There are many old and beautiful trees around the Waratah-Wynyard municipality. Council endeavours to protect and preserve trees where possible in order to ensure the continued benefits they bring the community, such as: increased oxygen levels, shelter and sun protecting, filtering out pollutants from the air, and picturesque vistas.
Council is forever developing its Tree Management approach to ensure best practices and effective processes are used. It is important you think before you chop, and always contact Council if you are unsure about whether you can or can’t remove a tree from private or public property. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that might assist you in making a decision.
Can I plant or remove a tree on Council owned land?
Under some circumstance, Council may grant you permission to plant trees on nature strips, which are classified as public land. However, you must always seek advice from Council before doing so. A Council Officer will need to assess your request to ensure it is safe and environmentally sustainable in the area you’re requesting. To make a request to plant a tree on your nature strip, please complete this tree planting request form and return it to Council.
Before removing individual trees or branches from public land, you must obtain permission from Council. Different provisions exist that vary between zones or overlay areas. There might also be provisions set out in your planning scheme. Once you submit a written request, a Council Officer will then inspect the tree and if it is deemed unsafe or diseased, Council will organise its removal. For more information on the management of street trees, click here.
Do I need permission to remove a tree on my land?
It is always recommended that you contact the Council before cutting, damaging or removing any trees on your own land. However, generally you will not require a planning permit to remove individual trees, especially if they are:
- close to a house;
- causing a fire risk; or
- causing a problem with drains.
The reason we recommend contacting Council before removing a tree on your own land is because some titles have a tree protection order attached to them. This means you require written approval from Council before trees can be removed. You may require a planning permit if you are in a special zone like an environmental protection or landscape protection zone.
If you are removing a tree or trees as part of a development application, you need to indicate the locations of the tree or trees on your plans. A Council Officer will then decide if the tree(s) should be removed in their overall assessment of the development.
Clearing large numbers of trees
In general terms, you are required under the Forest Practices Act 1985 to obtain a Forest Practices Plan.
Forestry operations are regulated by the Forest Practices Authority, an independent Government organisation to Council.
Can I get a tree lopped or removed from my neighbour’s property?
Councils do not generally get involved in negotiations between neighbours regarding trees. It is up to you to talk to your neighbour and work out a mutually acceptable solution.
Can I object to a tree being removed?
You can contact Council to find out whether you can object to a tree being removed in some circumstances.
It is possible to object and appeal Council’s decision, if:
- a Planning Permit is required to remove a tree and the application is advertised, or
- the tree or trees are part of a larger development proposal which is advertised.
If you object, you must do so to the Council within 14 days of the development proposal being advertised.
If you wish to appeal Councils decision, you must:
- have already lodged an objection to the Council with regard to the proposal.
- submit your appeal to the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal within 14 days of receiving notice of Council’s decision.
What about tree roots and drains?
Tree roots can be aggressive and often create pressure on buildings, footpaths, fences, and pipes. Existing cracks in pipes allow root invasion, as tree roots will seek out sources of moisture and nutrients.
Under the Local Government Act 1993, Councils may require you to cut the roots of a tree or bush, or remove the entire tree or bush, that is interfering with any building or structure.
Please avoid pouring herbicides down blocked drains. This will often not clear the roots and will almost certainly result in pollution problems or killing the entire tree. You should find out where the drains and pipes are on your property before planting large trees.
If you have any tree issues that you would like to report to Council, click here.