Significant Tree

A significant tree is a tree of a size, rarity, age, species or historical or cultural value that warrants the placing of special restrictions of what can and cannot be done to it.


South Australia

The South Australian Development Act 2003 defines a significant tree as:

Any tree in Metropolitan Adelaide or townships in the Adelaide Hills Council or parts of the Mount Barker Council with a trunk circumference of 3 metres or more. In the case of trees with multiple trunks, those with trunks with a total circumference of 3 metres or more and an average circumference 625 mm or more. The circumference is measured at a point 1 metre above natural ground level."


Any tree identified as a significant tree in the City of Adelaide, City of Burnside, City of Prospect or City of Unley Development Plans.


In Victoria the significant trees can be ‘classified’ and added to the National Trust Register; which means that the Trust believes they are essential to Australia’s heritage, and accordingly should be preserved for future generations.

Categories of Criteria for Registering Significant Trees include:

1. Horticultural and/or Genetic Value
2. Unique Location or Context
3. Rare or Localized Distribution
4. Particularly Old Specimen
5. Outstanding Size (Girth, Height and Spread)
6. Aesthetic Value
7. Curious Growth Habit
8. Historical Significance
9. Connection to Aboriginal Culture
10. Outstanding Example of Species

Related Pages


The following site members have contributed to this page:

External Links & References

  1. Legal Services Commission of South Australia
  2. National Trust Information Brochure
  3. Google Search