Tree Planting and Removals

Council is responsible for the management and maintenance of all trees on Council land, including those that have been planted by residents on Council verges. Residents and ratepayers are not authorised to prune or remove trees on Council land without prior written approval from Council.

In rural areas, trees that are native to an area are afforded an additional layer of protection under the Native Vegetation Act and may not be pruned or removed without prior approval.

Council views tree removal as an action of last resort. In cases where there is no viable alternative to removal, a tree removal fee applies. Tree removal/replacement fees are charged in certain circumstances as per the Tree Management Procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I would like the tree on my verge/nature strip removed

A: Council does not remove trees on Nature strips unless they are dead, unsafe or causing major infrastructure problems. Tree removal is always a last resort.

Q: I would like to plant trees/shrubs on Council verge/nature strip adjacent my property

A: Prior to any planting occurring on Council land, customers are required to complete and return an “Application to Landscape a Verge”, for Council to assess the suitability of planting and plant species. Councils’ “Preferred tree species list” provides guidance for selection of suitable trees.

Q: Can Council plant a tree on the verge/nature strip?

A: Yes, Council receives requests for the next planting season from April up until 31 March, and one street tree will be provided with additional trees considered on application.

Trees are watered fortnightly at a minimum during the warmer months for three years to ensure establishment.

All trees receive ongoing maintenance on a rotational and reactive basis. Waiting times for tree planting may vary up to two years depending on Council’s program and budget. Residents are encouraged to assist in the establishment of trees by providing additional water during periods of prolonged or extreme heat.

Q: Why do/don’t Council plant native trees on every street?

A: Council is developing a Greening Strategy to increase canopy cover across our towns. To help achieve this Council has a Preferred Tree Species List which includes a range of species including Exotic species from across the globe and a large proportion of Australian Native and Local indigenous species.

Council selects suitable tree species based on the location, soil, exposure, infrastructure and local character of a site.

Q: Can Council prune vegetation on a path or roadside to improve vision or accessibility?

A: Yes, these requests are given priority and will be attended to within 3 weeks of the request depending on the severity of the situation.

Q: Can Council come and mow my overgrown verge?

A: No, Council does not provide this service to the community. Council can undertake verge spraying to eliminate verge vegetation if required.