Western Australians will be able to claim up to $150 toward native trees when the second round of the State Government’s Treebate program opens on August 3, 2026.
The expanded offer is available to WA residents aged 18 and over and allows a claim covering the purchase and planting of up to five eligible native trees. The rebate is intended to help households create more shade and wildlife habitat as Perth confronts the lowest urban tree-canopy coverage among Australia’s major capitals.
How much can residents claim?
Treebate is a reimbursement rather than a voucher issued before purchase. Residents must pay for the trees first, plant them and then submit the required evidence.
The maximum payment is $150 per eligible claimant across as many as five trees. It is not $150 for every tree. A person who spends $90 may receive up to $90, while someone spending $240 remains limited to the $150 maximum.
Coolbellup resident Arid used the previous offer to buy a large eucalyptus tree priced at $240. After receiving the full rebate, his effective cost was $90. He said he submitted the receipt and plant label through ServiceWA and received the payment within about a week, although individual processing times may vary.
Who is eligible for Treebate 2026?
The second round is open to Western Australian residents aged 18 or older who plant qualifying native trees on private residential property. The scheme is statewide and is not limited to Perth.
Renters should obtain permission from their landlord before planting. People living in strata properties should also confirm that planting is allowed in the proposed location.
Applicants should check the new terms in ServiceWA for conditions affecting multiple adults at the same address, previous participants and shared properties. Funding is limited, so residents should apply promptly after completing an eligible purchase.
Which native trees qualify?
The government’s published requirements say an eligible native tree must develop a canopy reaching at least three metres in height at maturity. Small shrubs, ground covers and ornamental plants that remain below the height threshold are unlikely to qualify.
Buyers should ask the nursery to confirm the species and keep the original plant label displaying its common or scientific name. A photograph of that label is required for the application.
Residents should also consider the tree’s eventual height, canopy spread, roots, water needs and distance from buildings, fences and powerlines. A qualifying tree may still be unsuitable for a small yard if its mature size is not considered.
Documents needed for a claim
Applicants should keep:
- An itemised tax invoice or valid purchase receipt.
- The original label supplied with each tree.
- A clear photograph of every plant label.
- Details showing each tree’s common or scientific name.
- Any additional evidence requested under the 2026 terms.
An EFTPOS slip alone may not be sufficient because it usually does not identify the plants purchased. The invoice should show the retailer, transaction date, itemised trees and total amount paid.
How to claim through ServiceWA
The ServiceWA app is expected to be the quickest application method. Residents can prepare by installing the app, creating an account and connecting their Digital ID before August 3.
- Check the updated offer and eligible purchase period.
- Buy up to five qualifying native trees.
- Plant the trees on private residential property.
- Keep the tax invoice and photograph the labels.
- Open the Treebate offer in ServiceWA.
- Enter the requested identity, property and purchase information.
- Upload the evidence and submit the claim.
The official WA Government Treebate page provides eligibility guidance, planting resources and application support.
Can residents apply without the app?
People unable to use ServiceWA can submit a paper claim. Manual applications require copies of documents meeting the 100-point identification requirement and may take up to 30 days to process.
ServiceWA Customer Care is available on 13 33 92. Email support is available at support@digital.wa.gov.au from 8:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays.
Should trees be purchased before August 3?
Residents should wait for the new terms unless the government confirms that earlier purchases qualify. A tree may meet the botanical requirements but still be rejected if its receipt falls outside the approved purchase period.
The existing government webpage may temporarily display first-round information while the expanded offer is prepared. Applicants should follow the 2026 conditions shown in ServiceWA when the new round opens.
Read More:
Why Western Australia is offering the rebate
The $6.9 million program forms part of the Cook Government’s Urban Greening Strategy, which aims to increase canopy coverage, reduce urban heat, support biodiversity and improve neighbourhood liveability.
More than 10,000 trees were planted during Treebate’s first year. Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the response demonstrated strong community interest and that feedback led to the expansion allowing claims for up to five native trees.
Perth’s tree canopy remains below 20 per cent, short of the widely recommended 30 per cent level. Mature trees can cool homes, streets and footpaths while creating habitat and food sources for native wildlife.
Other household policies are also attracting attention, including proposals that could allow older Australians to earn income from a spare room without reducing pension payments.
Treebate and WA Tree Recovery are different
Treebate is the general statewide offer for residents purchasing eligible native trees. The separate WA Tree Recovery Program assists property owners whose trees were removed under government authority because of polyphagous shot-hole borer.
The Tree Recovery scheme may provide up to $150 for each approved replacement tree and can include certain establishment items. It requires removal records and a unique Tree ID.
Residents following government services delivered through mobile phones can also check the schedule and eligibility details for the AusAlert national phone test.
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