Tree Management
You can report fallen trees or branches or other urgent/emergency issues about any of Council’s trees using our online Tree Request System.
Make a Tree related request
Reports on fallen trees or branches requiring emergency work on private land should be reported to the SES on 132 500.
Tree Management Information
Council manages approximately 100,000 public trees across the Snowy Valleys.
In managing our region’s trees, we endeavour to provide a balance between native and introduced species and we recognise the area’s history in relation to introduced species and the attraction they provide to tourists.
Council recognises the high value trees contribute to our landscapes and we seek to retain and preserve trees that add value to the community’s amenity and identity where we can.
We strive to ensure a balance between managing risks to the community's safety and infrastructure and acknowledging the significant benefit trees have within the landscape to the social, environmental, economic and cultural wellbeing of the community.
The SVC Tree Management Policy sets out council’s intent for the management of trees on council managed public space, property and reserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove or prune a tree on a council verge, nature strip or bushland area?
No. Only Council staff are authorised to remove or prune public trees.
Maintenance of council managed trees must not be undertaken without the consent of Council.
We respond to customer requests regarding tree defects through an assessment of tree health and prioritisation on a risk assessment basis.
Use our online Tree Request System to lodge a service request for pruning and other maintenance, or tree/vegetation removal.
What can I do if a council tree is causing damage to my property or pipes?
Tree roots can occasionally impact stormwater and sewer pipes. It is important to determine the cause of the issue and who is responsible for its repair.
A property owner is responsible for the services to their property. This includes sewer and stormwater pipes and services that run through public land.
We recommend undertaking an exploratory dig from within your property boundary to confirm that Council tree roots are the cause of damages.
If you believe a Council tree to be causing damage to private property, please contact us via our online Tree Request System. When making a request for tree/vegetation removal please submit photo evidence of any roots found, as part of your service request.
How does council assess the health of public trees?
We recognise the high value trees contribute to our urban and rural landscapes and seek to retain and preserve trees that add value to the community’s amenity and identity where we can.
Council undertakes inspections of trees on a reactive basis (from customer requests), utilising qualified arborists.
We assess a tree’s condition utilising the international Safe Useful Life Expectancy (SULE) methodology.
In assessing trees, priority is given to public safety over amenity and environmental issues, and determination of the urgency of identified defects is based on Council's Risk Management Framework.
We are not obligated to treat pests and disease, including termite infestations, within trees on land under Council control.
Who is responsible for private trees overhanging council land?
Where private trees overhang Council property, footpaths or roadways, the maintenance of the tree is regarded as the private landowner’s responsibility and the owner should undertake pruning when requested by Council.
If the owner does not comply with a request, an order for the pruning of overhanging branches can be issued by Council – especially if there is threat to life or property. Council may also undertake the necessary tree works and then recover the cost of the works from the tree owner.
How does council decide what new trees to plant?
When planting new trees, we consider the appropriateness of the species that will best protect the wellbeing of the community as well as property and infrastructure. We endeavour to provide a balance between native and introduced species.