Trees
AlburyCity recognises the importance of trees in our landscape, they not only improve Albury's liveability, but act as climate regulators modifying temperature, wind and reflective glare.
They absorb and reduce pollution whilst producing oxygen. Trees also add to the aesthetic quality of the local urban environment.
Trees on public land
If you have an issue with tree/trees on public land, please phone AlburyCity on 02 6023 8111 or via email
Neighbours trees
New laws have been introduced by the New South Wales Government allowing tree disputes between neighbours to be referred to the NSW Land & Environment Court.
If you have issues with trees on your neighbours property, contact the Community Justice Centre on 1800 990 777 or via email.
If mediation attempts between neighbours fail, contact NSW Land and Environment Court on 02 9113 8200.
The Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours Act) 2006 allows an owner of land to apply to the court for an order to remedy, restrain or prevent damage to the owner's property or injury as a consequence of a tree situated on adjoining land. The court may also order compensation for damage already caused by such a tree.
The Act does not allow the Court to make orders solely for other purposes (such as lopping or removing trees which block views).
The dropping of leaves, flowers, seeds, deadwood (small elements) by urban trees ordinarily will NOT provide the bases for ordering removal of or intervention with an urban tree.
Tree preservation and removal
While AlburyCity manages the city's street and park trees, it is the responsibility of residents to care for trees on their property. However, under NSW Planning Legislation, the pruning or removal of any tree over 4.5 metres in height or 3 metres in branch spread requires Council approval.
Council approval can be obtained by downloading and completing the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) application form and fact sheet below:
TPO Application & Fact Sheet (69KB)
What our Arborist looks at when assessing a Tree Preservation Order application
- The health and condition of the tree, whether the tree is dead, dying, diseased or structurally unsound and whether, if not pruned or removed, will pose a risk to life or property
- The suitability of the tree to its growing space and conditions
- The aesthetic value of the tree, whether the tree has a major impact on the local landscape
- Whether the tree is causing structural damage to utilities and assets
- Whether the tree is native and part of the local endangered ecological community
- The habitat value of the tree
- The historical and cultural significance
- Whether there is an alternative to the complete removal of the tree, such as pruning branches, root pruning or installation of root guards.
Tips for engaging the right Arborist
- Seek a minimum of three quotes
- Sight the contractor's public liability and worker's compensation certificates (Public Liability insurance should be for a minimum of $10 million)
- Check contractor's qualifications and/or industry associations, a contractor should at least possess formal qualifications from a recognised institution
- Ask for references or recommendations from previous clients
- Agree on the extent of the work to be undertaken
- Include the cost of the removal of the stump in the quote. By removing the stump you reduce the possibility of termite activity.