Trees on Council land

Council manages trees like any other public asset - on a whole of life-cycle basis. This is a continual and revolving program of planning, initial planting, intervention when required, and renewal.

Whole of life cycle tree asset management

We manage and retain trees where appropriate. We remove and replace trees when they are no longer fit for purpose. Sometimes trees are removed due to structural defects within the tree, despite still having a green canopy.

This ensures the quality and quantity of the Sutherland Shire tree population, both now, and for future generations.

Our tree management approach includes:

forward planning
early intervention
long-term care
sustainable planting programs.

We are responsible for the maintenance and removal of all trees on Council-managed land.

You should never attempt to prune or remove a public tree yourself, including hiring a contractor to do this. Works not approved by us will be treated as vandalism.

If you believe a public tree requires maintenance or is a safety concern, contact us.

Our Arborist will then assess the tree's health, structure and context to determine if action is required. Tree removal is only carried out when there is no practical remedial option.

All public tree works are completed by one of our in-house teams or preferred suppliers.

Inspection and Intervention

Once Council receives your request for assessment of a tree, Council’s arborists will undertake a full visual tree assessment and risk assessment of the tree within 90 days.

If tree pruning or removal works are identified as part of the assessment process, works will be scheduled to be completed in accordance with Council’s adopted intervention levels:

1. Extreme Risk/Safety – 24 hours/1 day

2. High Risk – 7 days/1 week

3. Moderate Risk – 90 days/3 months

4. Low Risk – Data captured and revisited, should the health of the tree change.

A response will be provided after the tree has been assessed advising of the outcome and estimated time for completion of works that may have been identified.

Information regarding the outcome of the assessment will be provided to you in the communication method selected when your request was lodged.

We may prune trees to:

Remove any significant dead, dying or dangerous branches
Provide clearance for pedestrians and vehicles above roads and formed footpaths.
Allow 2m clearance to buildings/dwellings (depending on site constraints).
Improve their health and structure.

We may remove trees (last option) when:

The health and structural condition of the tree.
The level of risk the tree poses cannot be managed through pruning or other measures.
If the tree is causing considerable damage to public infrastructure where remedial actions are not feasible or practical.
If the tree is causing substantiated structural damage to a dwelling (excluding footpaths, retaining walls, private pipe infrastructure, driveways, and fences) and remedial actions are not feasible or practical.
A tree is in an unsuitable position where its future growth will result in major damage to surrounding infrastructure or substantial structure and there are no practical options to prevent damage.
Where the tree is proven by way of a registered immunologist to be directly causing ill health, such as severe allergies and all other reasonable options have been explored.
Any other reason at the discretion of Council staff, which can be justified either on arboriculture, technical or legal grounds according to a particular circumstance.

The following reasons are NOT considered reasons for removal or pruning of a public tree:

For the reduction of leaf, seed, flower, or sap drop or any other natural biological process. Bird, bat, or possum droppings.
The presence of insects, spiders or animals jumping from the tree to a property.
For excessive solar access or to allow or improve a view.
Because the tree canopy or branches overhangs the property boundary line.
Lifting of driveways, paths or paving where there are alternative options to solve the problem whilst retaining the tree.
Damage to minor structures such as fences, roof structures or minor ancillary structures.
Damage to underground services such as sewer and water pipes where there are alternative options to solve the problem whilst retaining the tree.
To make way for a development unless a DA/RDA condition or similar approval states exactly what is permitted.
Tree is too large or too high, or to reduce the height of the tree.
Trees that are regarded as not aesthetically pleasing.
Unsubstantiated fear of tree failure.
Termite infestation where the structure of the tree has not been affected.
Clearance to the electrical network or cables such as NBN, Telstra or telecommunication cables, satellite dishes or masts.

Exceptions

You can undertake tree works on Council-managed land If:

you have an approved Development Consent or Driveway Consent from us
we have provided you with other written approval for pruning or removal.

This work must be carried out by a Council-approved contractor in accordance with the conditions of the consent or approval. The applicant is responsible for contract management and payment.

If we decline to remove a tree from Council-managed land, you can request a review of our decision. This process is carried out under our Urban Tree and Bushland Policy.

Our internal expert panel will consider your concerns, as well as the site, health, structure and significance of the tree.

The review process is as follows:

Write to us seeking a review of the decision.
We will undertake an initial review and provide a Panel Review Application Form.
Submit the application to us, along with any supporting information.
We will consult in writing with the immediate neighbours.
Our panel will review the information and make a decision.
We will advise you of the decision in writing.

We sometimes remove trees or undertake remedial works in high-profile locations.

When required, we will erect signs with QR codes to provide you with further information.

Check the latest information about Tree Management Works.

We act to assess and contain any risks posed by trees on Council land. If the risk cannot be managed, trees are removed.

Healthy and structurally sound trees can sometimes cause damage, particularly during extreme weather events. Find out more.

The maintenance of pipes and driveways across public land is the responsibility of the property owner. Tree roots will access damaged, displaced or poorly joined pipes, as well as poorly constructed driveways. Residents should take appropriate action to maintain these private assets.