Trees
Introduction
Our City is known for its green space, with more than double the average open space of most South Austrailan councils.
Trees play a vital role in providing both an aesthetic and essential part to the natural and built environment in which we live and work.
Regulated & Significant Trees
Regulated and Significant Trees are the cornerstone of a healthy, diverse natural environment. Legislation protecting these large trunked trees falls within the Development Act 1993. Any work relating to a regulated or a significant tree (including private land, roads, community land and operational land) requires approval from Council. For further information relating to the approval process please refer to our Planning Assessment pages and Protecting Regulated and Significant Trees.
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Street Trees & Street Tree planting
Our street trees encompass a range of native and exotic species. Council's inspection / maintenance program ensures all street trees are inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Street sweeping of leaf litter during heavy leaf fall is given priority, with due consideration given to seasonal variations.
Our street tree planting process:
- Our street tree planting program runs from April to October each year - weather permitting
- Where new street tree planting is planned, residents are advised and feedback is taken into consideration
- Signs are placed in the relevant streets as a reminder of the upcoming tree plantings
- The new trees are planted and Council maintains and nurtures these new trees to establishment
- Residents are welcome to participate and help care for new street trees by providing additional watering
Management of Trees
Council's management of local trees and vegetation applies to areas as diverse as parks, reserves, operational land and roads (including road verges). Our trees and shrubs are a key element of our city and are therefore formally acknowledged in council's Strategic Plan. We recognise that the maintenance of trees requires considerable resources, and we are equally mindful that members of our community have a range of views towards the management of our trees and shrub vegetation. Those trees within our care are managed in a way that aims to balance amenity with public safety considerations.
An example of our committment to this cause is that all pedestrian paths are maintained with a 2.5 m vegetation height clearance.
Council Property
Council's Tree Management Policy formalises Council's position in regard to the management of the tree and shrub vegetation that is under Council's care and control throughout the City. This policy applies to various areas including parks, reserves, operational land and roads (including road verges).
To download a copy of the Tree Management Policy please access the Council Policies page.
Private Property
Private trees are the responsibility of the property owner. For any tree issues from neighbouring properties, we suggest that residents contact the Legal Services Commission of South Australia on 1300 366 424 or the Community Mediation Centre on (08) 8384 5222.
A booklet titled "Neighbours' Trees and the Law" is available at the Council's Civic Centre, the City of Tea Tree Gully Library and other information service centres.
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