Tree Maintenance

Can I prune a public tree myself?

No. You should never attempt to prune or remove a public tree yourself. We are responsible for the maintenance of all public trees. If you think a public tree needs maintenance you can contact us. One of our qualified Arborists will assess the tree to determine the need for maintenance and will assign work if required.

Work we can assess:

• Pruning for pedestrian or vehicular clearance where it's not detrimental to the tree
• Maintenance pruning to remove dead, diseased or dying branches
• Selective pruning to provide adequate clearance to buildings
• Root pruning to abate root interaction with principal infrastructure
• Pruning for vehicle sight lines, road signage and Transport NSW requirements
• Removal of damaged or diseased trees
• Emergency works related to storms
• Removal of trees interacting with principal infrastructure where all engineering solutions have been considered

Work we won't consent to:

• Pruning of trees contrary to Australian Standard AS4373
• Pruning for height or size reduction
• Pruning for occurrences such as the natural shedding of leaves, flowers, fruit, seed pods, bark or twigs
• Pruning to prevent overshadowing or to provide solar access
• Pruning of overhanging branches back to boundary or fence lines
• Pruning or removal of trees to prevent sap drop, bird or bat droppings
• Removal of trees interacting with non-structural built assets (e.g. garden pathways, fences and the like)
• Removal of trees or the application of pesticide to control termites
• Pruning of trees to provide visibility of commercial signage or to provide access to views
• Pruning or removal of trees that are claimed to be causing allergies
• Removal of healthy, structurally sound trees
• Removal and replacement of healthy trees due to resident’s preference for an alternative species

Trees and Footpaths

If a tree appears to be causing damage to a footpath, you should report the matter by contacting us. We will investigate whether changes to the footpath require intervention. If it is deemed that repair work is required, we will try to find a way to repair the footpath in a manner that does not disturb the tree.

Landcare

The City of Newcastle Landcare is the network centre for all Landcare, Dunecare, Bushcare and Coastcare groups working on council land within the Newcastle local government area.

To find out about where there is a related Landcare group in your area, visit the NSW Landcare website: City of Newcastle Landcare