City trees located on the verge, in a park or a reserve are managed by the City of Belmont. It is an offence to prune, damage or remove any of these trees without written approval from the City.

Here are some important things to know about the City’s approach to planting, pruning and removing City trees.

How to request a street tree for your home or business verge

Trees are very important to improving both natural and urban environments and provide many benefits to those living in the City of Belmont. 

As part of the annual Street Tree Planting Program, the city sources and grows it street tree stock from seed in line with Australian Standards. The proposed trees are ordered a minimum of 12 months in advance to allow for adequate growing time. This results in a better-quality tree long term. 

Every winter, the City plants trees as part of the Street Tree Planting Program. You can request a street tree to be planted on your council verge and the City will take care of the planting, pruning and initial watering. Ongoing maintenance of the tree, where required, will also be undertaken by the City.

To request a street tree, please use the request a street tree form or phone the City's Parks, Leisure and Environment team on 9477 7257.

Request for tree pruning

If you are considering making a request for the City to prune a tree, please bear in mind:
 

• City trees are pruned to manage risk and keep roads, footpaths and overhead services clear from branches and will only be pruned to adopted standards;  
• In February to May each year, the City conducts an annual power line pruning program, in line with Western Power’s clearance guidelines. Only street trees under power lines will be pruned during this period; 
• Any other requests for tree pruning will be assessed by the City and actioned as appropriate. 

The City does not prune or remove trees based on general natural factors, such as leaf drop, flowers, nut drop, bark, sap or small branchlets. A quality gutter guard can successfully protect roof gutters from leaf and nut drop.

For more information on tree pruning in the City of Belmont, please use the customer request form or phone the City’s Parks, Leisure and Environment team on 9477 7257.

Request a tree removal

Street trees are an asset to our community. They provide shade, an attractive landscape, assist in improving air quality and contain conservation benefits, such as providing habitat for birds and other animals.

If you are considering requesting a City street tree to be removed, please bear in mind:
 

• Conservation of street trees is a priority of the City; 
• A tree will only be considered for removal when it is dead, diseased or dying or it poses a high risk of harm to people or property; 
• Tree removal and replacement requirements associated with a development will be assessed as part of a Development Application or Crossover Application. Trees will not be removed in advance of these applications. 

Only the City or someone with specific direction and written approval from the City can remove street trees, in line with the City’s Urban Forest Policy.

For more information on tree removal in the City of Belmont, please use our customer request form or phone the City’s Parks and Environment Team on 9477 7257. 

Requests to remove a street tree related to a subdivision

If you have plans to develop, subdivide your block or install a crossover (driveway), this could impact the structural stability and health of a street tree on your verge. Here is a summary of what could happen in this case:
 

• After you have submitted a development application, the City will assess the requirement to remove and replace existing street trees; 
• The City’s Parks, Leisure and Environment team will assess your application and consider a range of factors, including the tree’s location, monetary value, health and life expectancy;
• If a street tree is authorised to be removed, you would be responsible for the costs associated with removal and replacement of the tree. The City will undertake these works and nominate replacement tree species, as outlined in the City’s Street Tree Plan; 
• In line with the City's Urban Forest Policy; where a City tree is removed, the replacement planting shall be undertaken by the City at a minimum ratio of 1:3 (so at least three trees would need to replace every tree removed);
• If the City does not approve a street tree to be removed, the City might recommend an adjustment to your development plans or crossover location in order to leave the tree in place. With appropriate management, trees can be retained whilst achieving your development aspiration.

The City's Fact Sheet - Tree Protection has useful information on tree retention and protection requirements.

For more information on street trees in the City of Belmont please phone the City’s Parks, Leisure and Environment team on 9477 7257.