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Native Tree & Plant Vouchers

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Welcome to the final round of the Tree Incentive Program — now including plants!

The final round of the Tree Incentive Program now includes plants as well as trees. This year, the program is evolving as part of the new Greening Connections Pilot, with a focus on planting native trees and plants in areas that will benefit the most, helping make streets cooler and neighbourhoods healthier.

This round also focuses on building a community that can help track the impact of new plantings. This approach supports the development of stronger habitats, cooler streets and greener, more connected neighbourhoods.

Key dates:

  • Applications open: 1 April 2026
  • Voucher expiry: 15 June 2026
  • Planting period: April–August 2026
  • Soak & Snap due: 31 August 2026

Quick links:


What's on offer

We are offering 100 vouchers valued up to $70.

Eligible residents can choose one of two planting paths:

Path A — Shade Hero Tree

Path B — Seeds for Country Starter Pack

Use your voucher toward an established, climate‑resilient native shade tree.

A small co‑payment may be required depending on your selection.

Note: You can not plant trees on verges. 

Use your voucher for a curated pack of native tube‑stock plants. These species provide immediate habitat for local birds and pollinators.

If you choose Path B and would like to plant on a verge:

  • A verge planting permit is required if you don’t already have one — this is included in the application form below
  • If the verge isn’t adjacent to your property, or if you rent, you will also need to complete a Verge Notification & Consent Form (PDF), also included in the application form. 

Screenshot 30 3 2026 17155 svrfsGreen Connections Quick Start Guide

Download the Green Connections Quick Start Guide, which includes a Council-approved species list, advice on preparing the ground for planting success, caring for your new plants and more.

Download Quick Start Guide

Am I eligible?

During a South Australian summer, streets with high tree canopy can be up to 5°C cooler than those without.

To target the Urban Heat Island effect, this Pilot is limited to properties located within identified urban heat island areas.

Step 1 — Check your address

Use the Urban Heat and Tree Mapping Viewer to check your address:

  1. Open the Urban Heat and Tree Mapping Viewer
  2. Click "View Urban Heat and Tree Mapping Data"
    • 2022 Data
    • Urban Heat
    • Heat Islands – Day
    • Heat Islands – Night
  3. Enter your address in the search bar
  4. Click the blue address text (in the left hand menu) to zoom in

If your property falls within a red box, you are eligible to apply.

Step 2 — Additional eligibility information

You must provide written approval if you live in:

  • A strata or community title property
  • A rental property.

Other conditions:

  • Vouchers are limited and allocated until exhausted
  • A waitlist will operate for returned vouchers
  • Waitlisted applicants receive early access to the 2027 program
  • Vouchers expire 15 June 2026 (no extensions)
  • Unused vouchers should be returned to Council
  • If there’s any value left on your voucher, you can put it towards any of the plant species listed in the Quick Start Guide Council-Approved Species List

Voucher terms and conditions

The Soak & Snap commitment

All participants must:

  • Plant between April–August
  • Complete the Soak & Snap Survey which includes uploading a photo of the plant in wet, mulched soil

  • Complete a 12‑month check‑in — this survey will be emailed to you within the first year of planting.

Soak & Snap Survey

How to apply

Applications open 1 April 2026 (eligible properties only).

  1. Review the Quick Start Guide and Species List
  2. Apply online from 1 April 2026
  3. If successful, receive your up to $70 digital voucher via email
  4. Redeem at a participating nursery by 15 June 2026
  5. Plant April–August
  6. Complete the online Soak & Snap Survey and upload a photo of your planting as part of the survey by 31 August 2026

Apply online from 1 April 2026:

Tree (and Plant) Voucher Request Form

Need help applying? A Green Connector can assist.

Participating nurseries

 Vouchers can be redeemed at the following nurseries:

Nursery Location Open Hours Path A Path B
Adelaide Advanced Trees 264 Cherry Gardens Road, Cherry Gardens SA Mon–Fri 7.30am–4pm Yes No
Coromandel Native Nursery 28 Star and Arrow Road, Coromandel East SA Mon–Fri 7.30am–4pm No Yes
State Flora Nursery Queens Jubilee Drive, Belair SA Mon–Fri 9am–5pm; weekends & public holidays 10am–4pm Yes Yes
Provenance Indigenous Plants 40 Sandy Crescent, Salisbury Park SA Wed & Sat 10am–3pm Yes Yes

Need a hand? Meet our Green Connectors

Our Green Connectors are local volunteers who know these plants well. They’ve successfully grown many of the approved species and are here to support you.

They can help with:

  • Choosing the right plant for your space
  • Planting tips to give your tree the best start
  • Watering and care advice through the seasons
  • Creating a micro‑forest with neighbours
  • Troubleshooting common problems
  • Taking part in Soak & Snap and tracking your plant’s progress.

Email: sustainability@npsp.sa.gov.au to be connected with a Green Connector.

You can also visit local community environment group sites to see mature examples of approved native species and learn more about local biodiversity initiatives.

Some local sites include:

Gardening guides

Frequently asked questions

What are the key changes to the Tree Incentive Program for 2026?

Feature Previous Program 2025–26 Pilot
Eligibility Broad Urban Heat Islands only
Species Any Native species only
Voucher value Up to $80 Up to $70
Stewardship Optional surveys Mandatory Soak & Snap + survival check 
Planting time Anytime Autumn–Winter only

Why has the Tree Incentive Program changed?

The Council is moving to a more focused, data‑driven approach. The 2026 Pilot helps us target the suburbs that need cooling the most — the hottest areas with the least tree cover. What we learn this year will help us build a bigger, better community greening program for 2027.

Why can’t I apply if I live outside the priority areas?

The pilot supports only 100 households. Targeting urban heat islands delivers the greatest benefit.

Why only native species?

They survive hot summers, support local wildlife and require less water.

What is Soak & Snap?

A mandatory photo of your plant in wet, mulched soil to verify planting.

What if I don’t upload the photo?

You won’t receive priority access to the 2027 program.

Can I get a voucher for a non‑native tree?

Not in this pilot.

What’s the difference between Path A and Path B?

  • Path A: One large shade tree (may require a co‑payment)
  • Path B: A pack of at least 10 native tube‑stock plants (fully covered).

What is a micro‑forest?

Micro‑forests happen when three or more neighbours combine their plant packs to create one connected green space.

By planting together, you can turn your street into a cooler, greener corridor where birds, insects and small wildlife thrive — and everyone enjoys cleaner air, more shade and a stronger sense of community.

Who are the Green Connectors?

Green Connectors are local volunteers who know the approved native plants really well.

They've successfully grown many of them, so they can share practical advice.

They can help you if:

  • You and two or more neighbours want to create a “micro‑forest” together, or
  • You’re unsure which plants to choose, or
  • You’re not sure where or how to plant them
  • You need help loading your photo to your Soak & Snap Survey.

Email: sustainability@npsp.sa.gov.au to be connected with a Green Connector.

Many Green Connectors are part of local community environment groups. You can also visit these group sites to see mature examples of what your plants could look like in 5–10 years.


Next up: Green Connections Program

Insights from this pilot will shape the full Green Connections Program.

The upcoming Green Connections Program will follow the seasonal calendar to support successful planting:

  • Summer (Jan–Mar): Heat awareness and priority area identification
  • Autumn (Apr–Jun): Learn and prepare — education, registration and plant collection
  • Winter (Jul–Sept): Plant and soak — planting and “Soak & Snap”
  • Spring (Oct–Dec): Track and grow — survival checks and data collection.

The future model will move from single vouchers to themed ecosystem Total Success Kits for private gardens and verges, supported by community Green Connectors.

More information on this exciting new program will be available soon. 

Contact 

Email: sustainability@npsp.sa.gov.au