Street Trees

The many trees which line the streets of Willoughby help make the community more beautiful and environmentally healthy, as well as increasing property values. There are around 20 000 street trees in the area, from over 150 native and exotic species. The streetscape is a mix of formal and informal plantings, and includes native plants growing naturally in streets next to bushland areas.

The  Street Tree Management Brochure - 252 KB explains in more detail what kind of work Council carries out on street trees.

Pruning, Maintaining and Removing Street Trees

Council is responsible for planting and maintaining street trees, so if you think one needs to be pruned or removed call Council on 9777 1000 or send an email to email@willoughby.nsw.gov.au. The Streetscape Coordinator will look at the tree to see what sort of work is required in accordance with Council’s street tree policy. Generally only dead, dying or dangerous trees are removed, to avoid potential hazardous situations or public liability. A replacement tree will be planted if appropriate.

Planting New Street Trees

As street trees are Council’s responsibility, for landscaping and legal reasons they should only be planted by Council. However, if you have a suggestion for where a tree could be planted, call Council on 9777 1000 or email email@willoughby.nsw.gov.au and the Streetscape Coordinator will contact you to discuss the available options. Please don’t plant a tree in the streetscape unless it is part of a Council approved scheme or as a condition of a development consent.

If you want some work done to a tree on private property, check the Tree and Bushland Preservation Order for restrictions and guidelines.

Work which Council may carry out on street trees

After the tree is assessed by the Streetscape Coordinator, the following may occur:

  • removal of dead, dying, hazardous or unsuitable trees,
  • removal of trees in conflict with adjacent utilities or built structures where no other viable option is available,
  • crown cleaning pruning to remove dead, diseased or defective branches,
  • selective clearance pruning to remove branches causing conflict with adjacent built structures or properties,
  • pruning for overhead line clearance,
  • crown lifting for pedestrian and vehicle access,
  • selective pruning for vehicle and signage sight lines,
  • root pruning to limit damage to built structures where feasible.
  • all pruning is carried out in accordance with Australian Standards 4373 – 1996, Pruning of amenity trees.

Work which Council is unlikely to carry out on street trees

  • removal of healthy, stable and viable trees
  • removal or pruning of trees to improve views
  • removal or pruning of trees shading lawns and or inhibiting grass growth
  • removal of trees to facilitate driveway crossings where other options are available
  • removal or pruning of trees to reduce fruit fall, leaf fall, sap drop, bird droppings or similar
  • removal or pruning to increase street lighting onto private property
  • pruning of trees contrary to Australian Standard 4373-1996 Pruning of amenity trees
  • chemical pest control except termite treatment where necessary.