Trees on public land

Nature strips

Street trees on the nature strip are maintained by the ACT Government. Residents are not permitted to plant, trim, prune or remove a street tree. For these requests, please contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or log an enquiry through Fix My Street.

Request a tree

Residents can request that trees be planted on nature strips or in parks. Requests are placed on a database for future planting programs, and considered and planted according to:

• site conditions and existing infrastructure
• suitability and availability of tree species
• the time of year
• existing planting programs.

To submit a tree planting request:

• submit a request online via Fix My Street
• drop a pin on the interactive map on the YourSay website
• call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

Watering

Trees are watered to help them establish and ensure their survival. Trees under 3 years of age in non irrigated areas are generally watered monthly from November to April. During drier weather, trees may receive more water and be watered beyond 3 years.

Residents can assist by watering trees of any age in dry weather. Pour a bucket of tank water or grey water from the shower on the base of any tree that might be struggling.

Inspection

Trees in urban areas are inspected as part of their general maintenance and in response to community requests. The inspections help to maintain tree health and identify potential safety hazards. Trees in high‑use areas such as district parks and shopping centres are inspected more often.

Tree inspections can be requested via Fix My Street or by calling Access Canberra on 13 22 81.

Pruning

Pruning is undertaken to enhance public safety and urban amenity, and to improve or maintain tree health.

Pruning and maintenance of public trees can only be undertaken by ACT Government employees or representatives. It is undertaken in line with approved, professionally accepted arboriculture practices and industry standards.

The pruning of trees in high‑use areas such as carparks, shopping centres and picnic areas is undertaken as a priority.

Replacement

Trees that are removed are replaced as soon as possible during the biannual planting programs in autumn and spring. Trees are replanted to align with the designated species of the street or park. This helps to retain the look and feel of the urban landscape.

Groups of ageing trees are replanted as part of a strategic tree replacement program to help achieve a balanced age distribution. This is generally subject to funding and involves consultation with local residents.

Removal

Unless you have written approval, you cannot remove or otherwise adversely impact (including pruning) a public tree. If you are given approval from the ACT Government to remove a tree, you may be required to enter into a canopy contribution agreement.

Reasons for removing trees

Tree removal is considered on a case-by-case basis. This involves an inspection by an ACT Government employee or qualified representative and written approval.

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.

Unacceptable reasons for removing trees

Trees are not removed due to:

• homeowner preference for no street tree or for a different species
• appearance
• solar access
• concerns about leaf litter, twigs, fruit or seed material, or droppings from wildlife
• insects or animals including bees and possums
• release of pollen i.e. allergies or asthma
• homeowner desire to improve or allow a view
• tree roots protruding above the ground or competing with lawns or garden beds.

Habitat retention

Mature native trees which are dead, damaged or in irreversible decline may be pruned and retained in the landscape if they:

• provide habitat for wildlife, and/or
• are a remnant of the original vegetation of the ACT, or have regenerated from one, and
• are in a location where they do not constitute an identifiable hazard to public safety.

Habitat trees are created by pruning the main branches to leave a 'totem' with exposed hollows to provide habitat for birds and animals. In certain cases, artificial hollows and/or nest boxes may be added to enhance habitat.

Emergency tree removals and fallen branches

Contact 000 if a tree is causing an immediate threat to life.

If a tree is touching power lines or has fallen and brought down power lines, please contact Evoenergy on 13 10 93.

If a tree is touching telephone wires or has fallen and brought down telephone wires, please contact Telstra on 13 22 03.

If you need assistance with a fallen tree following a storm event call SES on 13 25 00 for assistance to make the property safe.

If a tree on public land presents a safety risk and needs to be removed urgently, contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or submit a request online using Fix My Street.

If a tree on private land presents a safety risk and needs to be removed urgently, contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81. When you speak with an operator ask for ‘urgent circumstances authorisation for tree removal’. Depending on the circumstances, an authorised officer will provide approval to remove the tree either in person or over the phone. You may be asked to provide a photo of the tree at the time of your call.

If a tree on private property drops branches onto public land or a neighbouring property, it is the responsibility of the tree owner to clean up. The ACT Government cannot undertake work on trees located on private land. If a tree on your property has fallen or requires maintenance, you need to contact an arborist.

Tree damage claims

For information on how to submit a claim for tree damage please see tree damage to private assets.

Vandalism of trees is a serious offence and can result in on-the-spot fines or court-imposed penalties. You can report tree vandalism to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.