Every year, Victoria loses trees that contribute to the character, history and environmental health of our communities. Significant trees are a deeply important part of our heritage, offering benefits to the community and representing a key part of our living heritage.
Recognising and protecting significant trees has never been more important.
The National Trust’s Significant Tree Register plays a critical role in identifying trees of exceptional importance and advocating for their conservation. Without consistent legal protection, these trees are at risk. Our living heritage, which uplifts us and keeps us healthy, is under constant threat of incremental removal.
The Victorian Tree of the Year competition celebrates some of the state’s most remarkable trees, shining a spotlight on the importance of trees in our everyday lives and the urgent need for stronger policies to protect Victoria’s living heritage for future generations.
Image: Como House and Garden.
What is the Significant Tree Register?
Starting in 1982, the Significant Tree Register is a database of trees recognised for their heritage, environmental, scientific, cultural or social significance.
For nearly 45 years, The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has been working tirelessly with the experts on the Significant Tree Committee to identify, record and celebrate the best trees in Victoria.
These records are continually reviewed and updated to ensure important trees are documented and recognised for future generations.
Why Was the Significant Tree Register Created?
While historic buildings have increasingly received recognition and safeguards, significant trees remain largely unprotected.
In response, the National Trust established the Significant Tree Register in 1982 to identify and document our most exceptional trees.
What began as a project expected to take six months and record around 500 trees has evolved into more than four decades of conservation work. The register continues to grow, reflecting the diversity, character and importance of Australia’s living heritage.
Image: Rippon Lea Estate.
What Makes a Tree Significant?
A tree may be included on the register for many reasons beyond its age or size. Trees can be classified as significant if they:
- are associated with important historical events, places or people.
- represent rare, unusual or outstanding botanical specimens.
- hold social, cultural or community significance.
- contribute to local character and identity.
- demonstrate exceptional environmental or landscape value.
Together, these factors help identify trees that contribute to Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.
How Does the Significant Tree Register Support Conservation?
The Register plays an important role in protecting significant trees by providing expert assessment and documentation.
Image: Rippon Lea Estate.
Identifying and Recording Important Trees
The Register creates a permanent record of trees with recognised heritage and environmental value. This documentation helps ensure significant trees are acknowledged by communities, landowners and decision-makers.
Encouraging Community Stewardship
Many nominations come directly from members of the public. This community involvement increases awareness of significant trees and encourages people to become active custodians of their local environment and heritage.
Preserving Living Heritage
Unlike buildings or monuments, trees are living heritage assets that continue to grow and evolve. Many significant trees have witnessed generations of community life, serving as landmarks, memorials and symbols of local identity. The register acts as an important reminder of the need for ongoing protection of Significant Trees in the community.
Image: Endeavour Hill. Annette Ruzicka
Why the Register Matters More Than Ever
Australia’s urban forests are under increasing pressure from development, infrastructure projects and incremental canopy loss.
While policies aimed at increasing tree canopy cover are important, the loss of a significant tree cannot simply be offset by planting new trees elsewhere. A mature tree with historical, ecological or community value is irreplaceable.
The Significant Tree Register provides a framework for recognising these exceptional trees and advocating for their long-term protection. It enables the National Trust to act as a bridge between communities and government, ensuring the value of significant trees is considered in decisions that affect their future.
Ultimately, the register is more than a list of remarkable trees. It is a record of Victoria’s environmental, cultural and community history, helping preserve the living heritage that enriches our towns, cities and landscapes.
Nominations for Victorian Tree of the Year Now Open
Each year, the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) crowns a Victorian Tree of the Year, selected through public voting from a shortlist of outstanding trees featured on the Significant Tree Register.
Have your say by nominating a tree for this year’s competition.
Nominate a tree or learn more about the competition here.
Nominations for the 2026 Victorian Tree of the Year are open until 30 August 2026.
Together, we can celebrate, recognise and protect the trees that make Victoria a remarkable place to live, work and connect with nature.
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