Tree Management - on Council Land and Private Land

Tree Issues on Council Land - Nature Strip or Reserve

Operational Procedures for the Management of Trees on Public Land (557.18kB)

You can make a Nature Strip or Reserve - Tree Request online using Council's E-Request System

24hr Emergency Number for issues relating to trees on public land - 0412 705 090.

Trees on Private Land

Trees play an important role in our environment. They breathe, grow, reproduce, provide habitat for wildlife, protect soil and water supplies. Trees also reduce the effects of sunlight, heat, reflection, pollution, humidity, wind, glare and noise. The Garden Shire of The Hills relies on trees in both its rural and urban area for much of its character.

Council has included in its Local Environmental Plan, provisions requiring the preservation of trees and bushland. Council has also adopted Tree Management Guidelines to establish Council’s work practices toward tree management on private land.

Tree Management

If you are responsible for the removal, damage or lopping of a tree without Council’s consent you may be liable for a possible maximum fine of up to $1,100,000.

Consent is required to:

Prune a tree by more than 10%
Remove any tree not exempted from the Tree Preservation Order
Substantially alter the soil level within the 3 metres surrounding the tree's trunk

Consent is NOT required to:

Remove a dead tree
Remove a declared noxious weed
Remove a tree grown for its fruit.

Please read the following Guidelines and Fact Sheet before proceeding...

Tree Bushland Management Fact Sheet (148.36kB)

Tree Management Guidelines for Trees on Private Land - adopted December 2009 (87.37kB)

and then please use the following forms...

Tree Management Application Form - 144 KB

Tree Management Credit Card Payment Form (65.50kB)

For further assistance with your application please call Council during business hours or +61 2 9843 0555.

Street Tree Planting Program

In the interest of beautifying our streets Council will provide trees for the nature strip area. Residents are invited to participate in this program.

Council will supply and plant the tree(s) which you have selected. The number of trees selected will be determined on site by Council's Arbor Team. Consideration will be given to such things as placement of services, vehicle sight distances, property width, corner block, potential growth dimensions, etc.

For the request of street trees contact Council to have your choice of trees placed on a list for Council's street tree planting - Phone: +61 2 9843 0555 (during business hours 8.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays).

Consideration should be given to uniformity with respect to species choice to integrate the treescape. In some instances, Council has adopted a theme species.

Click here for Council's street tree planting list