ACT tree register


The ACT tree register identifies and protects trees of exceptional value on private and public land.

Once a tree is nominated it is provisionally registered for up to one year while the application is assessed. If it is approved, it becomes a registered tree.

Both provisionally registered and registered trees are protected. Approval must be received before pruning or any other activity that could cause damage to a protected tree. Check ACTmapi to see whether the tree is protected.

Select a topic below to learn more.

Criteria for registration

The criteria for inclusion on the register is that the tree or group of trees:

  • is located in the built‑up urban area
  • has natural or cultural heritage value
  • has landscape and aesthetic value
  • has scientific and ecological value.

Located in the built-up urban area

To determine whether the tree is located in the built-up urban area view the Tree Protection (Built-up Urban Areas) Declaration 2010.

Natural or cultural heritage value

A tree may be of natural or cultural heritage value when it is:

  • associated with a significant public figure or important historical event
  • significant to a community or cultural group, for example trees of importance to aboriginal heritage and culture
  • associated with a heritage nominated place and representative of that same historic period.

Landscape and aesthetic value

A tree may be of landscape and aesthetic value if it is in a prominent location when viewed from a public place and it:

  • contributes significantly to the surrounding landscape due to its form, structure, vigour and aesthetic
  • represents an outstanding example of the species, including age, size or physical structure
  • is an exceptional example of a native local species that reached maturity before urban development.

Scientific value

A tree may be of scientific value when it:

  • is evidence of the former range limits, extent of the species or an ecological community
  • is an endangered or vulnerable species that is endemic to the ACT or local region now reduced in range or abundance
  • demonstrates a likelihood of providing information which will contribute significantly to a wider understanding of natural history by virtue of its use as a research site, teaching site, type locality or benchmark site
  • is of botanical or genetic value and is not well represented elsewhere in the Territory
  • is a significant habitat element for a threatened native species.

Nomination

To nominate a tree to the register please complete and submit the tree nomination smartform, PDF form (294KB) or Word form (53KB).

Once a nomination has been received, the tree or group of trees will be assessed against formal criteria mentioned above.

A tree profile is prepared for the Conservator of Flora and Fauna who will decide if the nomination will be entered onto the Provisional Tree Register.

Provisionally registered trees

The provisional registration of a tree is a temporary registration status for up to one year. This time allows for an assessment by an independent Tree Advisory Panel against the criteria outlined above. A final report is prepared for the Conservator who decides to either permanently register the tree(s) or to not proceed with the registration.

When a tree is provisionally registered it receives all the protections that a registered tree does. This means approval is required for pruning or any other activity that could cause damage to the tree.

See provisionally registered trees for a listing of trees that are provisionally registered under the Urban Forest Act 2023.

Registered trees

Registered trees are protected. Approval is required for pruning or any other activity that could cause damage to a registered tree.

A map of registered trees in the ACT can be found on ACTmapi. See our instructions on how to use ACTMAPi (PDF 473KB).

Responsibilities after registration are outlined below.

Owner's responsibilities

  • Protecting registered trees in accordance with the Urban Forest Act 2023.
  • Submitting application forms for activities requiring approval such as removal, major pruning and groundworks within the tree protection zone of a protected tree.
  • Developing a tree management plan where required.

ACT Government responsibilities

  • Maintaining, administering and promoting the ACT Tree Register. This includes the assessment of nominations and applications to undertake tree damaging activities.
  • Protecting trees on the register.
  • Developing a tree management plan where required.
  • Assessing proposed developments that may impact on a registered tree.
  • Undertaking management and maintenance of registered trees located on public land in accordance with a tree management plan.

See registered trees for a listing of trees that are registered under the Urban Forest Act 2023.

For more information see tree management plans and tree activity applications.

Tree Advisory Panel

The Tree Advisory Panel provides advice to the Conservator of Flora and Fauna on tree protection matters in built-up urban areas of the ACT. These include:

  • applications to undertake tree damaging activities or groundwork
  • proposals to add a tree to or remove a tree from the Tree Register
  • requests to reconsider a decision made by the Conservator under the Urban Forest Act 2023.

See the Tree Advisory Panel Terms of Reference (PDF 21KB).

Meeting summaries

Videos

Introduction to the tree register

Olympic Maple

Crinigans Pear

Ancient Olives

Related links

Videos

Introduction to the register

The ACT Tree Register identifies and protects trees of exceptional value. View the tree nomination form.

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.