Tree pruning and removal

The following pest / weed trees can be removed without submitting a Tree Permit Application. Instead, Council must be notified via email to treemgt@waverley.nsw.gov.au with photographs clearly identifying the tree(s), its leaves and bark, a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the removal.

Supporting evidence for the removal or pruning of a tree(s) may require a report from a consulting arborist (AQF Level 5) where:

• Major work or removal is proposed on heritage listed or significant trees or trees considered prominent in a heritage conservation area
• There is insufficient evidence to support the removal of a tree as assessed against the above criteria

Council may request the applicant provide an arborist’s report for more complex tree assessments such as an aerial inspection, root mapping or identification, fungal or pest problems or internal diagnostic assessment.

For the report to be accepted by Council, the arborist must be qualified to AQF Level 5. You can find a local supplier via either the Institute of Consulting Arborists or Arboriculture Australia.

The report should include all of the below information:

a) The client, specific author (contact and title of qualifications), purpose of report, subject site, date(s) of inspection

b) Methodology of techniques used in the report

c) A summary of findings

d) A site plan showing the location of all relevant trees, numbered to correspond with text in the report. The site plan must accurately show the location of each tree and existing or proposed buildings/structures and above/underground services

e) A table for each tree detailing:

• Common name and scientific name
• Approximate height and age
• Canopy spread
• Diameter at one meter height (and number of trunks if more than one)
• Condition and structural health of the tree/s e.g. signs of dieback and other trunk indications, loss of branches, leaves, stunted/distorted growth, wounds, cavities, cracks, included bark/co-dominant branches, pests and diseases and root conditions/issues
• Hazard assessment of any of the above where relevant
• Estimates of the tree’s useful life expectancy of the tree using accepted industry methods

f) A summary and discussion of other relevant tree and site information e.g. nearby structures; soil and drainage characteristics; habitat, landscape and amenity values; weather exposure; previous human intervention etc

g) If pest or disease problems are affecting the health of the tree/s, further expert diagnosis and discussion of treatment may be required

h) Supporting evidence such as test results, annotated and relevant photographs

i) Discussion of all available options and the reasons why they are recommended or not recommended e.g. can services be diverted to avoid root pruning; can a structure be relocated or rebuilt and retain the tree?

j) Recommended actions and the reasons for their adoption

k) Resource material to be referenced in an accepted method. References not used in the report are not to be included

l) Reports from any Resistograph/Tomograph testing must include copies of the charts, be clear and legible and have scientifically supported conclusions.

You may be required to submit other arborists reports such as aerial or canopy inspection, root mapping, a tree hazard assessment, tree transplant method statements and tree monitoring reports. However, you should not go to the expense of these reports before discussing it with Council first.

Supporting evidence in the form of a report may be required from a structural engineer where:

• There is alleged damage from tree roots to buildings or major structures; or
• Alternative design is required to minimise tree root damage to a prominent tree that may be affected by construction works.
• Council recommends that a report be prepared by an engineer with tertiary qualifications in structural engineering and a minimum of five years post graduate experience.

The following information is required in the preparation of a report from a structural engineer:

• The client, specific author (contact and title of qualifications), purpose of report, subject site, date(s) of inspection
• Methodology of techniques used in the report
• A summary of findings
• A site plan showing the location of all relevant trees, buildings, pathways, underground services etc. The site plan must accurately show the location of each tree
• Detailed site description and site usage
• Detailed description of the footings of the existing or proposed building and whether the footings comply with current building regulations
• Geotechnical information
• Detailed description of methods to isolate building foundations from tree roots
• Discussion of all options available – why they are recommended or not recommended e.g. can the tree remain with minor modification of building design
• Recommendation of the preferred option and the supporting reasons.

Additional arboricultural information may be required such as a root mapping report to support any recommendations.

Any report lacking in sufficient detail or applying incorrect analysis or subjective opinion may result in the application being refused or some or all of the recommendations rejected.

If tree roots are suspected of contributing to blocked sewer or stormwater pipes a report from a licensed plumber may be required as supporting evidence. The report must be a balanced and objective assessment of the problem and is to include:

• A clear and legible sewer or stormwater diagram
• Exact site of suspected blockages in relation to location of the tree
• Documented history of previous blockages together with photographic evidence of roots retrieved
• Objective assessment as to the age and condition of the affected pipes
• Balanced and objective discussion of practical methods of preventing further blockages e.g. replacing affected section of pipeline; re-lining of pipe.

If pests are affecting the health of a tree(s), an additional report may be required from a licensed pest control operator in conjunction with a consulting arborist. The report is to include:

• Evaluation and discussion of the impact of the pest on the long term health and structural condition of the tree
• Recommended treatment and management program