Tree Management Policy

COUNCIL POLICY

Policy Title: TREE MANAGEMENT POLICY

Policy Subject: Environment

Policy No: #1977874

Directorate: Infrastructure & Environment

Department: Environment and Open Space

Section: Environment and Open Space

Responsible Officer: Executive Manager Environment and Open Space

Authorised by: Director Infrastructure & Environment

Adopted Date: 27/04/2011

Review Date: 27/04/2012

Amended Date:

TREE MANAGEMENT POLICY

FRASER COAST REGIONAL COUNCIL

Fraser Coast Regional Council

Tree Management Policy - 2 -

INDEX

Policy 3

INTENT 3

VISION 3

OBJECTIVES 3

POLICY COMMITTMENT 4

Implementation Strategy 5

BENEFITS OF TREES 5

WHY MANAGE TREES 6

TREE PLANTINGS 7

TREE SPECIES SELECTION CRITERIA 9

STREET TREE PLANTING REQUESTS BY RESIDENTS 11

STREET TREE REMOVALS 12

TREE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 15

SUMMARY 20

APPENDIX 20



Policy

INTENT

The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for the development of high quality streetscapes and landscapes that require minimal resource input, whilst increasing environmental values. The urban tree population is in competition with pedestrian, parking and infrastructure needs. This Policy seeks to balance these conflicting demands through appropriate tree species selection, planting location and maintenance practices. This policy will assist Council in its Management of trees situated on land owned by Council or under Council’s control, including:

• Roadside verges and footpaths;

• Parklands, gardens, reserves, water courses, ovals, playgrounds, sporting grounds; and

• Community land.

The Tree Management Policy applies to trees in urban roads and streets throughout the region. The policy will be implemented in association with Council’s Structure Plans, Urban Design Frameworks, Master Plans and Streetscape Studies. The policy does not apply to trees on private property or vegetation on rural roads throughout the region.

VISION

Trees across the Fraser Coast Region play an important role in improving the liveability of the Region, and contribute to its diverse inner urban, rural, heritage, environmental and social character. This is achieved by improving the design, management and sustainable maintenance of trees and increasing the range of tree species used that will reflect changes in the local neighbourhood character, the Region's open space character whilst improving biodiversity.

OBJECTIVES

The main objectives of the Tree Management Policy are to:

1. Protect tree plantings that are identified as significant, consistent with the heritage and natural character of the region.

2. Increase the range of tree species across the Region whilst retaining continuity of species in avenue planting and local neighbourhood characters.

3. Improve the 'greening' of streets in constrained locations.

4. Improve overall biodiversity values by increasing the number of street trees planted including native and indigenous species.

5. Actively promote native and indigenous plants through education and offering native and indigenous planting solutions.

6. Improve streetscape and pedestrian amenity by ensuring trees are an integral part of streetscape and landscape design.

7. Achieve sustainable management of trees by appropriate tree species selection to reduce infrastructure damage and improve environmental sustainability.

8. Commit to innovative tree planting design and establishment techniques and practices.

9. Inform residents of opportunities and constraints to foster involvement and community care of trees.

10. Improve pedestrian amenity by planting new trees in the roadside to provide shade, filter dust and pollution particles and provide physical separation between cars and pedestrians.



POLICY COMMITTMENT

Council will:

• Manage and maintain the health of the existing tree population while managing substantial risk to people and property. Tree removal will only occur if the risk associated within the identified hazard cannot be economically managed and mitigated through other arboricultural means or to facilitate the building of essential infrastructure.

• Manage trees listed as significant to ensure maximum retention timeframes. Council will establish a significant tree register to assist with identifying trees of high significance, provide advice for planning considerations and to determine the location of suitable protection measures.

• Promote the natural services and benefits trees provide to Fraser Coast residents, ratepayers and visitors such as shade, habitat and a pleasant environment for recreational activities.

• Manage the tree population utilising recognised arboriculture practises, continue to investigate and implement appropriate

new technologies and implement recognised tree valuation methods.

• Endorse the principle of a “no net loss” approach to its tree population. Trees that have been removed in urban areas through Council operational activities will be replaced and maintained in a location that is as close as practically possible to the removed tree.

• Council will in all reasonable instances, take into consideration existing tree requirements when undertaking maintenance

or constructing new infrastructure. In situations where conflict may occur, infrastructure should be designed to minimise any detrimental effects upon the tree. Tree protection guidelines will be developed in accordance with AS4970 Protection of Trees on Development Sites.

• In the event of illegal tree removal or cases of tree poisoning, undertake remedial and compensatory action that may

include signage, exclusion of the site from the public and replacement plantings.

• Reduce environmental impacts by using practises such as recycling habitat hollows, utilising felled timber as construction material and chip mulch where economically viable.

• Manage (where resources permit), tree species that are declared weeds and those that may have an adverse

environmental impact.



Implementation Strategy

BENEFITS OF TREES

Trees in the urban landscape make for a more liveable, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environment. The use of streets by pedestrians and cyclists is increasing in urban areas where residents have smaller areas of private open space and rely on the public domain for leisure activities. Tree planting and managing the existing tree population should be a priority in the ongoing planning and design of streetscapes or landscapes. Detailed below are some of the benefits that trees bring to our urban landscape:

SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainable systems of management should: -

• Maintain or enhance the tree population;

• Facilitate the removal of dangerous or potentially hazardous trees which are unable to be effectively managed through recognised Arboricultural practices;

• Promote bio-diversity and conserve the tree/forest eco-system;

• Conserve significant trees with high ecological, biological, historical and amenity value;

• Establish a tree population with a balanced diversity of age-classes; and

• Optimise the use of timber and other products of tree management.

Biodiversity Value – this policy promotes biodiversity values across the region by increasing the range of tree species recommended for planting. Both native and indigenous species will be encouraged near waterway corridors in an attempt to build on their ecological value. Trees are essential in retention of natural habitats for indigenous plants and animals. Shelter and Shade - Trees can provide seasonal shade to streets, reducing the overall direct sunlight and the reflected heat and glare. Trees improve the ambient temperature by mitigating head produced by the build environment. Water use and quality - Trees have the potential to absorb stormwater run-off, absorb and thereby reduce the quantity of flows. Trees also act to dissipate the force of rainfall and mitigate erosion events. They play an important role in managing the water table and prevent saline soils occurring. Wildlife - Trees enhance existing wildlife and waterway corridors. Planting of indigenous and native species in streets near bushland areas can complement native revegetation in open space reserves. This assists in improving community awareness and recognition of the importance of native planting to strengthen the local, indigenous character and habitat of the area.

AESTHETIC

Trees have a wide range of intrinsic visual qualities. They provide a natural, living contrast to the urban environment, softening the built urban character of the region. Street trees contribute to the visual appeal of the streetscape. Trees have a range of attributes that contribute to their individual character, including textures, colours, fragrances, patterns and forms in their overall shape, bark, branching pattern, adding seasonal change and diversity to streetscape character.

PEDESTRIANS AND VEHICLES

Planting trees improves pedestrian amenity. Tree planting also provides a physical barrier between vehicles and pedestrians, which improves the sense of pedestrian safety. In local access streets, tree planting enhances the streets' overall attractiveness and useability for pedestrians.



STREETSCAPE CHARACTER

Street trees can enhance historical areas, with plantings that are appropriate to the historical period, and reflective of residential garden and park plantings.

ECONOMIC VALUE OF TREES

Evidence shows that trees, particularly avenues of street trees increase property values and desirability for residence. Attractive commercial streetscapes provide a higher level of physical comfort for pedestrians and this can attract a diversity of businesses including restaurants and boutique shops that can improve the economic viability of the street.

GREENING OF THE REGION

This Tree Management Policy is based on the fundamental belief that trees are an important community asset for the following reasons:

1. Trees provide a softening influence on often harsh urban landscapes, providing an amenity to residents and visitors through the introduction of colour, form and texture to either highlight or mask architectural and natural features;

2. Trees have the capacity for reduction in noise and air pollution, reduction of erosion, positive effects on the micro-

climate of the surrounding area in modifying extremes of temperature and wind; and 3. Trees have an important role in the retention of natural habitats for indigenous plants and animals. This is particularly

applicable to those parts of the Region that are to be preserved in their natural state and to retain their biodiversity for the future.

WHY MANAGE TREES

Poor selection, placement and management of trees can result in risks of personal injury to residents and visitors to the region: 1. hazards to property through the failure of trees and tree limbs, and the potentially adverse influence of root systems on

soils supporting built structures especially in reactive soils; 2. interference in the provision of infrastructure and services (roads, power, sewer and water) through the use of

inappropriate species adjacent to these services; fouling of waterways and the introduction of pest plants; and 3. the proliferation of animal pests, especially introduced bird species.

Trees perform many functions within the urban environment but most visibly they link together all the elements in the landscape whilst contributing to the health and happiness of a community.



TREE PLANTINGS

The aim of tree planting is to develop attractive streetscapes and landscapes that can be sustained for future generations. Planting new trees is important in enhancing and renewing urban tree cover. Council is directly involved in planting trees as well as supporting tree planting by others. Tree species should be selected according to the:

1. purpose of the planting;

2. available space;

3. conditions of the site (including consideration of climate change effects) and

4. impact on safety, infrastructure and on-going maintenance costs.

While endemic tree species are the most appropriate for restoring habitat, some non-native species (excluding pest plants) are part of the subtropical landscape character and botanic history of the region. In areas where trees are not suited, Council will also consider the use of structures such as arbours and trellis’s to support vines and climbers as a means to provide shade and other associated benefits.

TREE PLANTING AREAS

Guidelines relating to the three main tree planting areas are outlined below. Street Tree Plantings The planting of street trees should:

1. promote subtropical boulevards along arterial roads and major entry roads, including feature tree species iconic to the regions landscape;

2. contribute to local streetscape quality, stormwater management and footpath shade cover;

3. be guided by existing canopy cover density, urban ’hot-spots’, and resident requests;

4. favour whole-street plantings or blocks within streets in preference to individual plantings (this is more efficient for establishment and ongoing maintenance);

5. favour clear trunked, small to medium shade tree species in residential streets to minimise nuisance;

6. encourage high quality vistas; and

7. encourage community participation in street tree planting programs to promote ongoing stewardship.

Council parks Tree planting in Council parks should:

1. conserve historically significant tree plantings and designs;

2. promote shade and amenity at picnic nodes, pathways, spectator areas, playgrounds and carparks;

3. offer opportunities for education and showcasing colourful tree species throughout the seasons;

4. use the placement and grouping of trees to minimise maintenance and risk exposure;

5. enhance and protect habitats and waterways; and

6. encourage community participation in park planting programs to promote ongoing stewardship.



Bushland and broad scale areas

Tree planting in bushland and broad scale areas should:

1. enhance biodiversity by revegetating degraded land;

2. assist the natural regeneration of desired species within significant conservation areas;

3. favour endemic species to provide safe corridors for fauna and flora;

4. improve biodiversity value of remnant vegetation by suppressing weeds species;

5. contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and waterway health; and

6. contribute to the regions native vegetation cover targets.

Council’s Community Environment Program (CEP) provides opportunities for residents to actively participate in the 'on-ground' maintenance and management activities of bushland and open spaces in the Fraser Coast Regional Council area as well as environmental awareness programs including events and education. The scope of works possible via the CEP range from individual management agreements where an adjoining owner carries out on ground management activities, right through to incorporated bodies implementing co-ordinated long term restoration projects. In kind support to events and educational programs are also supported by the CEP.

Participants have the opportunity to undertake some of the following activities within Council's reserve and open

space network. These include:

• restoring natural areas including tree planting and weed control;

• assessing the health of the reserve and open space network;

• project planning, implementation and monitoring;

• fauna and flora observations and recording;

• facilitate and participate in various events such as World Environment

Day;

• seed collection and propagation; and

• other fun educational activities.

TYPES OF TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES

Council undertakes a range of tree planting activities including:

New Tree Plantings The following will be taken into account when considering new tree plantings:

1. the surrounding vegetation composition and any environmental or aesthetic considerations;

2. the purpose of the road as well as the type of construction of the road and any impact the trees might have on it, or surrounding structures;

3. the impacts the proposed trees may have on any services present,

4. the preference of the adjacent resident with regards to the tree species;

5. the type of traffic using the road and potential impacts on road safety;

6. the possible impacts on the safety of the public; and

7. any other matters which might be pertinent to the site.



Replacement planting The tree replacement program replaces individual trees removed during tree maintenance activities. Trees removed throughout the year are added to the replacement planting list. Tree Management staff select an appropriate replacement tree species using the species selection criteria. The number of trees planted as part of the annual replacement program depends on the availability of budget funding and are prioritised accordingly.

Streetscape Redevelopment Streetscape redevelopment works involve the removal and replacement of all trees in a street as part of a major upgrade. These types of works are not funded from the annual maintenance program and are primarily considered as part of master planning for areas and are funded through an individual capital works program. Infill planting Infill planting differs from replacement planting as it aims to replant all the gaps in previously planted areas or suburbs at one time, rather than replanting individual trees as they are removed or requested. Subdivisional planting

Trees are conditioned to be planted in new subdivisions by Council. Developers are required to submit landscaping plans containing to Council for approval. Council assesses the proposed planting themes and species, to ensure they are in line with Council’s planting objectives.

TREE SPECIES SELECTION CRITERIA

The success of tree planting is dependant on the selection of the appropriate tree species. The species selection process requires

the evaluation of a wide range of criteria including: 1. Street Character

Selecting an appropriate tree species for use in a new street or precinct will be affected by the intended character of a street and the existing vegetation.

2. Road Type

Arterial roads, collector roads and local residential streets all have different tree planting requirements which will influence the outcome of the tree selection process.

3. Streetscape Type Existing streetscapes will be considered when selecting replacement and infill tree species. Where street tree planting has produced a desirable streetscape then the successful species will be continued. Unsuitable trees will be replaced with a more desirable species when they are removed.

4. Site Constraints Site specific issues affect the species of trees that can be planted. Trees require room to grow both above and below ground. Features such as buildings and powerlines can affect the shape and size of the trees that can be planted. Soil types and climatic conditions determine the biological and tolerance attributes required of the species to be selected.

5. Community Preferences Involving residents in the selection process increases the feeling of ownership and support for their streetscape.

6. Environmental Links This criterion examines the role of tree planting as habitat and food for wildlife and a link between environmental areas.

7. Species Traits The tree species selected should be proven in a similar environment. The individual characteristics of the species must be suited to the planting location ie eventual size of the species (height, spread, trunk diameter etc) and species characteristics (canopy structure, low spreading, upright etc).

8. Financial Factors Purchase costs, establishment costs and maintenance costs are important criteria of the species selection process.



BROADENING THE SPECIES PROFILE

The Council commits to trialling new tree species to expand its tree species list and find suitable trees that achieve the objective of tree planting in a changing climate. The tree growing industry is regularly developing new cultivars of trees that improve on previous specimens. Increasing the variety of shapes, sizes and tolerances of proven tree species allows Council to improve the outcome of the tree selection process.

APPROVED TREE SPECIES LIST

A list of suitable tree species has been developed as a guide for tree planting by the Council. (Appendix A – Approved Tree Species List). The trees included on the list meet the following criteria:

• Hardy and a proven performer in the area or similar environment;

• Aesthetically pleasing trees that will enhance a streetscape;

• Stock availability;

• Consistent in shape, size and colour;

• Tolerant of pruning;

• Drought tolerant once established;

• Not known as an environmental weed;

• Resistant to most pests and diseases;

• Ability to establish quickly and have a reasonably long lifespan; and

• No known adverse characteristics, e.g. limb drop, skin irritant, fruit drop etc.

The Approved Tree Species list provides Council with a recommended palette from which to select an appropriate tree for any planting situation. The list is not exhaustive and additional trees are trialled regularly and new selections may be added over time once they are proven to be suitable. .



STREET TREE PLANTING REQUESTS BY RESIDENTS

Tree planting by persons other than Council officers on Road Reserves and Community Land requires authorisation by Council. Any Street Trees planted without Council approval may be removed at the resident’s expense if deemed unsuitable by an Authorised Council Officer.

WHAT SPECIES CAN BE PLANTED?

The list of tree species suitable for planting will be reviewed annually. Qualified Arborists will have input into this list periodically to ensure it remains up to date via the introduction of new tree species, while non performing species or species where undesirable attributes have become apparent should be withdrawn from use. Residents are encouraged to provide suggestions for suitable tree species to Council officers for consideration as part of this review process. Appendix A – provides a list of suitable tree species.

WHAT APPROVALS ARE REQUIRED?

Council’s objective is to obtain a more consistent and uniform planting of species in streets, so requests for a particular tree species will not be fulfilled unless it is the predominant species in that particular street. Residents can only plant their own trees providing the position and species is approved by Council. Once planted, the tree becomes the property of Council. In some cases, residents will be consulted on the tree species and involved in the planting. An Application to Plant Street Trees on Council Land is available on the Council website or by contacting Council.

WHERE CAN I PLANT A STREET TREE?

A Council Officer will inspect the area of footpath that fronts the resident’s property and determine if the site is suitable for street tree planting. The Officer will ensure that an appropriate species is selected taking into consideration the criteria outlined in this Policy. Related Documents

• Street Tree – Fact Sheet #1950806 • Application to Plant Street Trees on Council

Controlled Land - #1947550

• Resident Advice – New Tree Planting - #1946186



STREET TREE REMOVALS

The Council recognises the significant contribution made by street trees to both the aesthetic and environment aspects of existing streetscapes. It also recognises that in some cases, tree retention may not be desirable, feasible or reasonable, owing to the condition, location or species of the tree, its implications for development on an abutting site and / or the achievement of other Council objectives. Council wishes to avoid removal of street trees except where

retention is considered undesirable or unreasonable, such as where: exceptional circumstances exist relating to public risk and safety; the tree species is not an approved variety and is not acceptable; or the tree precludes redevelopment of an adjoining site, with no other reasonable alternative than removal. Owing to the hazardous nature of the task, residents/occupants are not permitted to remove or undertake pruning of street trees.

REQUESTS FOR TREE REMOVALS

All requests for the removal of street trees by residents will be assessed in an objective and professional manner. Council will explore all feasible options for resolving problems associated with trees in order to maximise the possibility of their retention.

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT OF TREE REMOVALS

Council’s policy is generally not to approve the removal of non-diseased or non- dangerous trees. If a tree is causing problems for a particular resident, all possible solutions will be explored to resolve the problem rather than remove the tree. Council policy is to remove trees in the following circumstances:

• the tree is diseased and beyond remedial treatment, or dead;

• the tree has been assessed as structurally weak and dangerous and is unable to be managed through recognised Arboricultural methods, placing the public at risk;

• the tree has been assessed as likely to become an increasing risk to public and property safety due to stability and trees history of dropping limbs;

• the trees roots are causing extensive damage to buildings, fences, kerb and channel, footpaths and roads which cannot be managed through recognised Arboricultural methods;

• the tree has been irreparably damaged by a storm;

• the tree is hazardous to motorists / pedestrians owing to interference in suitable sightlines presented by the trees alignment or spacing and the risk cannot be mitigated through corrective pruning;

• the tree is affected by road widening, service modification / relocation or other essential infrastructure works and all other options to retain the tree have been deemed by the Council to be inappropriate;

• the tree is dangerously in contact with overhead power lines or distributor wires to properties and where, for reasons of growth habit pertaining to the variety, selective pruning is not practical with the only option being severe lopping; or

• the tree impinges on the development potential of the abutting property(s) with no reasonable design alternatives or tree protection measures exist as outlined in AS4970 Protection of Tress on Development Sites;

• the tree directly interferes with actions identified within Council’s Fire Management Plan and cannot be remedied through recognised Arboricultural processes.



If a tree meets one or more of the above criteria, then Council will include in its annual program of works the removal of the tree and replacement of the tree with a more suitable species. The removal of trees will be prioritised to meet funding availability. In instances where a person may request to have a lower priority tree removed immediately, the cost of the tree removal will be at the expense of the person requesting the action. Council will not remove trees that do not meet any of the stated criteria.

INSUFFICIENT REASONS FOR TREE REMOVALS

The following are not considered sufficient reason for the removal of street trees:

• the tree obscures or potentially obscures views (other than traffic / pedestrian sight lines);

• the tree species planted is disliked;

• the tree variety causes nuisance by way of leaf, fruit and / or bark shedding or other natural process’s;

• the tree causes allergy and / or health problems;

• the tree is in the way of a non-essential crossover or verge paving option;

• the tree being in the way of a second, non-essential driveway crossover; or

• the tree shades private gardens, solar hot water installations or the like;

• the tree form is conducive to the construction of “tree houses”.

UNAUTHORISED REMOVAL

Responsibility for the care, control and management of trees and shrubs on land under the care, control and management of the Council is vested in the Council. It is an offence for a person to cut, saw or remove any tree or shrub or part there of, on any land under the care, control and management of the Council.

DELEGATION FOR REMOVAL

Council’s Authorised Officer will make an assessment of the request for the removal of a Council managed tree in accordance with the policy. The Executive Manager Environment and Open Space, through the Chief Executive Officer, is delegated authority to authorise the removal of street trees in accord with the provisions with this policy.

TREE REPLACEMENT REQUIREMENT Replacement of trees that satisfy the above criteria will be two for one using Council standard stock size for that planting function and site, and approved species for that location, and will be planted, at Council’s expense, as close as possible to the location of the original tree or at least in the local area. Replacement where a tree doesn’t meet any of the above removal criteria, but is required to be removed to allow for approved works (such as new driveways, major roads and drainage projects or other exceptional situations) and all other design, construction and relocation alternatives have been exhausted, and all Arboricultural management solutions have been exhausted, the following applies:

1. replacement must achieve no net canopy area loss* within 3 years of the tree removal;

2. the replacement tree/trees are to be minimum 45L nursery pot size; and

3. all costs associated with the original tree/trees removal, new tree/trees replacement and establishment are to be met by the person/company/section of Council who requested the tree removal and be planted as close as possible to the location of the original tree or at least in the local area.

*Canopy area of the original tree is measured from canopy diameter, halved to become canopy radius, then used in the equation ∏ x radius squared. An original tree of 6 m canopy diameter has a canopy area of 27 square metres (3.14 x 32), and



would require 9 X 45 litre replacement trees (which would be expected to grow to 3 metres canopy area in 3 years) to achieve the no net canopy area loss requirement. Note: where the tree(s) are in an area of regionally significant ecological value, replacement planting must cover three (3) times the area covered by the removed trees and other vegetation, and shall be a species endemic to that area, usually of tubestock size.

TREE REMOVAL ON PRIVATE LAND

Vegetation protection provisions vary across the Fraser Coast depending on the relevant local and state planning provisions. Residents should contact Council Related documents;

• Hervey bay Vegetation Protection Fact Sheet- # 893641 • Maryborough Vegetation Protection Fact Sheet- # 913071

• Tiaro Vegetation Protection Fact Sheet- # 893721 • Woocoo Vegetation Protection Fact Sheet- # 893717



TREE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

TREE MAINTENANCE OBJECTIVES

Council will endeavour to ensure that all trees growing under its care and control are adequately maintained. The allocation of resources by Council for managing trees will determine the extent of implementation of any maintenance programs developed.

Maintenance programs will be developed which aim to fulfil the objectives as outlined within this policy.

ANNUAL MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMING OF WORKS.

An assessment is made of all incoming enquiries relating to trees before appropriate maintenance work is specified and ordered. Such an assessment takes into account factors such as safety implications and proposed remedial work, the effects of any proposals on long term tree health, the legitimacy of the enquiry and the most efficient and cost-effective courses of action. To ensure that current resources are utilised most effectively, the different types of tree enquires are categorised into the following priority work areas:- High Risk Trees: is work on defects that may have a high probability of occurring resulting in major consequences to people or property. This also includes remedial Emergency works required after a storm event. Medium Risk Trees: are trees that pose less of a risk to persons and property but still require remedial work. The response times for medium risk trees are less urgent than that of high risk trees. Tree Planting Works: include tree replacement and requests for tree planting within parks and streetscapes. Street Tree Maintenance: is essential to ensuring a healthy street tree population. It includes tasks such as formative pruning, mulching, fertilizing and treatment for pests and diseased trees. Root Barrier Installation: is used to provide a physical barrier between conflicting infrastructure and tree roots. This process requires ongoing maintenance. Significant Tree Works: are those works specifically allocated to preserving the significant tree population within the region. Such strategies may include protection measures, improving tree health and public education.

TREE MAINTENANCE

All trees planted on nature strips, median strips, footpaths and roadways (with the exception of main highways) belong to the Fraser Coast Regional Council. Council will maintain these trees in a healthy and safe condition subject to available funding. These trees will be maintained by Council’s Parks Staff or designated contractor to the requirements of Council’s specifications for street trees. This will include but not be limited to the following:-

• Clearance from public lighting and traffic signs/signals;

• Remedial pruning – the removal of unstable, dead or diseased wood; and

• Formative pruning – to ensure the tree grows into a good shape with a single trunk.

Council’s Local Law prohibits residents or property owners from pruning or removing any Council owned tree.



TREE INSPECTIONS

Council will routinely carry out visual inspections of trees in high visitation areas of parks (e.g. paths, playgrounds, carparks, playing fields and areas adjacent to private property boundaries) Council will prioritise visual inspections of trees to inform annual maintenance programs and Council will carry out additional visual and technical inspections in response to community concerns or suspicion of a tree’s health or safety. Trees will be inspected on a proactive basis or at the request of residents. The risks associated with each tree will be assessed to identify the trees hazard potential. Tree works are assessed using nationally and internationally recognised assessment systems such as visual tree assessment (VTA) and tree risk hazard assessment. This information is then used to align with standard AS/NZS ISO31000:2009 Risk Management- Principles and Guidelines. The resulting calculation and assessment score dictates the priority of programmed work

When assessing hazard potential the tree assessor will determine the:

• Failure hazard potential • Size of the part most likely to fail and; • Frequency of site occupancy

The priority when managing trees with a high hazard potential should be to reduce the risk to an acceptable level. This can be achieved through removing the tree, removing the items that could be damaged or undertaking remedial work on the defective part of the tree. The Council has developed a Tree Inspection Program to identify trees with a high hazard potential and schedule inspection timeframes to ensure these trees are routinely assessed. Council staff have the skills, knowledge and experience to make these assessments and recommend the appropriate remedial action to reduce risks to an acceptable level. Related Documents Tree Management Operating Procedure # 1925680

TREE PRUNING

Pruning a tree helps to maintain its appropriate form and function and maintain the tree in a healthy and safe condition Programmed tree pruning will be undertaken to fulfil any of the following requirements:-

• To remove overhanging branches considered hazardous to pedestrian or vehicular traffic, buildings or structures;

• To under prune low growing branches considered hazardous to traffic or pedestrians;

• To form the shape of developing trees;

• To rejuvenate vigour into unthrifty growth;

• To reduce crown density or to redistribute growth to lateral branches; or

• To remove dead, dying or pest infected limbs and branches.

Where appropriate, Council will prune young trees to encourage strong and functional tree growth patterns, and periodically prune

branches to address structural weaknesses and prevent foliage from obstructing street signs, traffic, street lighting, powerlines, rooflines, and pedestrians.



All pruning will be done by properly trained and qualified staff.

Resident requests for pruning will be assessed and if required the works will be prioritised as part of the annual maintenance program. Tree Management staff understand the effects of pruning and have the ability to apply sound arboricultural principles in tree maintenance. Council will not employ detrimental pruning practices such as lopping, or over-pruning.

ROOT MANAGEMENT

A healthy tree relies on a strong and healthy root system. Council will, wherever possible:

• avoid interfering with root systems;

• provide adequate space for root growth;

• actively manage tree roots to promote good tree health; and

• reduce impacts caused by roots.

REMOVAL OF UNDESIRABLE TREE SPECIES.

Not all trees within the region comply with the ‘Tree Management Policy’. Many of the existing tree species have not been included in the recommended list of species due to the following reasons:-

• consistent poor performers or seeds are invasive and the tree is prone to die back;

• invasive or problematic root systems;

• the tree is prone to failures.

• fruits or seeds of the tree are causing health problems.

Some streets are planted with species that conform to the policy but have been placed in inappropriate positions, such as in narrow footpaths or under power-lines. Other streets have a mixture of species of different age, shape and height which do not provide an attractive or unified

streetscape. In order to improve the streetscape and ensure that trees do not cause health and structural problems, Council will develop a long term strategy to remove all undesirable species. These will be replaced with a more suitable species, using a single species (where possible) to create avenue planting. Council will develop a program detailing the removal of undesired species and the proposed replacement species. This will be done involving the residents from those streets that will be affected, by notifying them of proposed works and in the selection of a single replacement species.

TREE WATERING

Most trees require an average of 600 litres of additional water per year throughout their establishment period. To establish a tree to the point where no additional watering is required and the tree can survive without assistance takes approximately two years. With less drought tolerant species this can extend to three years during dry conditions.

The effects of drought on established trees include:

• large numbers of trees die in the hot conditions from a lack of water in the soil, creating an increase in tree removal and tree replacement costs; and

• large and significant trees rapidly decline in health and condition and require additional watering during the hotter months.

The effects of drought on Council’s tree planting program include:

• trees planted in nature strips require longer maintenance periods before they can be considered established and left to survive without assistance;

• trees require more water during each application due to increased evaporation in hotter conditions;

• the need to regularly review species currently listed as suitable for planting; and

• the need to trial new species that have the potential to better withstand drought conditions.



Council will continue to review its list of suitable tree species to maximise the use of drought tolerant trees that can withstand continued drought conditions.

WATER SENSITIVE URBAN DESIGN

Council will encourage the use of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) in urban developments. WSUD incorporates water cycle management initiatives in to the design of urban landscapes and ensures environmentally sustainable water resource management. Initiatives of WSUD include storm water treatment systems; rain gardens; swales and basins and constructed wetlands. While these initiatives are predominantly used in parks and open spaces, storm water treatment systems could reduce future tree watering requirements as they capture and use storm water to irrigate trees. Storm water treatment systems simultaneously reduce storm water volumes and improve storm water quality as it is filtered naturally by the tree. Related Documents

Department of Environment and Resource Management -State Planning Policy 4/10, Healthy Waters. Department of Infrastructure and Planning (2009) SEQ Regional Plan Implementation Guideline No. 7 Water Sensitive Urban Design- Design objectives for urban stormwater management.



SIGNIFICANT TREES

Trees can be classed as significant for many reasons including their historical, social, environmental or cultural attributes. Significant Trees are trees that are rare, culturally or naturally important and/or add to the overall landscape of the area in a special way and have been formally assessed by a tree professional. Significant trees are listed on Council’s “Register of Significant Trees” and are assessed to satisfy one or more of the criteria listed below. Significant trees may include individual and groups of trees which link to important cultural and ecological values such as:-

• Historical Value – memorial trees for lives lost in defence service, documented ceremonial trees, trees planted by global leaders, or trees that can be linked to the region’s earlier botanical planters or documented local

history;

• Botanical Value – rare, endangered species or vulnerable species with educational value;

• Landscape Value- a local landmark or feature, significance in size, form and spread in a regional context and contributes to the scenic character of location or setting;

• Natural Value – the tree contributes to soil stability, shade and water table management;

• Cultural value - significance to indigenous rituals, religious observations or legend; and

• Habitat/Ecological Value – trees that provide habitat to rare and endangered native fauna as well as the provision of food for wildlife or provide a good genetic seed source.

MANAGEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT TREES

Management of significant trees shall take into account strategies to maximise longevity, health and vigour of the trees and may attract varying maintenance methods as deemed appropriate. The approval of the Council is required prior to any works being undertaken to significant trees that may have an adverse impact either to the trees health and condition or aesthetic appearance.

Council will progressively develop and implement management plans for each of the nominated significant trees, with staged replacement programs for senescent trees. Future management of significant trees will require strategies that: • minimise the removal of established trees and

only undertake removal where remedial action is no longer viable;

• aim to use same species as the replacement

for existing significant senescent trees over time and as a minimum use a species with similar character including, mature height, foliage texture, colour and flowering character. This can be achieved through propagation from the parent plant; and

• develop a staged remedial and removal

program over a suitable time period to minimise the impacts of replacement on the avenue planting character.

Related Documents

• Significant Tree Assessment Tool # 1972666 • Significant Tree Register # 1925833



SUMMARY

Great and attractive cities around the world are often recognised as such because of the avenues of trees that lined their streets, setting a leafy, green structure around the urban cities people live in. The Fraser Coast Regional Council recognises the important role that trees play within the region. The current and future tree population requires sustainable management to ensure co existence with the regions infrastructure and provide a safe and attractive place for residents and visitors.

APPENDIX

Appendix A – Tree Species Selection List

Appendix B – Tree Pruning Guidelines

Appendix C – Tree Inspection Guidelines

Appendix D- References



APPENDIX A – TREE SPECIES SELECTION LIST Main and Secondary Arterials The planning for landscaping of key roads has increased in complexity in recent years as more and more services are crammed into existing road reserves, effectively leaving little or no room for landscape treatments. The species selected below have been chosen for their suitability to tolerate stresses placed upon street trees associated with high vehicle and pedestrian traffic flow in an urban environment. Botanical Name Vernacular Name Agathis robusta Queensland Kauri Pine Backhousia citriodora Lemon-scented Myrtle

Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo Elaeocarpus Eumundi Eumundi Quandong Flindersia australis Crows Ash, Aust. Teak Lophostemon suaveolens Swamp Box Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved paperbark Syzygium luehmannii Small-leaved Lilly Pilly Xanthostemon chrysanthus Golden Penda Residential Streets Streets within this district reflect the form of recent sub-divisions with a curvilinear street form and variable nature strips. There are opportunities for the use of both traditional avenue street tree planting forms and less formal schemes involving natural tree groupings. Where residential streetscapes meet linear parklands there is a potential for the development of effective streetscape/parkland inter-face combining native and exotic trees with indigenous ground level planting. Botanical Name Vernacular Name Buckinghamia celissima Ivory Curl Flower Alphotonia excelsa Red Ash Callistemon sp Bottle Brush Jagera pseudorhus Foam Bark Mallotus discolour Yellow Kamala Mallotus philippensis Red Kamala Stenocarpus sinuatus Firewheel Tree Sterculia quadrifida Peanut Tree Podocarpus elatus Brown Pine Pittosporum venulosum Brown Pittosporum Waterhousia floribunda Weeping Lilli Pilly Any additions or variations to the recommended species plantings may be trialled by Council with reporting of the outcomes through Council for modification of the policy. In general the City encourages the planting of a common group of tree species within a given section of road reserve to promote a common streetscape theme that enhances the amenity of the neighbourhood. In such instances one, two or three tree species may be utilised to create an enhanced streetscape. Generally an isolated, different tree species will not be approved for planting in an area where existing streetscape theme exists.

Related Documents Waterwise Plant selector http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/waterwise/plantselector/about.html Plant Smart, Planting under Powerlines, http://www.ergon.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/6758/Plant-Smart---Fraser-Coast-Brochure.pdf



APPENDIX B – TREE PRUNING GUIDELINES

All tree pruning completed by Council and its contractors shall be in accordance with the Australian Standard 4373 - 2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees, relevant codes of practice and Acts of legislation, both State and Federal. Pruning should be conducted to enhance the aesthetic appearance of trees and leave trees with a pleasing even shape where possible. All works will be undertaken in accordance with Council’s work place safety management plan. All “clean” vegetative debris resulting from remedial works will be removed from site, reused either as materials for structures,

nesting material or mulched to be used within council operations whenever possible. All relevant stakeholders will be consulted and notified of the required works in the appropriate timeframes. Remaining stumps resulting from removals will be excavated or ground within 1 month of tree removal. In areas of high public visitation or areas where stumps may pose a risk to the public removals will be as soon as possible. The stump site will be clean and backfilled and monitored for subsidence. Root pruning will be done with equipment that ensures a smooth and clean cut surface and minimises disturbance to the remaining roots. Only products designed to be used as a root barrier shall be used to prevent root intrusion. Clearance zones for vegetation and traffic ways is as follows:

o Footpaths and Beach Accesses- 2.5mt high to lowest foliage or limb, 300mm each side of path;

o Driveways-3.0mt high to lowest foliage or limb;

o Roadways (general) - 3.5mt at kerb, 4.5mt over centre line to lowest structural limb. Note: This is dependent upon road hierarchy/designation;

o Road signs- sufficient to ensure clear visibility;

o Where no footpath exists, street trees should be pruned to provide pedestrians with a minimum width of 1.5m clearance;

o Intersections- vegetation should be removed to allow sightlines to the following distances at intersections. Clearance zones from electrical cables are as those specified by the electrical utility. Pruning will occur on vegetation that impedes the show of light from street lighting. Young trees should be pruned to a single trunk and formatively pruned to determine the future framework of the tree. Property clearances of trees should be negotiated between supervisors and residents as required. Council officers shall not be permitted to enter into private property and undertake works and will not enter into disputes arising from private trees between neighbouring private properties. Should a resident damage or remove a Council owned street or reserve tree without written authorisation then Council reserves the right to recover the amenity value of that tree. When a tree must be removed due to inappropriate actions by a resident, contractor or other; all costs associated with the

removal and replacement of the tree will be charged to the responsible party at the rates applicable at the time which are available from the Council. No contractor or service authority shall excavate in the vicinity of any tree without the approval of Council and the relevant road opening permit being issued. Minimum clearances will be calculated by a Tree Management representative.

Speed in km/hr Distance in metres

50 60

60 80

80 120

100 180



APPENDIX C - TREE INSPECTION PROGRAM GUIDELINES The Council is continually developing the Tree Inspection Program as part of its risk management plan to inspect and assess trees for their potential for failure or risk of damaging assets. The goal of the Tree Inspection Program is to reduce the risks trees pose to public safety to a level that meets professional standards and demonstrates reasonable care. Tree Inspection Program – Risk Zone Categories & Inspection Timeframes The following list of locations has been compiled based upon the level of risk posed to public safety by Council trees. The criteria used to assess the level of risk include public use and occupancy patterns, tree characteristics and roadway characteristics.

High Risk Zones

•••• Parks/Reserves with mature plantings;

•••• High use playgrounds in Council parks;

•••• High use park areas e.g. Foreshore;

•••• High use structures in parks e.g. BBQ areas;

•••• Park areas which are subjected to high levels of use such as pathways and carparks;

•••• Central Business District Areas;

•••• Botanic Gardens;

•••• Caravan Parks;

•••• Previously pollarded / coppiced trees;

•••• Areas with aging or declining trees;

Medium Risk Zones

• Main thoroughfares, congested intersections and traffic signs / lights;

• Moderate use parks / reserves with semi-mature trees;

• Car parks placed outside of reserves;

• Areas with moderate numbers of problem tree species.

Low Risk Zones

• Local Roads;

• Low use parks / reserves; and

• Parks/reserves with immature plantings.

Target Inspection Timeframes

High Risk Zones = 1:12 months (1 year)

Medium Risk Zones = 1:24 months (2 years)

Low Risk Zones = 1:36 months (3 years)



APPENDIX D – REFERENCES

The following tree management policies have been referenced in the drafting of the Fraser Coast Regional Council Tree Management Policy: o Adelaide City Council o Brisbane City Council o Brimbank o Campbelltown City Council o City of Stirling o City of Sydney o City of Yarra o Frankston City o Leicestershire County o Mansfield Shire o Rockdale City o Southern Flinders Range o Geelong City