Jacob's Ladder Tree Service - Tree Services

For all your Professional Tree Services

• Professional tree climbers and arborists
• Pruning and removal
• Fully Insured
• Council reports
• Stump grinding
• Firewood

Trees and the Law

Most tree pruning does not require council approval, so long as it is done in a sensitive and legal manner. However, the removal of significant trees is governed by the "Significant tree act." This protects all trees with a girth of more than 2 metres, as measured at one metre above ground, even if the tree is dead.

This means that if you want to remove a significant tree, you will probably need council approval, but ring the council first because not all areas are covered by the significant tree act. The approval process differs between councils, but most of them will ask for an arborists report to be issued with a development application. We can help you with your report.

If you are building a new house, or building an extension, then it is wise to submit your tree proposals as part of your development application. For an arborist report to be successful, you will need a good reason for cutting down the tree. Being dead is a good reason. So is being unstable and dropping limbs, or if the root system is doing damage to the foundations of a building. So is needing the space for your new building.

Please, please, please, whatever you do, sort out your tree issues before you build your house, not after. This will save you money! Leaves in gutters, or the swimming pool, or clearing for the view from the balcony, are not considered as valid reasons for removing a significant tree.

If your tree is not significant, or you do not live in an area that is covered by the significant tree act, then you are probably free to do what you like with your tree. However in the case of natives, you should contact the Native vegetation council, just to make sure. Recent changes have allowed householders to remove any trees within 20 metres of the dwelling, however this exemption does not include significant trees.