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• Trees: FAQs

Trees: FAQs

Waverley Council receives many enquiries about trees. The following information is provided to minimise confusion:

• Neighbour’s trees
• Trees and views
• Street tree planting
• Exempt trees
• Significant trees

How do I know if someone has permission to prune/remove a tree?

The easiest way is to contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9083 8000. Staff can do a property search to see if permission has been granted under a tree permit or development application.

Choosing an arborist for tree works or reports

It is important to note the difference in the skill level between a practicing/working arborist who prunes/removes trees and a consulting arborist who specialises in tree reports; diagnosing the health and structure of a tree and tree protection measures. When choosing a working arborist to undertake tree works please be aware of the following minimum requirements

• All staff should have the minimum qualification of Certificate 2 Horticulture (Arboriculture) and all climbing works undertaken or supervised by a person with a Certificate 3 Horticulture (Arboriculture). This is a requirement of the Australian Standard AS 4373 – Pruning of Amenity Trees.
• The contractor must have a certificate of currency for Worker’s Compensation Insurance, an Australian Business Number and preferably include these details on any written quote
• Current Public Liability Insurance

When choosing a consulting arborist for specialist arborist reports or when required by Council, the arborist must have a minimum qualification of Level 5 in Horticulture (Arboriculture). Qualified arborists and consulting arborists are listed on the websites below:

• Tree Contractors Association
• Institute for Australian Consulting Arborists
• Arboriculture Australia- This website includes handy definitions of the jobs and tasks undertaken by practicing arborists and consulting arborists

What is a suitable replacement tree?

A condition of consent for removal of a tree usually stipulates that a suitable native replacement tree is planted. The condition is to ensure there is no net loss of trees and canopy cover in Waverley. Native trees also provide food and habitat for wildlife and are best suited to the local coastal environment. Further information on suitable trees for Waverley can be found here.

Memorial tree plantings, plaques & dedications

Council does not undertake memorial tree planting, plaques or dedications in our parks or reserves. Should you wish to dedicate a tree or commemorate the memory of a loved one, please enquire about the living legacy donations program at nearby Centennial Park.

More information can be found here:

• Centennial Parklands Foundation
• Sydney City Council’s tree donations

If you have any other questions relating to trees on your property or in your backyard, contact our Customer Service Centre on 9083 8000.