Perth and Kinross councillors will be asked to approve a new Tree Planting Policy that guides how trees are planted, managed and maintained across all Council owned and managed land.
The proposed policy aims to ensure that tree planting is carried out in a consistent, sustainable and cost‑effective way, supporting the area's long‑term environmental wellbeing.
The policy highlights the wide‑ranging benefits that trees provide, from supporting biodiversity and wildlife habitats to improving air quality, offering shade, and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
It also addresses the significant loss of tree cover caused by Ash Dieback and other diseases, as well as the impact of increasingly severe weather events and the natural ageing of existing tree stock.
For the first time, the Council would have a formal process governing species selection, site suitability, planting methods, and long‑term maintenance of trees.
The approach is centred on ensuring the "Right Tree in the Right Place", with native species prioritised while allowing for non‑native species where they improve ecological resilience or provide wider benefits.
Members of Perth and Kinross Council's Climate Change and Sustainability Committee will be asked to approve the new policy when it meets next week (18 February).
Convener of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee Councillor Richard Watters said: "This proposed Tree Planting Policy represents an important step in strengthening our natural environment for future generations.
"By planning and managing our tree planting in a more coordinated and informed way, we can improve biodiversity, support our efforts to tackle climate change, and ensure that our investment delivers long‑term value for our communities."
If approved, the policy will complement existing management plans, including the Council's Tree Management Policy, Ash Dieback Strategy and Forest Plan, and will help the Council more accurately monitor changes in canopy cover across the region.
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