Removal of Trees

The City is responsible for the removal of verge and reserve trees. The City will only remove a tree if it has died or where there is sufficient evidence the tree will cause on-going damage or be a danger to the public.

The city continues to expand its urban forest canopy, something that is highly appreciated by our community ensuring a liveable city is maintained and expanded.

Parks makes every effort to conserve and protect trees and will investigate all management/treatment options before recommending tree removal. Requests for tree removal will be investigated and assessed to determine if removal of the tree is required. If a tree is removed a replacement tree will be planted where possible.Removal is seen as a last resort and will only happen after a risk assessment has been completed.  Removing a street tree usually means all options to manage the tree have been exhausted.

As part of the City’s Management Practise, trees will only be considered for removal, under the following circumstances:

• Dead
• Diseases
• Structurally unsound/ dangerous
• Obstructing an approved works program, by either the city or utilities
• Causing ongoing damage to infrastructure
• Considered by the Manager Parks Services to present an unacceptable level of risk to persons or property.

Street trees may be removed by the City if they are considered unsuitable tree species only where replacement strategies are in place such as in association with the Urban Forest Implementation Plan.

The City does not remove trees for the following reasons:

• The proximity to infrastructure if the tree is in good health and structure
• To improve, enhancement or protection of views
• Leaf, flower, nut or bark falling or accumulating on property or in gutters, downpipes
• Reduction or eradication of shading to gardens, lawns, pools or dwellings
• A desire to re-landscape
• You dont like the species, its growth habit or location
• A species being considered inappropriate to its location
• Existing tree is in the way of, or within close proximity to a driveway crossover
• Nuisance caused by leaf or twig drop as this is a natural part of the trees life cycle
• Leaf-material shed from public trees that may accumulate in private properties, the City has no requirement to control or manage such material on private property

 It is important when purchasing or building homes that residents consider existing infrastructure including trees as the City doesn’t necessarily remove a tree because it’s in the way.

To request a street tree to be removed, submit a request by contacting  9394 5000 or email must be submitted to the City.