The WA State Government has launched a new "Treebate" scheme which will give every adult in WA the chance to obtain a free native tree.

For the next four years, up to 10,000 West Australians a year can claim a rebate on the purchase of a native tree up to $150. The program is designed to encourage West Australians to plant native trees on their properties and promote urban greening.

We're big tree lovers here at Urban Revolution and we are really excited to see this fantastic initiative.

Treebate is open to all Western Australians aged over 18 years. Every adult in a household can apply.

To receive the rebate you must:

• Choose a native tree with a canopy that reaches at least three metres in height when mature.
• Have a photo of the plant label showing the scientific or common name to upload in your claim.
• Get a tax invoice as proof of purchase. You will need a valid tax invoice to claim your rebate. 

Eligible trees under Treebate must be native (defined as being indigenous to Australia) and have a canopy over three metres in height at maturity. 

The Treebate program was an election promise made by the Cook Labor Government in January 2025, and rolled out in July 2025.

The rebate can be claimed via the Service WA app. A paper claim form is also available.

Edible Native Trees

The Treebate program applies to native species only and there is a wide range of large trees to choose from. Choose a large eucalypt for shade and feed many pollinators with its nectar. Or you could opt for a hakea or banksia species to provide food for our precious black cockatoos.

An edible native tree brings the added bonus of providing fruit or nuts for you to enjoy. If you want to add an edible native tree to your garden, there are many eligible trees to choose from. Here are some suggestions:

• Macadamia
• Davidson's Plum
• Illawarra Plum
• Lilly pilly
• Burdekin Plum
• Tuckeroo
• Lemon Myrtle
• Kurrajong
• Bunya Pine
• Sandpaper Fig
• Peanut Tree

The Treebate can only be applied to one tree - you can't buy a range of small tubestock plants and then make a claim for the purchase.

How to plant a Native Tree

Select a suitable position for your tree, considering its mature height. Be careful not to plant a large tree too close to your property or in an area where it may interfere with underground services such as drains. You may want to consider the orientation and angle of the sun, and the impact of a mature tree throwing shade onto areas of your garden. For best results, aim to plant a tree that is locally endemic and well suited to your climate and soil conditions. 

Dig a large hole at least double the depth and width of the pot. Mix a good quality compostor soil conditioner 50:50 into the soil that was removed from the hole.

Add 100g Grow Safe Spreadable Microbes slow release fertiliser to the hole to give your tree the best possible start. 

Fill the hole with a bucket of water and let it drain away.

Place the tree into the hole and backfill with the soil/compost mix.

Water in well with dilute seaweed solution.

Add a tree guard to protect the young tree from predators or accidental damage.

Add mulch to aid water retention and cool the root zone in hot summer conditions.

Water daily for the first two weeks if there is no rainfall, reducing to weekly deep watering to ensure optimal health and growth. A watering wandis an excellent tool to allow hand watering close to the root zone.

Benefits of Trees

Trees bring so many benefits to your garden. They provide essential shade to plants, people and animals, cooling your garden and your home. The beauty of trees and the shady spaces they create boost wellbeing and promote positive mental health. Established trees provide places to play for children, swinging among their branches or sitting in their shade with a game. Trees are essential for pollinators, providing nectar and a place for many insects to nest or breed. They are also essential habitat for a wider range of native animals from precious birds to possums.

We'd love to know which native tree you have chosen for the Treebate. Let us know in the comments or send us a message via our socials.