Street Tree Pruning and Removal

Street tree pruning

Pruning of street trees on your verge is a prohibited activity in accordance with the Local Government Act 1995. The City is responsible for pruning all street trees on residential verges in Cockburn.

We follow the Australian Standards AS 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees, which determine whether a tree should be pruned and the type of pruning done. The Australian standard does not cover powerline clearance pruning as this is done to industry best practice as per Western Power line clearance requirements. 
 
Following Australian Standards, the City will consider pruning a street tree if it:

• Improves the safety, structure and health of the tree 
• Provides clearance for people and vehicles moving below the tree. Generally, this is a minimum of 2m over the footpath and 3.5-4.5m over a carriageway or road 
• Prevents branches from overhanging a property boundary
• Maintains safe clearance zones from powerlines as per Western Power requirements
• Maintains a clear line of sight for vehicles and cyclists.

The City will generally not prune a street tree if:

• Allergies are experienced by a resident/s
• The tree is dropping leaves (the City undertakes scheduled and additional road sweeping in areas with heavy leaf litter)
• The tree is shading solar panels
• The tree is blocking views. 

Street tree removal

The City is responsible for the removal of verge and reserve trees. Trees will only be considered for removal, under the following circumstances:

• Dead
• Diseases
• Structurally unsound
• Obstructing an approved works program, by either the City or utilities
• Tree root damage to public and/or private assets, when root barrier installation is not viable
• Damage by a declared storm event
• Identified as an invasive species. 

Street tree maintenance requests

Report a street tree that requires pruning or removal

Requests will be prioritised, and non-urgent requests may take up five months to complete. The timing also depends on City officer and contractor availability and if the tree requires multiple forms of pruning (e.g. under pruning, powerline clearance, traffic management, etc).

Once you have lodged your request:

1. The City will review your pruning or removal request and conduct a site visit if required
2. If the City determines your tree needs pruning or removal:
   • The officer will allocate the job to an internal crew member or external contractor
   • You will be notified that the job has been booked
   • You will be informed when the job is completed via the email provided on your request form.
3. If the City concludes no maintenance is required, you will be informed and given the reason behind the decision
4. Information can be provided to your insurance company for assessment, if required. 

More information and contact