City

Street Trees, Nature Strips

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I make a request about a street tree?

Requests (by mail, telephone or email) are forwarded to the Council's Horticultural Services Department. A response is generally provided within 10 working days, unless the matter involves public safety and is regarded as urgent.

Council employs qualified and experienced arborists and contractors who consider several factors when inspecting and maintaining trees:

tree health, structure and useful life expectancy
public risk
the effects of any proposed works on tree health, structure and stability
the effects of any proposed works on the surrounding area

Why do street trees need to be pruned?

Council maintains regular pruning program in order to meet statutory road and power line clearance requirements. Trees are pruned annually to maintain power line clearances and every 2 years to maintain clearance over footpaths and roads. While acknowledging the need for pruning, every effort is made to ensure that new tree plantations are selected to prevent undue interference with overhead services.

Map areas for pruning

What about fallen leaves, gum-nuts and other debris?

While residents generally maintain the nature-strip as part of regular property maintenance, in circumstances where tree debris is excessive and difficult to maintain, requests for assistance from Council may be considered.

Why are street trees removed?

Trees are generally removed because they have died, are dying , are diseased or show signs of failure which can't practically or reasonably be addressed.

Tree removal is generally the final option when other options prove impractical or unreasonable.

Many trees which were planted in the 1950s (eg. Flowering Plum) are now in decline and are gradually being replaced.

Can I plant my own tree on the nature-strip?

Residents are not permitted to plant trees on Council land for the following reasons:

Many factors must t be considered when selecting trees to be planted on public land.
Council's Street Tree Program

Council is obliged to ensure that trees growing on Council land meet mandatory requirements for road and electrical line clearances and is the responsible authority for any insurance matters which may arise

Can I prune my street tree?

Residents are not permitted to prune street trees as it is Council's responsibility to ensure that pruning works are undertaken by trained personnel and in accordance with Australian Standards for tree pruning and occupational health and safety.

How do I look after my street tree?

Council invites a partnership with residents to help establish healthy avenues of street trees.

Residents are encouraged to prevent mower damage to the trunk and to top-up mulch and provide summer irrigation (particularly during the first two years after planting).