Planning public open space should start well before construction begins. Parks, playgrounds, pathways and areas of natural vegetation can add real value to a new development. However, they need to be planned around the existing environment.

One of the most important decisions is deciding which parts of a site are best suited to public open space. It is also important to work out which trees and vegetation are worth retaining.

At South West Tree Services, we work with developers and project teams from the early planning stages. We provide tree assessments, environmental advice, tree protection, pruning and removals. We can also help prepare public open space for handover to local government.

Start With the Trees and Environment

Public open space should not simply be the land left over after roads, lots and other infrastructure have been planned.

Instead, planning public open space should begin with an understanding of what is already on the site. An early assessment can identify healthy trees, valuable habitat and vegetation worth protecting. It can also identify trees that are declining or structurally compromised.

This gives the project team better information from the start. It means tree health and environmental values can form part of the design. As a result, potential problems can be addressed before construction begins.

It also helps determine where public open space can deliver the best long-term outcome.

Not Every Tree Is Suitable for Retention

Retaining mature trees can provide instant shade, habitat and landscape value. However, tree retention needs to be realistic.

Trees that have grown for decades in relatively undisturbed conditions can struggle when their surroundings change. Construction can alter soil levels, drainage, root zones and wind exposure. Machinery can also compact soil and damage tree roots.

The future use of the space matters too. A tree beside an undeveloped paddock has a very different risk profile from one beside a playground, footpath or picnic area.

An early arboricultural assessment can consider:

tree species, age and overall health
structural defects, decay and previous failures
root-zone condition and available growing space
potential impacts from the proposed development
suitability for long-term retention
conflicts with paths, playgrounds and infrastructure
future pruning, monitoring and management needs

This information helps developers and designers make informed decisions. In some cases, it will confirm that a mature tree is worth protecting. In others, it may show that another area is better suited to public open space.

Protect Retained Trees During Construction

Choosing trees for retention is only the first step. Those trees then need to survive the construction process.

Excavation, trenching and soil compaction can all affect tree health. Changes to drainage can also cause problems. So can damage to roots from machinery or other site works. Where trees are being retained, appropriate Tree Protection Zones (TPZs) should be included in the project. These should follow AS 4970 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites.

South West Tree Services can assist with pre-development tree assessments and TPZ calculations. We can also advise on tree protection, monitor construction works and provide practical advice when work needs to occur close to retained trees.

Getting this right early can make a big difference. After all, there is little value in retaining a mature tree on a plan if its root system is damaged during construction.

Look Beyond Individual Trees

Good planning public open space is about more than individual trees. Depending on the site, there may also be native vegetation, habitat trees, fauna values and important ecological connections. Weeds, dieback and other environmental issues may also need to be considered.

By assessing these values early, the project team can make better decisions before the subdivision layout is finalised. It also allows practical management measures to be put in place during construction.

This is particularly important in the South West. Many new developments sit alongside established native vegetation and mature trees.

And when public open space is designed with these existing values in mind, it can become more than just a landscaped area. It can provide habitat, shade and a stronger connection with the surrounding landscape.

From Construction to Council Handover

As a development nears completion, retained trees may need further work before public open space is ready for handover.

South West Tree Services can provide the practical tree work and follow-up assessments needed at this stage. This can include:

remedial pruning and deadwood removal
clearance pruning around paths, playgrounds and roads
canopy management
removal of trees that are no longer suitable for retention
mulching and root-zone improvements
post-construction assessment of retained trees
identification of ongoing management requirements

This ongoing involvement provides continuity throughout the project. We can see how trees have been managed from the initial assessment through to construction and final handover.

It also gives developers and local government a clearer picture of the condition of retained trees and any work that may still be required.

One Team From Planning to Handover

Planning public open space works best when arboricultural and environmental considerations are part of the project from the beginning.

South West Tree Services can work alongside developers, planners, engineers, landscape architects and civil contractors throughout the development process.

Our involvement can start with an initial site assessment. From there, we can assist with tree-retention planning, environmental assessment and tree protection during construction. We can then provide monitoring, pruning, removals and final assessments before handover.

The goal is straightforward: to help create public open spaces around trees and vegetation that have a realistic chance of remaining safe, healthy and valuable for years to come.

Arboricultural and Environmental Support for South West Developments

South West Tree Services provides arboricultural assessment, tree-risk assessment, tree protection advice, environmental consultancy and practical tree services across Margaret River, Augusta, Busselton, Nannup, Pemberton and the wider South West of Western Australia.

If you’re planning a subdivision or development that includes public open space, getting your trees and environment assessed early can help you make better decisions from the outset.

And by planning public open space around the strengths of the existing landscape, you can create a better outcome for the development, the community and the environment.