We're adding to our tree canopy – and there are some ways you can help.
Public tree plantings
During the cooler months of the year, we plant trees to replace any that have been removed and to add to our City's tree canopy.
We follow a 3:1 ratio, planting three trees for each one removed, and fill in gaps between existing trees.
If you want a new tree planted, let us know! We'll check the site, and if it's suitable, we'll add it to our planting list. Your requests help add to our urban forest.
Looking after new tree plantings
After we plant a new public tree, we periodically return to provide it with water. However, if you have a newly planted tree near your property, we welcome and encourage you to lend a helping hand by giving it some water as well.
But caring for these trees goes beyond watering. We also encourage you to keep the area immediately around the tree trunk free from weeds. The best way to do this is by hand-pulling weeds rather than using brush cutters, which will ring bark the tree, or by using chemicals.
While we don't permit pruning of public trees, you’ll often spend more time with the tree than we do. If you notice any issues such as wilting or vandalism, please let us know.
Together, we can ensure the health and well-being of our newly planted trees. Your involvement makes a difference!
We prioritise minimal tree pruning in our public trees, including street and park trees, focusing on essential works necessary for the tree's health and safety, as well as property access.
Pruning undertaken by Council adheres to Australian standards and ensures a tree's wellbeing. Residents and members of the public are not allowed to prune public trees. Natural leaf drop and minor debris are part of trees' natural growth and should be managed through routine property maintenance methods like manual clearing or leaf guards.
Council advocates for sustainable practices, avoiding continuous pruning that incurs community costs and damages assets.
We use standard guidelines for the pruning maintenance of public trees. They are:
- 3 metres above buildings
- 2.4 metres over footpaths and bike paths
- 1 metre either side of bike paths
- 2.4 metres over parking lanes and 4.5 metres over traffic lanes on local roads (a graded increase in height between the traffic lanes and parking lanes is determined on a case by case basis)
- 4.5 metres above all lanes on major arterial roads
- Pruning of healthy branches overhanging private properties, except for building clearance where the leafy branches are already within 3m of the building itself and do not require the removal of structural branches
- Thinning for views or sunlight to private property
- Pruning of branches shading lawns or gardens. Council recommends the use of appropriate shade tolerant grass and plant species if shade is an issue
- Pruning to reduce fruit (e.g. gumnuts), leaves, sap drop, minor twigs, bird droppings etc. from falling onto private properties, fences, footpaths, parked cars or similar
- Pruning of trees to increase street lighting onto private property. The primary function of street lighting is to light the roadway. Lighting private property for amenity or security reasons is the responsibility of the property owner
- To remove shade from solar panels for electricity generation. Council recommends that solar panels be correctly sited outside the shade influence zone of trees
- Pruning of trees because leaves are blocking the gutter. Council encourages the property owner to install gutter guard for a permanent solution to this issue
- Pruning of trees to remove insect, spider, ant, bird or other fauna habitat or infestation
- Pruning to improve visibility of advertising and other commercial, non-safety or road signage
You can request public tree works and we will assess and, if agreed, organise them. We prioritise tree works along with other tasks, considering various factors like storms, which might cause delays. Here's a brief overview of the public tree works process:
- Customer request: Start by registering your request, which typically takes one to five days to process
- Tree inspection: A Tree Management Officer will inspect the tree, usually within five days of receiving the request.
- Allocation to tree team: Depending on workload, the request is allocated to the tree team, typically within two to four weeks.
- Tree work: The tree work is carried out once it's in the queue.
Ausgrid is responsible for managing the electrical distribution network throughout CBCity, which includes the poles and wires you see on our streets. They arrange tree pruning periodically to ensure that trees stay clear of power lines and to minimise risks to their network.
Please note that this pruning, which may result in trees having an uneven canopy, is entirely independent of Council. The management of electrical distribution networks falls under NSW state legislation, which means that Council has limited influence over the work Ausgrid performs on our public trees.
However, when Ausgrid contractors leave trees in poor condition, Council does voice its concerns and complaints to Ausgrid. As a resident of our City, you also have the option to make complaints directly to Ausgrid, and you are encouraged to do so. Your feedback and observations matter in keeping our trees healthy and beautiful.
Storms are a natural occurrence, and sometimes they can cause damage to our public trees. If you ever spot a storm-damaged tree or are concerned that a tree is at risk of damage, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to assess the situation and take necessary action.
We often receive requests about trees swaying vigorously in the wind. Generally, trees sway to absorb the force of the wind, which is a natural shock-absorption mechanism. You might notice the outer branches moving more than those closer to the trunk, depending on the tree's size. However, if you observe larger tree trunks moving near the ground, or damaged branches, it's a good idea to have them inspected by an Arborist. For public trees, the Council can assist with this.
In the unfortunate event that a public tree damages your property during a storm or through other means, you can make a claim for damages. Typically, it's best to go through your car or home insurance for property damage claims. For more information on making a claim, please visit our Community Claims Information page.
Property owners and sewer pipes: Property owners are responsible for maintaining sewer pipes connecting their homes to Sydney Water's sewer system, even if the pipes are located across the road. Council does not handle sewer service maintenance.
Tree roots and pipe intrusion: Tree roots are opportunistic, seeking nutrients and water. They often enter damaged pipes, causing blockages or damage.
To learn more about roots and damage, visit our Community Claims Information Page.
Approximately four million Australians, or one in five people, live with some form of allergy. Many of these individuals experience discomfort due to aeroallergens, including cockroach droppings, dust mite droppings, mould/fungi spores, pollen, and pet dander (skin flakes). A recent Sydney-based study revealed that most allergy sufferers are sensitive to multiple aeroallergens, with grass pollen triggering more reactions than tree pollen.
If you have conclusive medical evidence from an immunologist/allergist that a specific tree is causing allergic reactions for yourself or a family member, you can request a tree inspection by us. Medical certificates from general practitioners are not considered as conclusive evidence in regards to trees causing allergies. Please note that the removal of a single tree may not provide significant relief, as similar trees of the same species may exist nearby on both public and private land. We will consider this in our assessment of your request.
Sometimes, it's just not possible to plant street trees outside every house due to a range of reasons. However, if you're looking to enhance your street's appeal and greenery, you can consider creating a nature strip garden. While it's not the best replacement for a street tree, it can make a positive difference to the street and the City.
To get started, you need to know the specific rules and guidelines to follow, and you'll need permission from Council.