Clause 52.37 Canopy Tree Selection Guide
Under Clause 52.37 – Urban Tree Canopy, Whitehorse assesses canopy trees based on realistic mature canopy diameter and long-term performance, not planting size.
Direct Compliance Criteria
To satisfy Planning Permit compliance, a canopy tree must:
- Achieve the nominated mature canopy class (6m, 8m or 12m)
- Be supported by contiguous deep soil
- Allow structural root plate development
- Remain viable at maturity
- Contribute to measurable urban canopy uplift
Canopy Class Overview
Compliance is based on mature canopy diameter supported by functional deep soil.
Important Note on Species Selection
Whitehorse does not publish a fixed approved canopy species list. Assessment under Clause 52.37 is performance-based and depends on soil allocation, solar access and long-term viability.
6 Metre Canopy Trees (Small Class)
Examples:
- Corymbia eximia ‘Nana’
- Parrotia persica
- Eucalyptus platypus
8 Metre Canopy Trees (Medium Class)
Examples:
- Jacaranda mimosifolia
- Acer buergerianum
- Brachychiton acerifolius
- Allocasuarina torulosa
- Melia azedarach (non-fruiting cultivars)
12 Metre Canopy Trees (Large Class)
Examples:
- Eucalyptus melliodora
- Eucalyptus sideroxylon
- Eucalyptus leucoxylon ‘Rosea’
Deep Soil Performance Requirements
Whitehorse assesses soil width, depth, rooting volume, contiguity and freedom from basements.
Deep soil must realistically support the nominated canopy class at maturity.
Common Reasons Canopy Trees Are Rejected
- Insufficient soil volume
- Fragmented deep soil above basements
- Unrealistic canopy modelling
- Inadequate solar access
- Rooting area restricted by services
Clause 52.37 Urban Canopy Objectives
- Protect and increase urban tree canopy cover
- Maintain neighbourhood landscape character
- Ensure deep soil supports mature canopy growth
- Integrate canopy retention into development design
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Performance is assessed under Clause 52.37 rather than by a fixed species list.
By mature canopy diameter supported by adequate contiguous deep soil.
Yes. Trees must be capable of achieving the nominated canopy class at maturity.
Council assesses realistic mature canopy spread, not planting size. Species selection must align with long-term growth potential and available deep soil.
No, not where a canopy tree is required under Clause 52.37.
Replacement planting must meet canopy class requirements (6m, 8m or 12m) and contribute to measurable canopy outcomes.
Most rejections are due to unrealistic planting conditions.
Common issues include insufficient deep soil, restricted root zones, poor solar access or selecting species that cannot achieve the required canopy size.
Yes. Deep soil directly determines whether a tree can reach its required canopy size.
Without adequate soil width, depth and volume, canopy trees will not be considered viable for Planning Permit approval.
Related Whitehorse Planning Guidance
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