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Tree Preservation Order
Pittwater Council's Tree Preservation Order was gazetted on 19 October 2009.
Council consent is NOT required to:
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Remove a declared noxious weed or tree listed in the exempt species table.
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Prune a tree by up to 10% of the foliage area within a period of not less than 12 months since any prior pruning
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Remove any tree harbouring fruit fly or grown for its edible fruit.
Council consent IS required to:
- Prune a tree by greater than 10% of the foliage area
- Remove any tree not otherwise listed in the exempt species table
- Substantially alter the soil level around the trunk or within three (3) meters of the trunk of a tree.
Council MAY consider granting consent to remove a tree where:
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A tree is diseased or dying,
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A tree is causing, or is likely to cause substantial property damage (to houses building etc).
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A tree is significantly misshapen or causing substantial overshadowing.
Assessment will be made on the removal of a tree/trees following the submission of a Tree Removal Application Form.
Consent will generally NOT be given to remove a tree where:
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A tree is shedding leaves, fruit or bark and this is considered a natural process.
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A tree is causing minor damage to property, eg driveways.
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The objective is to improve a view.
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There are unsubstantiated fears about large trees.
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A tree is causing minor shading.
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A tree is causing blockage to pipes.
Pruning of Trees
The pruning of a tree by less than 10% of the foliage area is exempt from the requirement of consent. This covers most situations such as limbs overhanging or touching buildings, wires etc., or damaged branches. Pruning a greater area requires Council's written consent.
Crown thinning is the recommended method of pruning trees. This involves the re-shaping of the tree, retaining the original height and width, by the pruning of selected branches only, in order to ultimately obtain a structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing shaped tree. You should remember that indiscriminate lopping/pruning can be a danger to your safety and the health of a tree. For this reason, all pruning should conform to the Australian Standard (AS4373-1996) and be undertaken by a professional Arborist.