Canberra's annual celebration of trees is back from Saturday 3 May to Sunday 11 May 2025 with many free events across the ACT to encourage Canberrans to admire, celebrate and learn more about the importance of our urban trees.
Senior Director of the Urban Treescapes team at Transport Canberra and City Services, Bruce Hancocks, today officially launched the eleventh annual Canberra Tree Week at a neighbourhood park on Clianthus Street in O'Connor with a poetry reading by PS Cottier.
The poem, 'A Triangle of Boxes', was recited by PS Cottier, one of the poets from last year's Kindred Tree poetry Tree Week event and was written about a registered Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) tree in the park.
"Trees are a valuable part of this city's landscape and history, and I encourage the community to get out and enjoy Canberra Tree Week this autumn at one of the many free community events including guided walking tours, a poetry reading, and tree plantings," said Mr Hancocks.
"The ACT Government cares for over 834,000 public trees in streets and urban open spaces across the ACT. We are working towards a target of 30 per cent tree canopy cover of our urban environment by 2045 by continuing to plant more trees, including 2,500 trees this autumn.
"Our beautiful tree canopy of new and established trees is why Canberra has been recognised as a Tree City of the World for the fourth year in a row.
"Canberra Tree Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our trees and educate ourselves on the important role they play in providing habitat for wildlife, keeping our streets shaded and cool, and improving the beauty and liveability of our city," concluded Mr Hancocks.
There are many free and accessible tree week events including an outdoor exhibition of childrens' artwork at the Australian National Botanic Gardens, guided tours and tree themed trivia. Places are limited, so head to www.cityservices.act.gov.au to see the calendar of events and secure your spot.
