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The Right Tree in the Right Place: Why Are Urban Tree Targets in Australia Harder Than They Seem?

Author

Listed:
  • Sorada Tapsuwan

Abstract

Urban trees are universally praised for their cooling effects, biodiversity benefits and contributions to human well‐being. Yet, despite widespread enthusiasm about greener cities, tree‐planting initiatives in Australia often encounter surprising resistance. Residents who advocate for more urban canopy might baulk when a tree is planted outside their own home because of concerns for fallen leaves, root damage, blocked views or losing a parking space. At a policy level, the challenge is even greater: ensuring trees are planted in the right locations, thrive in changing climates and do not create unforeseen economic or environmental trade‐offs. In this article, I will discuss the challenges of achieving urban tree canopy targets, including the economic, environmental and social trade‐offs that city planners must navigate. JEL Classification: Q57, Q23, R52

Suggested Citation

  • Sorada Tapsuwan, 2025. "The Right Tree in the Right Place: Why Are Urban Tree Targets in Australia Harder Than They Seem?," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 69(3), pages 479-483, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ajarec:v:69:y:2025:i:3:p:479-483
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-8489.70038
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thami Croeser & Roshan Sharma & Wolfgang W. Weisser & Sarah A. Bekessy, 2024. "Acute canopy deficits in global cities exposed by the 3-30-300 benchmark for urban nature," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Peter W. B. Nichols & Terry Lucke, 2015. "Local Level Stormwater Harvesting and Reuse: A Practical Solution to the Water Security Challenges Faced by Urban Trees," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(7), pages 1-14, July.
    3. Kathleen L. Wolf & Sharon T. Lam & Jennifer K. McKeen & Gregory R.A. Richardson & Matilda van den Bosch & Adrina C. Bardekjian, 2020. "Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-30, June.
    4. Claire A. Doll & David J. Pannell & Michael P. Burton, 2024. "Economic evaluation of alternative urban park designs that conserve irrigation water," Australian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Australian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society, vol. 68(4), pages 713-730, October.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • Q57 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Ecological Economics
    • Q23 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Forestry
    • R52 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Regional Government Analysis - - - Land Use and Other Regulations

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