Public tree maintenance

All public tree maintenance works are to be undertaken by qualified Council Officers and contractors in accordance with relevant Australian Standards and best practice requirements. The following information is provided to direct overall maintenance activities.

Pruning is an effective way to help manage urban trees and may be used in the following circumstances:

  • Low branches near footpaths and roads
  • Routine maintenance to remove defects such as dead branches, crossing branches.
  • Canopy thinning within tree tolerances to allow for street lighting and solar access.
  • Storm damage
  • Sight lines clearances for signs and traffic lights

Pruning practices are aimed principally at preserving the overall health and vigour of the tree.

Council’s tree management guidelines are consistent with the Australian Standard AS4373 – Pruning of Amenity Trees; Workcover Code of Practice – Amenity Tree Industry; and Work Health and Safety requirements.

Pruning clearances for street trees to provide safe access for pedestrians, vehicles and properties, street trees are pruned to the following maximum clearances:

  • Pedestrian access to 2.5 metres
  • Vehicle access at kerbside of 3.5 metres increasing to 4.5 metres at the centre of the road
  • Branches overhanging into properties to be 3 metres clear of roof structure. Trees are pruned to Australian Standards 4373 – Pruning of Amenity Trees to maintain tree structure, health, and condition.

public tree diagram

Requests for Tree Pruning or Removal

Requests for pruning or removal of public trees are investigated by the Tree Operations team. Council’s qualified arborists conduct inspections using the methods of Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) and Landscape Significance Assessment (LSA) as described in 3.2 of the guideline’s documents.

Additional criteria used in assessing public trees for pruning or removal may include

  • The health, condition, and structure of the tree
  • The pruning history of the tree e.g., previous pruning in response to branch failure
  • Location of the tree in relation to buildings and structures
  • The tree’s amenity value to the area e.g., streetscape
  • Whether the tree forms part of an avenue planting; habitat corridor
  • The suitability of the species to the location

The shedding of leaves, fruit or flowers is not considered sufficient reason for excessive pruning or removal of a street tree.

Pruning for Clearance of Electricity Wires/Powerlines

Pruning under electricity cables to the minimum clearances is authorised under Section 48 of the Electricity Supply Act 1995 and Electricity Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2014.

Both acts effectively overrule council-originated Tree Preservation Orders or Development Control Plans and other environmental planning instruments, excluded are State heritage or protection orders.

Pruning works within three metres of power lines can only be carried out by suitably qualified personnel.

Residents and community are encouraged to contact Ausgrid or your service provider if you require pruning to public or street trees that impact overhead powerlines or your service lead.

Public consultation and notification

Whenever public trees may require removal, particularly if it will affect the visual appeal of streetscapes or adjacent properties, the following process is to be followed:

  • Council’s Tree Operation Supervisor will initially assess any request for work on public trees.
  • If removal is recommended a detailed notification procedure is followed. This procedure does not apply for trees assessed as being in poor condition or dead.