Tree management, maintenance and planting

The Council Controlled Tree Management Policy outlines our approach to the protection, retention and management of Council controlled trees.

Its objectives are to:

• promote and recognise the role trees play in underpinning the environment, social fabric, and liveability of the entire region;
• recognise Council controlled trees as vital components of green infrastructure in the public realm;
• prioritise the maintenance and protection of Council controlled trees to optimise the benefits they provide to the Region;
• maintain and enhance the canopy cover provided by Council controlled trees across urban areas and townships;
• increase the species and age diversity of Council’s tree population with the aim of achieving an unevenly aged tree population with a large degree of genetic diversity;
• establish a tree population suitable for urban areas and townships across the region which is adapted to regional environmental conditions and the anticipated change in climate; and
• promote Council as manager of trees and one that is recognised for applying research based outcomes to its tree management approach and decision making.

Related document

• 2.68 Council Controlled Tree Management Policy(PDF, 322KB)

Toowoomba's Street Tree Masterplan has received industry accolades for its vision to protect and enhance the diverse streetscape character of the region. Named joint winner of the 2012 Parks and Leisure Australia National Awards in the Sustainable Initiatives category, the Street Tree Masterplan's key objectives are to:

• provide a consistent and living Street Tree Masterplan that reinforces and enhances the landscape character of our towns;
• provide increased shade and improved aesthetic amenity by implementing high quality canopy plantings; and
• advance our reputation as custodians and managers of street tree assets for our area into the future.

Related document

• Street Tree Masterplan

A thriving urban forest is important to a community's overall health and the well-being of its members. Because of this, we undertake an active tree planting and avenue development program with a view to increase the tree population.

If you would like a tree planted outside your property, please call us on 131 872 for assistance as residents or property owners are not allowed to plant trees on footpaths and in parks. This allows us to plant approved species. Tenants who would like to request a footpath tree must first obtain permission from the property owner, or via the managing real estate office. Property owners who request a footpath tree must be agreeable to watering the new tree for an establishment period of up to two years.

Related link

• Free plant voucher in rates notices

Our arborists take the lead when it's time to prune or remove trees in our public streets, roads and parks, but don't rake up the leaf litter or pods/seeds from footpath trees. In addition to their regular tree maintenance tasks, our skilled team also oversee tree planting and avenue development, data collection and inventory management. On occasions, residents may notice a street or park tree that they believe requires maintenance. If this applies to you, please notify us on 131 872 so we can arrange a time to inspect the tree.

At times, Council may undertake pollarding upon certain trees within the urban forest. Pollarding is a process of removing the most, if not all, of the tree's canopy to revitalise and rejuvenate the tree. This is used to assist in the long-term health management of the tree.

Any identified maintenance issues will be added to the work schedule. We aim to attend to customer requests within 30 business days, based on priorities and perceived risks.

Council places great importance upon retention and protection of trees. As such, it is important to remember that residents or property owners are not permitted to modify, prune or remove Council controlled trees or vegetation without obtaining written approval from Council.

Ergon Energy is responsible for pruning trees touching powerlines. For more information, please visit the Ergon Energy website.