Street trees

Requests for new street trees must be received by the last Friday in January. This is to ensure that we are able to source the best stock available for planting from May to August.  Any requests received after this date will be added to the next year's winter planting list.

The Town uses both its own staff and contractors to maintain its trees to ensure:

• trees enhance the streetscape
• pedestrians can walk safely and comfortably under trees
• road and street signs are kept visible
• vehicle users can safely see without significant sight line issues and can access streets and properties
• trees are kept away from power lines
• light from street lights is not obstructed.

All pruning of street trees is carried out by suitably qualified personnel in accordance with all applicable standards.

Requests for pruning of branches straddling across property boundaries are assessed on a case by case basis. Requests for street tree removal due to leaf, flower, nut, berry or bark fall or to enhance or preserve views will not be considered.

It is an offence for anyone to prune or remove a street tree without approval.

Once the request has been received, the Town will inspect the site for the selected tree/s to determine suitability and will only plant the most suitable trees according to the available room on the verge and in keeping with the existing streetscape. Applications for street trees must be submitted by the last Friday in January for planting consideration in the same calendar year (subject to conditions). Planting will occur between June and September each year to ensure the survival of the tree. 

Street trees are living assets of the Town. The Town is responsible for the maintenance of all trees within verge areas including planting, pruning and removal. Where overhead power lines are present, street trees are required to be pruned by the Town in accordance with Western Power requirements for the clearance of overhead power lines. 

Every single street tree in the Town has been audited by an independent arborist. The information collated from the audit has not only updated the Town’s records, but also helped to identify which trees need pruning. 

All precincts within the Town will be pruned as per the recommendations from this audit. To ensure that records are kept up to date, audits will be carried out each year prior to pruning and trees will not be pruned if they do not require pruning at the time of the audit. 

Previously the Town has taken a ‘blanket approach’ towards pruning, trimming every tree including trees that may not need to be pruned. The recently revised practice will result in cost savings and allow for resources to be focused on tree planting and formative care.