Trees and shrubs rely on their roots to find moisture and nutrients - and your property’s wastewater pipes can be a bit of a magnet if they’re cracked. Once inside the pipe, the root can grow quickly, reducing water flow or even causing a complete blockage. Often, complete sections of pipe need to be replaced which can be expensive.
Waterwise trees
Waterwise trees tend to have non-invasive root systems which reduces the risk of damage and once established, they only need to be watered once or twice a week. Many of these trees will flourish over the summer months with minimal watering.
Where can I plant waterwise trees?
Before planting a tree anywhere on your property, contact Before You Dig Australia to make sure underground infrastructure won’t be damaged or interfered with.
Waterwise tree list
The Water Corp’s list is intended as a guide to assist you with selecting the right trees or shrubs for your garden. There are a range of sizes, as well as both WA natives and exotic trees and shrubs to select from. Each tree has been scored on a water rating and level of root invasiveness by specialist tree consultants.
The list includes all the information required to decide which will be the best for your garden, including the amount of maintenance the trees will need (for example, you will probably be best avoiding deciduous trees near pools).
Select-the-right-tree.pdf
Water rating
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0 drop - once established will require no supplementary watering.
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1 drop - requires watering once a week once established.
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2 drop - requires watering twice a week once established.
Root invasiveness
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Low - the species doesn’t display vigorous root development and isn't commonly associated with damage to pipes.
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Moderate - the species may cause some damage to pipes. Tree species are more likely to originate in more temperate climates than the Perth region and have a higher requirement for water.
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High - these species have vigorous root development. Trees within this category are generally not recommended for planting near pipes. They may also be included within a list of trees considered unsuitable for verge or urban garden planting.
Flowering type
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Showy / ornamental - trees have large flowers or voluminous displays of flowers.
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Inconspicuous / small - trees have flowers, however these may be small, sparse, or not ornamental
- No flowers
