Tree canopy cover


Tree canopy coverage is often used to measure the benefits of trees. Measuring canopy cover helps us understand how much shade is provided and how much carbon dioxide is absorbed by our city’s trees.

In line with targets set out in Canberra’s Living Infrastructure Plan, we aim to have 30% of our urban environment covered by a tree canopy by 2045. This includes tree canopy equivalents such as green roofs, shrub beds, wetlands or rain gardens.

In keeping with the Urban Forest Strategy, the ACT Government committed to planting 54,000 trees across the ACT from 2021 to 2024 to increase our tree canopy cover.

Planting locations focus on areas where there aren't many trees or where existing trees are ageing or dying.

Canopy cover in Canberra varies from suburb to suburb. Some older established suburbs have close to 40% canopy cover while some newer suburbs have below 10%.

To protect canopy cover, canopy contribution agreements are a legal requirement for tree removal. The canopy contribution agreement outlines a commitment to replant or repay. That is to replace all or some of the trees on the block and/or to pay towards growing and enhancing the urban forest. For more information see canopy contribution agreement.

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More information

Map of canopy cover

The interactive map below shows Canberra’s tree canopy cover, by region, based on 2020 light detection and ranging data. Canberra’s total 2020 tree canopy cover is estimated at 22.5%.

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Measurement

In the ACT, tree canopy cover is measured using light detection and ranging (LiDAR). It is expressed as a percentage of total land area. LiDAR data includes all trees above three metres in height, on both public and private land.

LiDAR is a surveying method where a plane takes measurements of the surface of the ground by laser and measures the reflected light with a sensor.

Coverage across Canberra

Tree canopy coverage varies by region. Newer suburbs like Wright, Coombs and Throsby have very low levels of canopy cover. This is because they are still being developed and the trees in these areas are being established.

Older suburbs are more likely to have higher canopy cover. This is because the blocks and road verges are larger and the trees are more established. The tree canopy in older suburbs may see a temporary decline as mature trees reach the end of their life. This is because they are replaced with trees that will take some time to reach maturity.

Estimating canopy coverage

Geographic Information Systems analysis is being used to estimate tree canopy coverage. Analysis of 2020 LiDAR has revealed Canberra’s tree canopy cover is 22.5%.

This provides a baseline to measure tree canopy cover into the future and helps us measure progress towards our 2045 target.

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.