Penelope Andrews
Sydney’s greenery is one of our city’s greatest assets – both for the environment and now also for homeowners’ wallets. A new study from the University of Technology Sydney has found mature street and park trees with larger canopies within 10 to 20 metres of a home can increase that home’s market value by up to $30,000.
The study used property sale data alongside detailed tree data from the City of Sydney to investigate how the proximity of trees impacts the value of homes. Conversely, the research also found street trees can have a negative impact on house sale prices when located within less than 10 metres – highlighting that distance is pivotal.
The negative impact is so significant that it can actually reduce a selling price by up to $70,000. “Although public trees such as those in streets and parks offer important social, environmental, and health benefits, these advantages can be offset when trees are located too close to residential dwellings,” the study’s authors wrote.
“At very close proximity, trees may pose risks such as structural damage to buildings and infrastructure, increased fire hazards, and safety concerns from falling branches.”
The NSW Government’s Planning Department has a ‘Green Grid’ promoting the creation of a network of high-quality open spaces that support recreation and biodiversity. It comes as the City of Sydney’s target for tree canopy cover by 2030 is 23%.
The Green Grid is mostly focused on improving inner Sydney’s tree canopy, given other parts of the city –such as the Upper North Shore and the Northern Beaches – have always prioritised green space.
According to the Planning Department, Ku-ring-gai’s urban area has a whopping total tree canopy cover of 43.8%. As Member for Davidson Matt Cross wrote in Sydney Observer’s June 2025 issue: “Ku-ring-gai has long been known as the lungs of Sydney.” So for prospective sellers, it might be worth making note of the trees in your street, the proximity of these to your house, and whether they might be a blessing or a $70,000 curse.
