Trees and development


Proposed developments

All development, driveway and building applications, where the work may impact a protected tree (including those on adjoining land), must include a tree management plan. An approved tree management plan shows how protected trees on and around the work site will be protected and cared for prior to works commencing and during all stages of work. It is recommended that applicants engage a consulting arborist or other suitably qualified professional to develop a Tree Management Plan for their project.

When the tree management plan is assessed, the ACT Government may request that a bond be paid before works identified in the application can commence. Bonds will be returned to the developer after the completion of the work if an assessment by an authorised person determines there is no evidence of tree management plan breaches.

For more information see tree management plans and tree bonds.

If a protected tree is approved for removal, the applicant will be required to enter into a canopy contribution agreement with the ACT Government.

Tree selection in new developments

The design of new streetscapes in the ACT including species selection must be in accordance with the municipal infrastructure design standards (MIS). For more information see MIS 25 plant species for urban landscape projects (PDF 3.0 MB).

Species selection

Select a category below to view a list of factsheets on tree species, grouped by their average height at maturity.

  • Native 15m+
  • Native 10m – 15m
  • Native 1m – 10m
  • Exotic 15m+
  • Exotic 10m – 15m
  • Exotic 1m – 10m
  • Conifers

    • Definitions

    Registered trees are trees of exceptional value and can be located on public or private land. Approval is required for pruning or any other activity that is likely to cause damage to a registered tree.

    Check the list of registered trees, provisionally registered trees or ACTmapi registered trees map (select the tree icon to turn on the registered tree layer) to see if a tree is registered.

    Regulated trees are located on private land and are either:

    • 8 metres or more in height
    • 1 metre or more in circumference at 1.4 metres above the ground, or
    • 8 metres or more in canopy width.

    A protected tree is:

    • a registered tree
    • a regulated tree
    • any tree located on public land, including a registered tree
    • a registered tree or a remnant tree located on land in a future urban area, or an area that is the subject of an estate development plan
    • a dead tree with a circumference of 1.88 metres or more at 1.4 metres above natural ground level
    • all trees planted under a canopy contribution agreement for five years from the date of planting.

    A tree protection zone for a protected tree is:

    • the area under the canopy of the tree
    • the 2 metre wide area surrounding the vertical projection of the canopy, and
    • the 4 metre wide area surrounding the trunk as measured at 1 metre above ground level.

    A tree management plan is a document outlining protection measures to prevent damage occurring to a protected tree during works or access occurring in the tree protection zone. Works include, but are not limited to:

    • site access paths
    • demolition
    • installation of hoarding and scaffold
    • building and construction
    • utility installation, relocation, or access
    • traffic management and loading zones
    • other activities associated with construction such as storage, plant and equipment use, nature strip or footpath reinstatement.

    A tree management plan must be approved before any work is undertaken in a tree protection zone. It is a mandatory document for all development applications and for driveway and building applications that may impact a public tree.

    A tree bond agreement aims to prevent damage to a protected tree while undertaking work as part of a tree activity, permit or development. A tree bond agreement may apply as part of a tree management plan, a public unleased land permit or as a condition of development approval.

    For more information see tree management plans and tree bonds.

    When a protected tree on your property is approved for removal a canopy contribution agreement is required. Some tree removals are exempt.

    Canopy contribution is an action to counterbalance the loss of canopy coverage due to the removal of a protected tree. This might involve planting new trees on your property or a payment towards planting and other tree maintenance activities elsewhere.

    Canopy contribution agreements will help to increase Canberra’s tree canopy cover and grow our urban forest.

    For more information see canopy contribution agreement.

    More information

    The key changes introduced by the Urban Forest Act 2023 are as follows:

    • All trees on public land will now be protected under the Act, regardless of their size.
    • Reducing the size requirements for protected trees on private land. All trees more than 8 metres tall, with a canopy over 8 metres wide, or 1 metre in diameter measured at 1.4 metres above the ground (down from 12 metres tall, or with a canopy 12 metres wide).
    • Protection of dead native trees with a circumference of 1.88 metres or more at 1.4 metres above natural ground level.
    • Protecting all trees planted under a canopy contribution agreement for 5 years from the date of planting.
    • A tree bond system to ensure trees are not damaged during construction work as our city continues to grow.
    • The introduction of a canopy contribution agreement.
    • Expanding the ACT tree register which celebrates and protects our most significant trees.
    • Improving compliance provisions. For example, the introduction of penalties for people caught damaging a tree or breaching a tree protection plan or direction.

    No tree related activities are permitted to be undertaken on public trees. Public trees are maintained by ACT Government Urban Treescapes crews and work can be requested via Fix My Street.

    Before undertaking any works on or around a protected tree (on leased land) that could cause damage to that tree, you must apply for approval. Activities requiring approval are listed below.

    • Tree removal – the complete removal of a tree, irrespective of stump grinding.
    • Major pruning – removing select branches from a tree, removing select branches from a tree that are greater than 100mm or more in diameter.
    • Lopping – removing a large limb or limbs, often in an attempt to stifle tree growth beyond a certain point or in a certain direction or on dead trees to allow retention of habitat
    • Prohibited groundwork in the tree protection zone – undertaking any groundwork within the tree protection zone such as:
      • cutting any of the tree's roots that have a diameter greater than 50mm
      • excavating to a depth greater than 10cm over an area 4 metres squared or larger
      • raising the soil level by more than 10cm above the natural soil level over an area 4 metres squared or larger.
      • damages the tree’s root system in the protection zone
      • engages in conduct that would compact the soil in at least 10% of the protection zone
    • Minor pruning (registered trees only).

    For more information see tree activity applications.

    Trees are only considered for removal when they are:

    • dead, damaged or in irreversible decline
    • a hazard to public safety which cannot be corrected by pruning
    • interfering with above or below-ground services such as power lines and there are no alternative measures to address the conflict
    • an unsuitable species for where they are planted, for example, poplars and willows near stormwater lines
    • part of a dense planting which requires thinning to promote the health of the remaining trees
    • designated as temporary in the original landscape design of the area and have reached the end of their intended life span.

    Approval may not be provided for:

    • work on trees without the lessee’s approval
    • removing trees for solar access (where pruning is sufficient)
    • removing trees due to leaf, fruit, sap, bird or bat droppings
    • removing trees due to damage to sewer pipes and built structures such as footpaths and driveways
    • removing trees that are healthy and stable
    • removing or pruning trees for views
    • removing trees because they inhibit grass or garden growth
    • removing trees because they cause allergies
    • pruning trees in a manner contrary to the Australian Standard AS4373 Pruning of Amenity Trees
    • work that will alter soil levels within the tree protection zone
    • pruning to reduce the size of a tree listed on the tree register.

    If a tree presents a safety risk and you think it needs to be removed urgently, please follow instructions the trees on private land page or contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

    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.