Holroyd City Council

What happens to the application once it is lodged with Council?

Upon receipt, the relevant Council Officer reviews the application then conducts an inspection of the tree.

Each application is assessed on its merits, having regard to the reasons for which the application has been made.

Amongst other things Council will take into account potential hazard, property damage and amenity issues.

Based on the evaluation, the proposed works may be either approved, refused or deferred with the applicant being informed in writing. A deferred application often requires the submission of further supporting information.

Council may consider granting consent for tree works where:

  • A tree is diseased, dying or dangerous and in Council's opinion removal of the tree is the best solution.
  • A tree is causing or is likely to cause significant property damage and removal is the best option
  • In Council's opinion a tree is significantly mis-shapen and/or of such insignificance that its removal would not affect the overall streetscape or amenity of an area.
  • Where it is suggested that poor amenity exists due to, for example, excessive shading, substantial limbs overhanging roofs or pools, poor landscape design or ongoing high maintenance costs, Council will consider applications to prune or remove trees. Poor amenity may be considered a suitable reason to prune or remove a tree only where other trees have been planted and cared for on the same block.

The presence, condition and size of other trees will be an important part of Council's consideration in this case and will allow the overall quality and continuity of local tree cover to be given weight in the assessment.

Approval to remove a tree is usually accompanied by a condition to replace the tree with up to two suitable trees; native local trees generally being favoured.

A decision to refuse permission to carry out works to a tree is accompanied by Council's reasons for the refusal.

The following are usually not considered sufficient reason to remove a tree:

  • A tree is shedding leaves, fruit, bark, cones or twigs.
  • A tree is causing minor structural damage, such as to footpaths or driveways, which can be easily and cost effectively repaired.
  • There are fears about healthy trees falling.
  • A tree is causing blockage to pipes, unless the damage is serious and recurring and unable to be addressed by root pruning or barriers, replacing damaged pipes etc.

Where a tree is refused for removal, a Council officer will often grant permission to prune the tree. Specifications for all approved pruning will be given in accordance with the procedures and guidelines of Australian Standard AS4373-1996 'Pruning of Amenity Trees'.

A Council Officer will usually carry out an inspection and determine an application by providing a written reply within four weeks of Council receiving the application.