the responsibility of landowners to manage their own trees and decide on end management options,” the spokesman said.
“The WA PSHB host list is publicly available on the DPIRD website and provided to local governments. This list helps stakeholders identify tree species that are less susceptible to the shot hole borer to help reduce the potential impact of the pest.
“The WA Government’s WA tree recovery program provides local authorities and residents with funding to replant trees lost to boreholes, provided through the department of water and landscaping.”
Applications to claim an edging tree in East Fremantle for this year close on April 30. Applications received thereafter will be added to the 2027 programme.
The City of Canning’s annual free tree giveaway event ‘Grow for it’ returns to the council and headquarters on May 3 from 8am to 12pm.
Throughout May, Cockburn residents will be able to enjoy a 50 per cent discount on up to 20 native plants to plant in their gardens. Fremantle residents can purchase up to 20 native plants from Apace Nursery for $3 each.
The Town of East Fremantle received $22,873 last year through a program to plant 30 native trees to replace 10 trees lost to the invasive pest.
The town restructured its cherry tree planting program for 2026 after about 140 new cherry trees were planted last year.
“The town’s verge tree program provides significant environmental, social and economic benefits to the Town of East Fremantle, including strengthening the town’s tree canopy, beautifying our streetscapes, providing a sense of place, improving community wellbeing, providing shade, temperature control and habitat for fauna,” he said.
“The municipality aims to meet all the demands of the residents.”
All edge trees are planted by town staff, who consider a number of factors to ensure the trees have the best chance of survival.
Factors include line of sight issues, underground and aboveground utilities, infrastructure, soil quality, tree species suitability, growth habits, water features and pest risks.
“The town will continue to work closely with DPIRD and follow their guidance on managing PSHB,” he said.
“The town’s intention is to preserve edge trees that are healthy and do not create any safety issues.”
Lists of acceptable edge tree species are reviewed to reduce drilling risks.
Applications to claim an edging tree in East Fremantle for this year close on April 30. Applications received thereafter will be added to the 2027 programme.
The City of Canning’s annual free tree giveaway event ‘Grow for it’ returns to the council and headquarters on May 3 from 8am to 12pm.
Throughout May, Cockburn residents can enjoy a 50 per cent discount on up to 20 native plants for their gardens. Fremantle residents can purchase up to 20 native plants from Apace Nursery for $3 each.
The Town of Claremont has also opened applications for winter plantings through April 30, with the opportunity to pay for trees to be planted throughout Claremont Park, Claremont Lake, Stirling Road Park and Jean and John Mulder Park.
All seven local authorities in Perth’s western suburbs are participating in the Native Plant Subsidy Scheme, which returns in May this year.
This will allow residents to save on native plants by purchasing subsidized native seedlings from Apace WA for $3.00 each.
