Cottesloe's Norfolk Island pines could eventually disappear from future street plantings under proposed changes to the town's street tree masterplan.

Twenty-seven streets have been recommended for new designated tree species as part of the plan, which aims to make Cottesloe's tree canopy more sustainable and resistant to infestations of the polyphagous shot-hole borer.

Residents were asked in late 2025 to nominate preferred replacement species, with options including native tuarts, paperbarks, spotted gums and Rottnest Island tea trees. Changes were recommended for every street included in the review except Alexandra Avenue, where residents strongly supported retaining the existing coral trees despite their status as a known host for the borer.

The proposed program is estimated to cost $150,000 and forms part of the town's long-term goal of reaching 30 per cent tree canopy coverage by 2040. Cottesloe's existing canopy is estimated at about 14 per cent, among the lowest of Perth's western suburbs.

Tree canopy advocate Sarah Allchurch said increasing street tree planting was positive but argued Cottesloe would also need to retain mature trees and plant new ones to reach the 30 per cent target. The town's canopy had already been reduced after trees infested by shot-hole borer were required to be removed.

Cottesloe received $12,204 from the State Government's WA Tree Recovery program following those losses. Allchurch and other advocates have also called for stronger council protections for significant trees, particularly as much of Perth's canopy loss occurs on private property.

The council was due to consider adopting the street tree plan at its March 24 meeting.