Adelaide Council Tree & Plant Rebates: How to Save Money on Plants in SA
Updated: 19 November 2025 – always check the council link for the latest dates and eligibility before you buy.
If you live in Adelaide or surrounding suburbs in South Australia, your local council may offer tree rebates, native plant rebates or council plant vouchers. These programs are designed to increase tree canopy, support native gardens and cool our suburbs – and they can also reduce the cost of buying new plants for your home.
This guide summarises key Adelaide council tree rebate and native plant rebate SA programs that are relevant to our delivery areas. Each section includes a simple overview and a direct link to the council website, so you can check details and apply online without needing to contact us.
Quick overview: Adelaide tree & plant rebates
Below is a summary of current council incentives for customers looking for:
- Tree rebates to plant shade trees in Adelaide suburbs
- Native and indigenous plant subsidies in South Australia
- Greener verge rebates and council plant vouchers
Note: Program details and dates can change. Always check the council link before you buy plants specifically for a rebate.
City of Charles Sturt – “Treebate” Tree Rebate Scheme
The Charles Sturt Treebate program helps residents plant more trees on private property. It’s one of the most popular tree rebate Adelaide schemes.
Rebate amount:
- 50% of the tree purchase price
- Up to $50 per tree for trees purchased between 1 April 2024 and 30 June 2025
- Up to $100 per tree for trees purchased between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026
- Maximum of 3 trees per residential property per financial year
Key requirements:
- Property must be within the City of Charles Sturt.
- Tree must be planted in the ground on private property (not on the verge).
- Receipt and photos of the tree, label and planting are required.
- Rebates are limited and processed until the annual budget is used.
Direct council link (learn more & apply):
City of Charles Sturt – Treebate tree rebate scheme
City of Port Adelaide Enfield – “Get Shady” Tree Rebate
The Get Shady rebate encourages residents to plant shade trees on private land, helping reduce urban heat in coastal and inner-north Adelaide suburbs.
Rebate amount (typical):
- Reimbursement up to around $100 for an approved shade tree (check current round for exact amount).
Key requirements:
- Available to property owners in the City of Port Adelaide Enfield.
- Tree must be a suitable shade tree planted in the ground on private property.
- Receipt and photos are required for the rebate claim.
- Generally cannot claim in consecutive financial years for the same property.
Direct council link (Get Shady details & forms):
City of Port Adelaide Enfield – Get Shady tree rebate program
City of Prospect – Treebate Tree Rebate
The Prospect Treebate is a long-running Adelaide tree rebate program aimed at increasing tree canopy on private land.
Rebate amount:
- 50% rebate on the purchase price of a tree
- Up to $50 per tree
- Up to 3 trees per property per round (subject to guidelines)
Key requirements:
- Applicant must be a resident or ratepayer in the City of Prospect.
- Trees must be planted in the ground on private property.
- Receipt and photos are required.
- Funding is limited and available until the annual allocation is exhausted.
Direct council link (current guidelines & forms):
City of Prospect – Treebate tree rebate scheme
City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters – Tree Incentive Program
This program offers vouchers for residents to plant long-lived shade trees, supporting greener, cooler streets in the inner-east.
Rebate amount:
- $80 voucher towards the purchase of an eligible established tree.
Key requirements:
- Property must be within the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.
- Tree must be long-lived (typically 20+ years) and able to grow to at least 3 m high.
- Tree must be planted in the ground on private land.
- Voucher numbers are limited and often book out each year.
Direct council link (tree voucher information):
City of NPSP – Tree Incentive Program
City of Marion – Sustainability Rebates (Greener Verges)
The City of Marion Greener Verges scheme, under the sustainability rebates umbrella, supports residents who want to replace bare or hard-surfaced verges with native plants or lawn. It’s a popular option for those searching for native plant rebate SA or verge planting rebate Adelaide.
Rebate amount:
- Up to 50% of project costs, capped at around $500 per property (check current limits).
Key requirements:
- Available to residents within the City of Marion.
- Applies to verge upgrade projects: soil, mulch, native plants, or water-wise lawn.
- Pre-approval may be required before works start.
- Funding is limited and offered until the annual budget is used.
Direct council links:
Overview of sustainability rebates:
City of Marion – Sustainability rebates (including Greener Verges)
Detailed verge information & FAQs:
City of Marion – Greener Verges rebate details & guidelines
City of Holdfast Bay – Indigenous Plant Rebate (Green Living Rebates)
The Holdfast Bay green living rebates include support for residents buying indigenous plants, ideal for coastal suburbs such as Glenelg and surrounds.
Rebate amount:
- 50% rebate up to $40 for eligible indigenous plants from approved suppliers.
Key requirements:
- Must be a resident of the City of Holdfast Bay.
- Plants must be indigenous species listed or approved by council.
- Plants must usually be purchased from participating nurseries.
Direct council link (green living rebates & plant rebate details):
City of Holdfast Bay – Green living rebates (indigenous plant rebate)
Town of Gawler – Greening Gawler Incentive Program
The Greening Gawler Incentive Program is a regional native plant voucher SA initiative that supports tree planting and verge greening in Gawler.
Rebate / voucher amount:
- Typically $30 vouchers for native trees and verge plants.
- Voucher numbers are limited in each round.
Key requirements:
- Available to residents and ratepayers in the Town of Gawler.
- Plants must be native species suitable for local conditions.
- Rounds usually run in set periods (e.g. autumn or spring) on a first-come, first-served basis.
Direct council link (latest round & voucher details):
Town of Gawler – Greening Gawler Incentive Program
City of West Torrens – Tree Incentive & Regulated Tree Assistance
The City of West Torrens offers two main programs: a rebate for new shade trees and assistance for the care of existing significant or regulated trees.
Rebate amounts (check current guidelines):
- Tree Incentive Rebate: up to around $100 for one new shade tree, or up to around $200 for two trees in priority areas.
- Significant & Regulated Tree Assistance: up to around $1,000 per tree for arborist advice, pruning or pest/disease works on qualifying trees.
Key requirements:
- Property must be within the City of West Torrens.
- Tree Incentive Rebate applies to new shade trees planted in the ground on private property.
- Significant & Regulated Tree Assistance applies to existing large trees that meet state definitions.
- Each program has its own forms and assessment criteria.
Direct council link (all tree-related rebates & assistance):
City of West Torrens – Tree rebates and assistance
How to use Adelaide tree & plant rebates (step-by-step)
For most Adelaide tree rebates and native plant rebates in South Australia, the basic process is similar:
- Find your council – Confirm which council area your property is in.
- Check the program page – Use the direct links above to read the latest information, dates and eligibility.
- Buy eligible plants or trees – Choose species that meet the council criteria (height, canopy, native/indigenous etc.).
- Keep your receipt – Most rebates require an itemised tax invoice which we can supply.
- Plant in the ground – Many schemes only apply to in-ground plantings, not pots.
- Take photos and apply online – Upload your receipt and photos via the council application form.
Taking advantage of a council tree rebate in Adelaide or a native plant subsidy in SA is a simple way to make your garden greener while keeping costs down – especially when you’re already planning to buy new plants.
