Tree Removal
What are regulated, registered and protected trees, and how do they affect projects?
Registered and regulated trees are both considered sub-types of protected trees. Protected trees can be located using the Significant Species, Vegetation Communities and Registered Trees Filter ACTmapi, as can Tree Management Precincts (all trees within a Tree Management Precinct are also protected).
If your block has any protected trees, approval of the project will need to be sought from the Tree Protection Unit.
What is a Registered Tree?
A Registered Tree is a tree that has been identified as being exceptional for its:
- natural or cultural heritage value;
- landscape and aesthetic value;
- scientific value.
There is a list of registered trees and provisional registered trees in the ACT
https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/trees-and-nature/trees/act_tree_register/registered_trees
https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/trees-and-nature/trees/act_tree_register
What is a Regulated Tree?
A Regulated Tree is a tree that is located on leased Territory land and is in an area declared as a Tree Management Precinct and is either:
- 12 metres or more in height; or
- greater than 1.5 metres in circumference or more at 1 metre above ground level; or
- with two or more trunks and the total circumference of all the trunks, 1 metre above ground level, is 1.5 metres or more; or
- 12 metres in crown width or more.
Can a customer/property owner request a preliminary meeting with the Conservator of Flora and Fauna to ascertain if there are any special requirement's regarding trees on their property?
Yes.
A client may discuss or seek advice from the Tree Protection Unit, by arranging a meeting (pre-application) through Tree Protection Unit on 13 22 81, or email tree.protection@act.gov.au
How close can you build to a protected tree? This is defined as Protection Zone for a protected tree?
Protection zone for protected tree
(1) The protection zone for a protected tree is—
(a) the area under the canopy of the tree; and
(b) the 2m wide area surrounding the vertical projection of the canopy; and
(c) the 4m wide area surrounding the trunk as measured at 1m above natural ground level.
(2) However, if another protection zone is defined in a tree management plan in force for the protected tree, that protection zone is the protection zone for the tree.
This can be found in Part 2 Tree Protection Act 2005
What is the Protection Zone for a protected Tree (Tree Protection Act 2005)?
(1) The protection zone for a protected tree is—
(a) the area under the canopy of the tree; and
(b) the 2m wide area surrounding the vertical projection of the canopy; and
(c) the 4m wide area surrounding the trunk as measured at 1m above natural ground level.
(2) However, if another protection zone is defined in a tree management plan in force for the protected tree, that protection zone is the protection zone for the tree.
If I need to determine the species of a tree, how should I do it?
If the species of tree is relevant for your application, for example it is listed as a ‘Problematic Tree Species’, then we can help you determine the species of tree. We may need you to provide photos or access to the property to examine the tree. There are useful fact sheets for all tree species in the ACT which can be accessed here: https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/trees-and-nature/trees/tree-species-for-canberra.
Do we need Development Approval to undertake a Tree Damaging Activity?
If the project does not require development approval, then we just need to lodge an Application to Undertake a Tree Damaging Activity. If this is approved, then we can go straight to Building Approval.
How far do trees on the verge of a street have to be from a proposed secondary driveway?
A driveway must be 3.0m from the outside of the trunk of a street tree classified as a small tree.
A driveway must be outside the canopy dripline of a street tree classified as a mature tree.
What are the requirements of a secondary driveway where there are both mature and small trees on the verge of the street?
A secondary driveway must be 3.0m from the outside of the trunk of a street tree classified as a small tree.
A secondary driveway must be outside the canopy dripline of a street tree classified as a mature tree.
If we wanted an expert tree specialist to assist us with this process, can you recommend anyone?
We recommend Sean Gentry from Tree Department
Sean is a Consultant Arborist operating in the Canberra region and has 25 years of experience in the Arboricultural Industry.
Sean's work involves:
- Preparation of tree assessments;
- Tree protection and management plans for town planning submissions ;
- Tree assessments and environmental impact statements for infrastructure projects including Melbourne Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel Project, North East Link, Level Crossing Removals
- Planning referrals for Local Government Authorities in Greater Melbourne;
- Tree risk assessments for electricity providers, schools, private and commercial landowners;
- Supervision and certification of construction works;
- Management of street trees for local government.
Contact Sean here