The protection of trees on private urban land in Australia is complicated by the wide array of mechanisms that impact each part of the full cycle of tree growth, health and death. Authors in this field operate within different disciplines and naturally bring differing perspectives on the underlying issues. This review has allowed a unique opportunity to consider the broad themes that emerge from author perspectives across this topic. Some authors consider that a shift is required in how Australians think about urban living (in particular the Australian Dream); others take the view that the existing controls can and will work but need only adjustment in the applied parameters; while a third theme sees authors advocating for economic controls designed to shift existing patterns. Over time, the urban forest would benefit from landowners, developers and governments paying greater attention to ensuring the right tree is planted in the right location and has everything it needs to thrive, including deep soil, light, space and protections that will hold fast until the end of its natural role in the urban ecosystem.