As Brisbane and South East Queensland grows, the pressure on our landscapes is increasing.
More buildings, more hard surfaces, and less available soil mean that how we design for trees is more important than ever. This is where deep planting comes in.
Deep planting is not just a planning requirement. It is the difference between a landscape that survives and one that thrives.
When designed properly, deep planting supports healthy trees, cooler environments, and long-term landscape performance across residential, commercial, and educational projects.
What Is Deep Planting?
Deep planting refers to areas of a site that provide sufficient soil depth and volume to support the long term growth of medium to large trees.
These areas are typically:
- Open to the sky
- Located in natural ground
- Free from structures and major underground constraints
This allows trees to develop natural root systems, reach full canopy size, and remain stable over time.
Without adequate space, trees are often confined to shallow or highly compacted soils. This limits growth, reduces canopy cover, and leads to early decline.
Deep Planting Requirements in Brisbane
In Brisbane, deep planting is guided by planning provisions set by Brisbane City Council through the City Plan.
While requirements vary depending on the development type, the intent is consistent. Trees need enough space and soil to grow properly.
Typical requirements include:
- Allocation of a portion of the site, often around 15 percent
- Planting in natural ground rather than raised structures
- Open to the sky with no built structures above
- Areas generally free of underground services and structures to allow root growth
- Sufficient dimensions and soil volume to support the selected tree species
- A layered planting approach including trees, shrubs, and groundcovers
- Groundcovers selected to establish quickly and stabilise the soil
- Consideration of irrigation or water access during establishment
Importantly, plannings approach is increasingly focused on performance rather than minimum dimensions. This means soil volume, tree maturity, and long term survival are more important than simply meeting a set size.
Why Is it Critical in Brisbane
Brisbane’s subtropical climate creates both opportunity and challenge.
Heat, humidity, intense rainfall, and dry periods all place pressure on landscapes. Planting plays a key role in responding to these conditions.
Well-designed deep planting areas:
- Support deeper root systems that access moisture and improve drought resilience
- Enable trees to grow full canopies that provide shade and cooling
- Reduce urban heat and improve outdoor comfort
- Improve stormwater infiltration and reduce runoff
- Contribute to biodiversity within urban environments
Without deep planting, many landscapes struggle to establish and often require ongoing replacement and maintenance.
Getting Deep Planting Right
The success of deep planting is determined early in the design process.
If it is left too late, it often becomes compromised by building footprints, services, or cost pressures.
To achieve the best outcomes, deep planting should be:
- Integrated with architecture and civil design from the beginning
- Coordinated with underground services to minimise conflicts
- Designed around realistic soil volumes for the intended tree species
- Supported by appropriate establishment strategies, including water access
- Considered as part of the overall landscape system, not an isolated requirement
This is particularly important in commercial landscape design and education projects where multiple constraints need to be balanced.
Why Planting Adds Long Term Value
Deep planting is often seen as a compliance item. In reality, it is one of the most valuable components of a site.
Well-designed planting delivers:
- Higher property value through mature landscape character
- Improved usability and comfort through shade
- Reduced long-term maintenance and replacement costs
- Stronger environmental performance
- Better outcomes for people, whether in homes, workplaces, or schools
It transforms landscape from decoration into infrastructure.
Ready to Get it Right?
If you want your landscape to perform long after construction, the correct areas for planting need to be considered from day one.
At Orterra, we design landscapes that respond to Brisbane’s climate, integrate with your project, and deliver long term value.
If you are planning a project and want to get deep planting right, get in touch with our team.