Trees on public land

Residents are not permitted to plant their own trees on public land.

Contact Customer Service on 9936 8100 or council@northsydney.nsw.gov.au to request tree planting on public land. Council will inspect the proposed planting site to see if it suits it.

New tree species are usually chosen to match the existing species within the street/area or character of the street.

Council understands that trees naturally shed leaves, bark, sticks, flowers, fruit and sap as part of their life cycle. However, this is not considered a reason for pruning or tree removal.

Council will prune trees to meet safety clearance or address an immediate hazard. Otherwise, public tree pruning is carried out as part of an 18-month inspection cycle.

If Council is not scheduled to be in an area for several months, property owners may apply to carry out pruning at their own expense, subject to appropriate conditions

Roots in pipes often indicate the age or condition of the pipe. Property owners are encouraged to consider upgrading to a more modern system.

If the damage is substantial and presents a genuine risk or hazard, then the property owner should submit a detailed report from an appropriately qualified professional, such as a licensed plumber.

Request for Compensation

Property owners who believe trees are causing damage to surface or structures should first consider the age and condition of the affected structure. Where cracks are unlikely to cause structural failure or pose a risk to people or property, Council will generally not consider removing a public tree.

If the damage is substantial and presents a genuine risk or hazard, then the property owner should submit a detailed report from an appropriately qualified professional, such as a structural engineer or AQF 5 arborist.

To assess a request for compensation, Council requires the property owner to submit a detailed report from a qualified or licensed professional. Reports should include at a minimum:

• a map showing all relevant trees and their location in relation to pipes and blockages
• details of pipe types, including approximate age, condition and depth
• a plan showing the damaged area and location, tree species, and dimensions of all trees within 10 metres for paths, driveways, walls and foundations
• details of current damage and any immediate risks
• proposed remedial or repair options
• evidence of costs

Council may also request evidence, such as root analysis, confirming that the roots causing the blockage are from a public tree.

Any investigation of work must not damage the tree and should be carried out in accordance with AS 4970. Requests for digging on public land can be submitted using Council’s Footpath and Road Occupancy Permit Application.

Requests for compensation can be submitted using Council’s Request for Compensation form.

To help Council respond to your tree enquiry, please include:

• Your contact details, including your name, email address and phone number
• A brief description of the issue, including whether there is any immediate danger
• Photos (if available)
• Exact location of the tree
• Species if known

If contact details are not provided, Council may not be able to ask for more information. This may mean the request cannot be properly assessed and may need to be closed.

Arborists

Arboriculture Australia
W: www.trees.org.au

Institute of Australian Consulting Arborists (IACA)
W: www.tcaa.com.au/arborists/

Tree Contractors Association
W: www.iaca.org.au/contact-iaca/find-an-arborist/

Disputes

NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT NSW)
W: https://ncat.nsw.gov.au

NSW Land and Environment Court
W: www.lec.nsw.gov.au