Council trees

No, residents are not allowed to remove, prune or top a Council-owned tree. You may be subject to prosecution under Council Local Laws and State Laws regarding tree protection if you interfere with a Council-owned tree. It is important to protect trees as they may be an important host tree for rare and threatened species of fauna and flora. Its removal may also negatively affect the aesthetic character of the area.

No, residents are not allowed to prune, lop or top a Council-owned tree. You may be subject to prosecution under Council Local Laws and State Laws regarding tree protection if you interfere with a Council-owned tree. Lopping or topping a tree may make it dangerous due to the regrowth of epicormic branches or it may worsen tree structure. It can also lead to fungal infection or weaken the tree, making it unstable or susceptible to failure. If you have a concern about the safety of a tree submit a request to Council for assessment.

Termite infestations in trees or land under ownership or control of Council will not normally be treated. Council has no legal responsibility to treat any termite infestations found in trees on land under its control. Council is not responsible for any damage to private property attributed to termites detected on land under its control. When dealing with termites, prevention is key and the following actions are recommended;

• Undertake regular routine inspections to find termites and termite damage through a licensed pest controller.
• When installing new fences, use termite-resistant and preservative-treated timber.
• Minimise cracks in concrete slabs by consolidating the soil before laying the slab.
• Fix leaking pipes and poor ventilation in sub-floors, which create ideal conditions for termites.
• Always inspect second-hand timber and furniture before bringing it into your property.
• Avoid placing gardens against walls.
• Avoid stacking firewood against your property including homes, garages and sheds.

In Queensland, there is no law governing the control of termites. Should you encounter termites on private property, the responsibility for control rests with the property owner. For termite control on public property, such as parks and reserves, please contact Council.

There is always a possibility that a tree may fall in severe weather events. Healthy, well-maintained trees around a building can help dissipate wind force thereby protecting the house from wind. Once removed there is no protection from wind force and the building is fully exposed. Council conducts regular tree condition assessments by a qualified arborist (AQF Level 5 or higher) to identify when tree maintenance work should occur and to ensure trees are kept in good condition.

Living with trees provides many benefits however it also involves managing leaf drop, whether it's from a Council or residential tree. Council does not prune, top or remove trees due to natural leaf/fruit drop nuisance issues as it can worsen the situation as well as reduce the amenity and benefits of our local urban forest. Council encourages residents to regularly clean gutters on private properties. Residents are also encouraged to consider the correct installation of gutter guards to assist with the management of leaf drop. If the leaf drop is excessive Council may consider a condition assessment of the tree by a qualified arborist as there may be a reason that the tree is dropping more leaves than normal and this could be remedied.

Permission is required by Council to cut the tree roots from a Council-controlled tree in stormwater pipes on your property. Advice from Council's qualified arborist is recommended once permission is provided to ensure the work is conducted correctly. Cutting the roots too close to the tree trunk may affect the stability of the tree and could result in whole tree failure. The maintenance and repair of all residential stormwater infrastructure, from the property line across the road reserve to public infrastructure (spoon drain, kerb and channel, catchpit etc) is the property owners' responsibility. Tree roots may damage stormwater pipes and this can occur when pipes are incorrectly installed or have been damaged, allowing water and nutrients to be absorbed by the surrounding soil. Trees will then focus root growth in the surrounding soil and eventually into the pipe.

Illegal entry to your property is a police matter and it should be reported to the police. You can also contact Council for advice on whether anything can be done to prevent access via the tree.

Contact Council's Roads, Drainage and Marine Maintenance team to request a driveway crossover application. During the application process, you should highlight the tree position issue. A Council officer will carry out an inspection of the tree in relation to the proximity of the driveway for safety and stability, as well as the protection status of the tree. If the driveway crossover is approved and the tree needs to be removed, you may be liable for the cost of the removal.

A resident can only conduct planting of trees on road verges or footpaths on Council-controlled land in accordance with an approved landscape permit. Please contact Council for advice if you wish to apply for a landscape permit. Unapproved trees may lead to safety concerns and ultimately require removal at Council's expense.

Residents may request a tree planting on the footpath in front of their property. Our expert team will assess the site for suitability. If a tree cannot be planted the resident will be informed of the reason. While Council supports the planting of suitable trees in suitable locations, restrictions such as safety, private and public infrastructure need to be taken into account when planting a tree.

Council carefully considers tree species selection when planting around the city. A tree will be selected based on the location and suitability of the amenity due to plantings already in the area. Trees are selected from a preferred species list to beautify the local area as well as minimise the risk of future impact on both private and public infrastructure. If a resident has a preferred species, Council will accommodate this if it is a suitable long term option.

Once Council has planted a new tree is requires regular maintenance, including watering until the tree has established roots capable of absorbing water from the surrounding soil. Council encourages residents, where possible, to assist with this maintenance to increase the health and longevity of the community tree as an asset. The tree requires a couple of buckets of water a week to help contribute to a healthier outcome for the tree as well as the enhancement of the aesthetic of the street.

Mulching is beneficial to trees for nutrients and moisture retention in the soil, however mulching around the base of a tree with fresh material like grass clippings, fresh woodchips or other fresh mulch is not recommended. Instead, you can mulch around the tree with well-composted mulch and spread it as wide as possible. Well-composted mulch should be no deeper than 75mm to 100mm and should not be flush against the tree trunk. Mulch flush with tree trunks may affect the bark of the tree, resulting in damage to the root collar.

Tree planting can be performed as a part of capital projects, developments or as requested by residents. Council also conducts tree planting in parks and conservation areas and operates a Bush Care program operated by IndigiScapes.

Residents may request a tree be planted on Council land in parks by contacting Council. Our expert tree team will assess the site for suitability. If a tree cannot be planted the resident will be informed of the reason. While Council supports the planting of suitable trees in suitable locations, restrictions such as safety, private and public infrastructure need to be taken into account when planting a tree.

Council carefully considers tree species selection when planting around the city. A tree will be selected based on the location and suitability of the amenity due to plantings already in the area. Trees are selected from a preferred species list to beautify the local area as well as minimise the risk of future impact on both private and public infrastructure. If a resident has a preferred species, Council will accommodate this if it is a suitable long term option.

A resident can only conduct planting of trees on road verges or other Council-controlled land in accordance with an approved landscape permit. Please contact Council for advice if you wish to apply for a landscape permit. Unapproved trees may lead to safety concerns and ultimately require removal at Council's expense.

Mulching is beneficial to trees for nutrients and moisture retention in the soil, however mulching around the base of a tree with fresh material like grass clippings, fresh woodchips or other fresh mulch is not recommended. Instead, you can mulch around the tree with well-composted mulch and spread it as wide as possible. Well-composted mulch should be no deeper than 75mm to 100mm and should not be flush against the tree trunk. Mulch flush with tree trunks may affect the bark of the tree, resulting in damage to the root collar.

Acmena hemilampra - Broad Leaved Lilly Pilly

Tree height 6-12m. Canopy width 5m. Suitable street tree.

Acmena smithii - Lilly Pilly

Tree height 5-8m. Canopy width 3m. Suitable street tree.

Agathis robusta - Kauri Pine

Tree height 20m. Canopy width 8m. Park or reserve tree.

Alectryon Connatus - Grey Bird's Eye

Tree height 18m. Canopy width 6-8m. Suitable street tree.

Alectryon cariaceus - Beach Bird's Eye

Tree height 4-5m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Allocaasuarina littoralis - Coastal Sheoak

Tree height 10m. Canopy width 3-5m. Park or reserve tree.

Allocasuarina torulosa - Forest Oak

Tree height 10-15m. Canopy width 5-8m. Park or reserve tree.

Araucaria cunninghamii - Hoop Pine

Tree height 50m. Canopy width 6-8m. Park or reserve tree.

Araucaria hetrophylla - Norfolk Island Pine

Tree height 60m. Canopy width 8-10m. Park or reserve tree.

Backhousia citriodora - Lemon Scented Myrtle

Tree height 3-6m. Canopy width 2-4m. Suitable street tree.

Banksia aemula - Wallum Banksia

Tree height 5m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Banksia integrifolia - Coastal Banksia

Tree height 5m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Banksia oblongifolia - Fern Leaved Banksia

Tree height 2m. Canopy width 1-2m. Park or reserve tree.

Brachychiton acerifloius - Illawarra Flame Tree

Tree height 10m. Canopy width 4-6m. Suitable street tree.

Brachychiton bidwillii - Little Kurrajong

Tree height 6-8m. Canopy width 2-3m. Park or reserve tree.

Buckinghamia celsissima - Ivory Curl

Tree height 5-8m. Canopy width 2-4m. Suitable street tree.

Callistemon viminalis - Weeping Bottlebrush

Tree height 2m. Canopy width 3m. Suitable street tree.

Callistemon viminalis - Dawson River

Tree height 5m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Callistemon viminalis - Hannah Ray

Tree height 5m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Callitris columellaris - Bribie Island Pine

Tree height 10m. Canopy width 4-6m. Park or reserve tree.

Casuarina equisetifolia - Horse Tail Sheoak

Tree height 10-15m. Canopy width 4-6m. Park or reserve tree.

Casuarina glauca - Swamp Oak

Tree height 10-20m. Canopy width 4-8m. Park or reserve tree.

Corymbia cirtriodora - Lemon Scented Gum

Tree height 30m. Canopy width 10-15m. Park or reserve tree.

Corymbia intermedia - Pink Bloodwood

Tree height 30m. Canopy width 10-12m. Park or reserve tree.

Corymbia tessellaris - Moreton Bay Ash

Tree height 35m. Canopy width 10-15m. Park or reserve tree.

Cryptocarya laevigata - Glossy Laurel

Tree height 6m. Canopy width 2-3m. Park or reserve tree.

Cryptocarya triplinervis - Three Veined Laurel

Tree height 12m. Canopy width 4m. Suitable street tree.

Cupaniopsis anacardioides - Tuckeroo Tree

Tree height 8-12m. Canopy width 4-5m. Suitable street tree.

Delonix regia - Poiciana Tree

Tree height 8-15m. Canopy width 8-10m. Suitable street tree.

Elaeocarpus eumundii - Eumundii Quandong

Tree height 8-12m. Canopy width 4m. Suitable street tree.

Elaeocarpus grandis - Blue Quandong

Tree height 15-25m. Canopy width 8m. Park or reserve tree.

Elaeocarpus obovatus - Hard Quandong

Tree height 10-15m. Canopy width 4-5m. Suitable street tree.

Elaeocarpus reticulatus - Blueberry Ash

Tree height 5-6m. Canopy width 3-4m. Suitable street tree.

Eucalyptus microcorys - Tallow wood

Tree height 30m. Canopy width 5-10m. Park or reserve tree.

Eucalyptus pilularis - Blackbutt

Tree height 25m. Canopy width 10m. Park or reserve tree.

Eucalyptus resinifera - Red Mahogany

Tree height 15-20m. Canopy width 5-10m. Park or reserve tree.

Eucalyptus tereticornis - QLD Blue Gum

Tree height 20m. Canopy width 5-10m. Park or reserve tree.

Ficus macrophylla - Moreton Bay Fig

Tree height 30m. Canopy width 20m. Park or reserve tree.

Ficus obliqua - Green Leafed Moreton Bay Fig

Tree height 30m. Canopy width 20m. Park or reserve tree.

Flindersia australis - Crows Ash

Tree height 10m. Canopy width 5-8m. Suitable street tree.

Flindersia brayleana - Queensland Maple

Tree height 10m. Canopy width 4-8m. Suitable street tree.

Flindersia xanthoxyla - Yellow wood

Tree height 10m. Canopy width 4-8m. Suitable street tree.

Gmelina leichardtii - White Beech

Tree height 6m. Canopy width 3-4m. Suitable street tree.

Grevillea baileyana - White Oak

Tree height 6m. Canopy width 2-4m. Suitable street tree.

Guoia semiglauca - Guoia / White Quince

Tree height 5-6m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Harpullia pendula - Tulipwood

Tree height 5-6m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Hibiscus tiliaceus - Cottonwood

Tree height 10m. Canopy width 5-10m. Park or reserve tree.

Lepiderma pulchella - Fine Leaf Tuckeroo

Tree height 5m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Leptosernum petersonii - Lemon Scented Tea Tree

Tree height 5m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Lophostemon confertus - Brushbox

Tree height 8m. Canopy width 4-5m. Suitable street tree.

Lophostemon suaveolens - Swamp Mahogany

Tree height 15m. Canopy width 5-8m. Park or reserve tree.

Magnolia grandiflora - Magnolia Little Gem

Tree height 6m. Canopy width 2-4m. Suitable street tree.

Melaleuca linarifolia - Snow in Summer

Tree height 12m. Canopy width 5m. Park or reserve tree.

Melia azederach - White Cedar

Tree height 10m. Canopy width 2-4m. Park or reserve tree.

Pandanus pendunculatus - Screw Pine

Tree height 7m. Canopy width 4-6m. Park or reserve tree.

Podocarpus ellatus - Brown Pine

Tree height 10m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Syzygium australae - Shrub Cherry

Tree height 8m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Syzygium cascade - Weeping lilly Pilly

Tree height 5m. Canopy width 2-3m. Suitable street tree.

Syzygium jambos - Rose Apple

Tree height 8m. Canopy width 4-6m. Suitable street tree.

Syzygium leuhmanii - Riberry

Tree height 8m. Canopy width 2-4m. Suitable street tree.

Syzygium oleosum - Blue Lilly Pilly

Tree height 8m. Canopy width 2-4m. Suitable street tree.

Tabebuia chrysanthus - Yellow Tabebuia

Tree height 8m. Canopy width 3-5m. Suitable street tree.

Tabebuia palmeri - Pink Trumpet Tree

Tree height 8m. Canopy width 3-5m. Suitable street tree.

Tabebuia rosea - Pink Trumpet Tree

Tree height 8m. Canopy width 3-5m. Suitable street tree.

Tristaniopsis laurina - Water Gum

Tree height 8m. Canopy width 4-6m. Suitable street tree.

Waterhosia floribunda - Weeping lilly Pilly

Tree height 10m. Canopy width 5-6m. Suitable street tree.

Xanthostemon chrysanthus - Golden Penda

Tree height 5-6m. Canopy width 2m. Suitable street tree.