We’re working towards creating a future worth living for, and that extends to the preservation of our land and waterways we call home.
Blue Tree Project is committed to protecting the environment while creating symbols of hope through our tree-painting initiative. Our environmental guidelines ensure that each painted tree aligns with sustainability practices, safeguarding local ecosystems and minimising any potential impact. By following these guidelines, we aim to inspire meaningful conversations about mental health while respecting and preserving the natural world.
Who is this framework for?
These guidelines apply to our mental health charity, its volunteers, partners, and any individuals involved in Blue Tree Project painting initiatives.
We all play a role in helping create a healthy future!
Guidelines for Painting Dead Trees Blue
- Only dead trees shall be selected for the Blue Tree Project. Living trees or trees of ecological importance should not be painted.
- The selection of dead trees should be done in consultation with qualified arborists or environmental experts to ensure that the tree is truly deceased and poses no ecological risk.
Testimonial
I was so lucky and excited to initiate the painting of a tree as part of the Blue Tree Project in 2023. Once we had found a suitable dead tree (with no bark and in a prominent location) we consulted an ecologist who assessed the tree to provide recommendations to ensure the painting did not adversely affect the local wildlife. She looked for any significant habitat elements including hollows and surveyed what birds were using the tree and how (were they nesting or simply perching in the branches). Following her assessment (which indicated there was potential habitat elements for microbats) she noted that the potential impact on wildlife would be very low, particularly as the paint being used was non-toxic. She recommended that we didn’t paint within 30cm of hollows (as a precaution) and that we do a thorough check of the tree prior to painting. Although it was highly unlikely that we would encounter wildlife while painting the tree it was recommended that we take care to minimise disturbance and avoid painting that part of the tree.
The painting of the Blue Tree was such a wonderful experience for all involved with new friendships and connections formed as a result of the event. It has definitely sparked many conversations and the beautiful local birds are still perching on the outstretched, now blue, branches.
Samantha Ning
Director Tree Protection, Urban Treescapes for ACT Government
What paint is being used?
Wattyl is our ‘Official Paint Partner’ as their products meet and exceed Australian and global eco certifications and standards. We also say no to landfill and are a proud supporter of ‘Paintback’, a world-first national disposal and recycling scheme.
To find out more information around the products used please visit their Environmental Credentials page here.
What else are we doing to help protect the environment?
We are vigilant of the suppliers, packaging and disposal practises within the charity. We're also supporting ecosystem restoration through tree planting to help play a small part in mitigating climate change. We plant 1 tree for every 10 projects registered with our charity.
We’re on the ground planting trees—not shifting money around so someone else can do it. Our team is acutely aware of the stress our planet is under and want to be part of the solution. We’re working towards creating a future worth living for, and that extends to the preservation of our land and waterways we call home.
Next planting day: July 2025
