Native vegetation
Plant Native Trees
Why Plant Native?
Our native trees, shrubs, and grasses aren't just beautiful—they're the backbone of healthy ecosystems. Here's what happens when you plant local natives:
Wildlife Thrives
Native plants provide exactly what local birds, insects, and animals need: the right nectar, seeds, nesting sites, and shelter. A single Yellow Box tree can support over 200 species of insects, which in turn feed dozens of bird species.
Water Wise
Once established, local natives rarely need watering. They've evolved with our rainfall patterns and soil types, so they thrive with minimal intervention—saving you time, effort, and water bills.
Natural Climate Control
Native trees cool your property naturally. A well-placed tree can reduce home temperatures by up to 5°C in summer while creating windbreaks in winter. They also improve air quality and capture carbon.
Biodiversity Boost
Even a small native garden becomes a stepping stone for wildlife moving through the landscape. Your garden can connect to nearby bushland, creeks, and roadside reserves, creating vital wildlife corridors.
Fire Resilience
When planted strategically away from buildings, many local natives are adapted to fire and recover quickly. They're part of the natural landscape that has evolved with Australian fire cycles.
Low Maintenance
No fertilizers, minimal pruning, and natural pest resistance. Native plants look after themselves once their roots go down, unlike many exotic species that struggle in our conditions.
What Should You Plant?
The secret to success is choosing plants that naturally grow in your specific area. We've created planting guides for each catchment in Indigo Shire:
Download your local planting guide:
Each guide shows you what naturally belongs in your area, from tall canopy trees to ground covers, plus planting tips and seasonal advice.
Join National Tree Planting Day
National Tree Day is Australia's largest tree-planting and nature care event. Since 1996, Australians have planted over 24 million trees on National Tree Day, creating lasting habitat for wildlife and cooler, greener communities.
Tree Day is an opportunity for you to do something positive for your community and the environment, meet other people, do something beneficial for your health, and leave a lasting legacy. To find out dates for this year’s National Tree Day, visit the Planet Ark website.
Trees, shrubs and grasses are really important in Indigo Shire for a variety of reasons, including native habitat and food for birds and other animals, shade, visual appeal, cooling and conservation. We support National Tree Day by providing trees for eligible groups.
For Schools & Community Groups:
We support local Tree Day events by providing:
✓ Free native plants
✓ Planting equipment and tree guards
✓ Technical advice on site preparation
Want to participate in National Tree Day?
Schools and Community groups - submit an application to receive free native plants. We have a limited number of trees so submit an application now.
Submit a quick application
For individuals & families:
- Join an existing event - Find Tree Day plantings near you
- Start your own group - Gather friends and propose a planting site on public land, roadsides, or community facilities
- Plant on your property - Use our planting guides and collect free mulch from Beechworth and Rutherglen Waste Transfer Stations
Help previous plantings thrive:
Check on earlier Tree Day sites and help by:
- Removing tree guards from established trees (we'll reuse them!)
- Monitoring tree health
- Pulling out competing weeds
BEFORE YOU REMOVE NATIVE VEGETATION
You may need a planning permit to remove, cut down, or lop native trees, shrubs, or grasses. This is particularly important if your property has any of these conditions:
- ✓ Land over 4,000 square metres (about one acre)
- ✓ Heritage Overlay on the property
- ✓ Environmental Significance Overlay
- ✓ Approved landscape plan as part of a previous planning permit
Penalties apply for non-compliance. Removing native vegetation without a permit can result in significant fines.
Check if you need a permit:
Most tree removal requires approval, but some activities are exempt under Clause 52.17 of the Planning Scheme.
Not sure? Contact our planning team: 1300 365 003 or view planning permit requirements
Check here to see if you need a permit.