Tree Removal

A Registered Tree is a tree that has been identified as being exceptional for its:

• natural or cultural heritage value;

• landscape and aesthetic value;
• scientific value.

There is a list of registered trees and provisional registered trees in the ACT 

https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/trees-and-nature/trees/act_tree_register/registered_trees

https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/trees-and-nature/trees/act_tree_register

A Regulated Tree is a tree that is located on leased Territory land and is in an area declared as a Tree Management Precinct and is either:

• 12 metres or more in height; or
• greater than 1.5 metres in circumference or more at 1 metre above ground level; or
• with two or more trunks and the total circumference of all the trunks, 1 metre above ground level, is 1.5 metres or more; or
• 12 metres in crown width or more.

Yes.

A client may discuss or seek advice from the Tree Protection Unit, by arranging a meeting (pre-application) through Tree Protection Unit on 13 22 81, or email tree.protection@act.gov.au

Protection zone for protected tree

(1) The protection zone for a protected tree is—

(a) the area under the canopy of the tree; and

(b) the 2m wide area surrounding the vertical projection of the canopy; and

(c) the 4m wide area surrounding the trunk as measured at 1m above natural ground level.

(2) However, if another protection zone is defined in a tree management plan in force for the protected tree, that protection zone is the protection zone for the tree.

This can be found in Part 2 Tree Protection Act 2005 

(1) The protection zone for a protected tree is—

(a) the area under the canopy of the tree; and

(b) the 2m wide area surrounding the vertical projection of the canopy; and

(c) the 4m wide area surrounding the trunk as measured at 1m above natural ground level.

(2) However, if another protection zone is defined in a tree management plan in force for the protected tree, that protection zone is the protection zone for the tree.

If the species of tree is relevant for your application, for example it is listed as a ‘Problematic Tree Species’, then we can help you determine the species of tree. We may need you to provide photos or access to the property to examine the tree. There are useful fact sheets for all tree species in the ACT which can be accessed here: https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/trees-and-nature/trees/tree-species-for-canberra.

If the project does not require development approval - if it is not a secondary residence and complies with all the relevant rules - then we just need to lodge an Application to Undertake a Tree Damaging Activity. If this is approved, then we can go straight to Building Approval. 

A driveway must be 3.0m from the outside of the trunk of a street tree classified as a small tree.

A driveway must be outside the canopy dripline of a street tree classified as a mature tree.

A secondary driveway must be 3.0m from the outside of the trunk of a street tree classified as a small tree.

A secondary driveway must be outside the canopy dripline of a street tree classified as a mature tree.

We recommend Sean Gentry from Tree Department

Sean is a Consultant Arborist operating in the Canberra region and has 25 years of experience in the Arboricultural Industry. 

Sean's work involves:

• Preparation of tree assessments;
• Tree protection and management plans for town planning submissions ; 
• Tree assessments and environmental impact statements for infrastructure projects including Melbourne Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel Project, North East Link, Level Crossing Removals
• Planning referrals for Local Government Authorities in Greater Melbourne;
• Tree risk assessments for electricity providers, schools, private and commercial landowners;
• Supervision and certification of construction works;
• Management of street trees for local government. 

Contact Sean here

The below fees are exclusive for CGFB and Fixed Price Extensions and are provided by several consultants. These fees would be different if a client engaged a tree specialist directly because CGFB and FPE have undertaken significant tasks before the tree inspection.