Trees on public land

Request cosmetic pruning of trees

Council is currently experiencing a large increase in tree applications and requests, leading to processing delays. Our staff are working diligently minimise these delays. Please anticipate a turnaround time of 6 to 8 weeks for tree related matters. In urgent or emergency cases, the Council will prioritize tree works based on the imminent risk involved. We apologise for the inconvenience these delays may cause.

We do not carry out cosmetic pruning, but residents can apply for Council consent to hire an independent, qualified arborist to carry out the work at their own expense.

Examples of cosmetic pruning include:

  • thinning for views or light penetration
  • shaping for aesthetic reasons
  • removal of overhanging branches beyond Council's target clearances
  • shaping or selective pruning to improve visibility of advertising or other non-traffic signage.

Permission for cosmetic pruning may be granted where the tree is located within the immediate surrounds to the applicant’s legal boundary, and when such work will not compromise the health, safety or integrity of the tree or adversely affect public amenity.

Request cosmetic pruning (trees on Council land)

All pruning works must comply with the AS 4373-2007 pruning of amenity trees. Standard industry practice is to not remove more than 10 per cent of the live crown volume in one pruning event, or as appropriate to the species.

Council does not allow cosmetic pruning of any vegetation located on land zoned as Bushland. 

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Pruning or removing trees once a permit has been issued

All trees protected by the Tree & Vegetation Management Policy must be pruned or removed by a qualified arborist. A list of qualified arborists can be obtained from Arboriculture Australia.

Find an arborist

Tree management plans and policies

We have key plans, policies and strategies that direct our management of trees on public and private land.

View our tree policies

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