A tree planted by British royals, a Moreton Bay fig more than 30m high and a Grey Ironbark which has stood on a busy local street for at least 150 years are among those on the City of Sydney's significant tree register.
The register is part of the City of Sydney's commitment to a greener future and recognises living cultural history.
It also helps the City of Sydney manage and protect these important natural assets. The register was adopted by Council in 2013 and its 10-year review has just been completed.
The updated draft register features 2,450 trees made up of 85 different species across 146 locations.
Listings highlight significant visual, botanical, ecological, historical, cultural and/or commemorative value, with Moreton Bay, Hills and Port Jackson figs the most prevalent.
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said the trees were a living record of Sydney's heritage and culture.
"Many of the trees on this register have played an integral role in our past and they all have an integral role to play in our future," the Lord Mayor said.
Significant trees on the register include:
- a London Plane planted in 1954 by Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on the corner of Loftus and Bridge streets in the city centre
- a Grey Ironbark believed be a remnant tree that existed before European colonisation on Glebe Point Road
- a Moreton Bay fig that stands at more than 30m and provides more than 34m of canopy cover in Alexandria Park
- a collection of figs in Hyde Park believed to have been planted in the 1850s.
"These trees tell a wonderful story, they have borne witness to the evolution of Sydney and featured in key moments of our local history," the Lord Mayor said.
"The specimens in our register really are magnificent historical and ecological treasures. They are essential for cooling and greening our city, while also providing crucial habitat for birds and animals in the area."
Around 90,000 trees in the City of Sydney's area collectively provide 20.9% canopy cover. The City of Sydney is targeting 27% canopy cover by 2050.
The draft register will be open for public comment until Monday 29 September.
