Trees are a valuable part of our community, helping to create attractive and welcoming streets while providing shade, cooling, and other environmental benefits. The City recognises the importance of these benefits and is therefore committed to maintaining and protecting its tree assets, which are managed in accordance with the City’s Tree Policy and Urban Forest Strategy.
Street tree maintenance
Street trees under powerlines are pruned annually to ensure community safety. The City does not prune street trees to reduce their size or for aesthetic reasons.
Residents are not permitted to prune, remove or otherwise damage any tree located on City-managed land, including street and verge trees.
Requirements for street tree maintenance
Tree Removal Requests Part 6.1 of the City’s Public Places and Local Government Property Local Law 2015, prohibits the damage or removal of a city tree, or part of a tree without a license. Any unauthorised person who removes/prunes/damages a city tree commits an offence for which an infringement notice may be issued.
Under the City's Tree Policy, verge trees are only considered for removal when they are dead, dying, hazardous or meet specific removal criteria. Healthy verge trees will not be removed.
The City values and protects its street trees. Requests to remove a City tree will not normally be approved for the following reasons:
- The tree blocks, or may block, a view (except where it affects traffic or pedestrian sightlines).
- The tree species or variety is not preferred.
- The tree drops leaves, flowers, fruit, bark, or other natural debris.
- The tree is believed to cause allergies.
- The tree affects a non-essential crossover, verge treatment, or paving option.
- The tree shades private gardens, lawns, solar panels, solar hot water systems, or similar installations.
- There are concerns about potential future damage that cannot be substantiated.
- The tree is considered too large, unless it is causing significant damage to infrastructure.
- The tree attracts birds or other wildlife.
The City may approve the removal of a tree where:
- The tree is dead, diseased, or beyond effective treatment.
- The tree has been assessed as structurally unsound or dangerous and poses a risk to public safety.
- The tree has been irreparably damaged, such as by a storm or vehicle impact.
- The tree creates a traffic or pedestrian safety hazard by obstructing sightlines.
- The tree is affected by road widening, service relocation, or other infrastructure works, and all reasonable options to retain it have been exhausted.
- The tree is in dangerous contact with power lines or service wires, and selective pruning is not a practical long-term solution.
- The tree prevents reasonable development of an adjoining property and there is no practical alternative to removal.
- The tree is an unapproved species and is considered unsuitable for its location.
Under the City's Tree Policy, verge trees are only considered for removal when they are dead, dying, hazardous or meet specific removal criteria. Healthy verge trees will not be removed.
- Submit a request: Complete the online maintenance request form with the tree’s location, reasons for removal and as much detail as possible. In some cases, you may be asked to provide a professional arborist report or structural engineer’s report.
- Assessment against policy: Requests based solely on personal preference, leaf drop, shade, birds, roots that are not causing damage, or other common inconveniences do not meet the criteria for removal. The City inspects the tree and evaluates it against removal criteria under the City Tree Policy. In accordance with the Tree Policy, verge trees will generally only be considered for removal where they are assessed as dead, dying, hazardous or otherwise meet the specific removal criteria established under the Policy. Healthy and structurally sound verge trees will not be approved for removal.
- Outcome: If the tree meets the City's removal criteria, approval may be granted for removal. Where a tree is removed, it will generally be replaced as part of a future planting program. If the tree does not meet the removal criteria, it will remain in place.
Request a verge or street tree
Residents can request a free tree to be planted on the verge next to their property. Requests close each year so we can source suitable trees and plan planting for the following winter. Find out how to apply and the closing date on the Tree planting program page.
Growing the City’s urban forest
Trees play an important role in creating cooler, greener and healthier neighbourhoods. They support mental and physical wellbeing, help remove pollutants, and create shade and habitat for wildlife.
Increasing tree canopy can cool local areas by up to five degrees and improve the amenity and value of homes and streetscapes.
The City plants around 3,500 new trees each year on verges, in parks and across streetscapes. Young trees are watered for the first two summers to help them establish.
The City’s long-term vision and principles for maintaining and improving canopy cover are outlined in the Urban Forest Strategy.
Trees on private property
The City encourages residents to plant and maintain trees suitable for their property and local conditions. Tree-related issues between neighbours are civil matters. The City may only become involved if a tree is potentially dangerous, such as being dead, dying, diseased or structurally unsound.
If branches or roots from a neighbour’s tree encroach onto your property, you may carefully remove the material up to your boundary. Any removed material still belongs to the tree owner and must be offered to them or disposed of with their consent.
If you cannot resolve an issue with a neighbour, you can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau or visit the Legal Aid WA website for further guidance.
Tree root concerns and property damage
Tree root growth in urban areas is unpredictable and may contribute to:
Lifting or damaging light-built structures such as footpaths and paving.
Foundation movement (usually with multiple contributing factors).
Root growth encouraged by leaking pipes or excess moisture.
When concerns relate to City-managed trees, the City will:
Investigate the issue.
Implement practical solutions where appropriate.
Only consider tree removal if no practical arboricultural solution exists.
Ensure replacement trees are selected to minimise future impacts.
The City does not remove trees based on unsubstantiated claims of root damage.
If you have a concern about a City-managed tree, complete the online maintenance request form.
