Trees

Habitat Trees

We’ll remove the minimum amount to make a tree safe while still retaining habitat value, such as leaving a hollow stump for nesting birds.

Pruning branches and crowning

• Crown-thinning for solar, pedestrian or vehicle access
• Maintenance pruning to remove dead, diseased, dying, defective branches
• Selective pruning to remove branches causing conflict, such as building encroachment
• Pruning for vehicle sight lines, signage, and TfNSW requirements

Tree Removal

• Removal of unsuitable or hazardous trees
• Removal of trees in conflict with utilities and built structures where all engineering alternatives have been considered

Work outside council's scope

Pruning

• Pruning of trees contrary to Australian standards 
• Pruning beyond what a particular species will tolerate
• Requests for topping of trees
• Chemical controls such as termite control

Tree Removal

• Of healthy and stable trees
• For views, solar access, leaf, fruit or sap drop, bird or bat droppings, or damage to sewer pipes or built structures
• Of trees causing damage to minor structures such as footpaths, fences and driveways
• Of trees in order for developers to comply with development conditions

It can be very costly if you remove, damage or lop a tree without council permission, especially if the case is prosecuted in the Land and Environment Court.

Make sure you’re aware of the rules and regulations before you plan any work. If in any doubt, contact council to check.

Council uses CCTV and other methods to help identify those responsible for tree vandalism. Persons undertaking unauthorised actions, like poisoning, pruning, cutting, ringbarking or removal of public trees will be subject to legal action.

Report any suspected illegal tree works to Council.

Council conducts a tree audit every five years which inspects all council-managed street and park trees. All trees have an asset number and any required works identified for individual trees are listed and prioritised in a maintenance program.

Council utilises qualified staff and also enlists the services of qualified tree service contractors to carry out the tree maintenance.

Types of tree maintenance

• Removal of any deadwood over 40mm
• Height clearances over footways
• Height clearances over roads
• Removal of identified dangerous branches
• Removal of identified dead trees

Trees with good form and shape, that do not affect pedestrian access or pose a risk to roadways will not be trimmed.

Council will notify the owners of trees on private properties that obstruct public walkways or roadways.

Trees from private property obstruct the public walkway, 

It's important to select the right tree for the right place and locally indigenous species should be selected wherever possible. This will improve habitat for native animals as well as being suitable to the climate.

When thinking about what to plant, consider

• Level of pruning and maintenance needed
• Type of soil and water available
• The current character of the landscape
• Access to sunshine and light in winter months
• Creating habitat for native animals
• Helping threatened species and ecological communities

Research how tall a tree will be when fully grown and the size of its canopy

Make sure it won't impact on your neighbours through shading, loss of views or damage to fencing and building foundations

Avoid planting large trees too close together and allow room for root growth

Avoid planting too close to buildings or in-ground pools - large trees should be planted at least four metres away

Use locally native and non-invasive species in your garden - increase the success of your garden, use less water, attract native animals

Remember mature trees need maintenance - trimming/removing misshapen branches, checking for fungal rot or other diseases

Be aware of future tree and utility conflicts, including overhead and underground lines.