Common trees in Glenelg
The Old Gum Tree in MacFarlane Street, Glenelg North, marks where the government of South Australia was proclaimed on 28 December 1836. It had died by 1907, and its decaying outer surface was covered in concrete in 1963.
Most Glenelg tree questions are less grand, but they run on rules made for the whole state rather than by the council alone. That makes them easier to check than in some cities, as long as you measure first.
Tree removal permits in Glenelg
A tree with a trunk 1 metre or more around, measured 1 metre above natural ground, is regulated; from 2 metres, it's significant. Killing, removing, lopping, topping, ring barking or otherwise substantially damaging either one needs council approval, and excessive pruning can count too.
The 3 metre allowance near a house or in-ground pool doesn't extend to Eucalyptus, Corymbia, Angophora or Willow Myrtle, so a gum beside the house still goes to council. Call the City of Holdfast Bay before anything is cut, and keep the answer in writing. Our SA permits page has the state rules in full.
Tree removal in Glenelg: what's local
Small council, busy coast
The City of Holdfast Bay covers just 13.72 km² and 12 suburbs, from Glenelg North to Kingston Park. Glenelg is 9 km from the CBD, on Holdfast Bay in Gulf St Vincent.
Towers beside older streets
Beachfront towers such as the fifteen-storey Stamford Grand stand among older streets. In a unit block, the tree may be common property, so the strata manager is the first call. See strata and commercial tree work.
The Patawalonga
North of the beach, the Patawalonga River mouth was dammed to make a boat harbour lake. Glenelg North is also where the Old Gum Tree stands.
Storm damage and fallen trees in Glenelg
Stay at least 10 metres from a fallen powerline and anything touching it, and never try to move it. Report it to SA Power Networks, and call 000 as well if there's fire or a life at risk. The SA SES handles storm help, and counts a tree on powerlines as a tree-down incident.
Trees and power lines in Glenelg
SA Power Networks keeps the clearance zone around public lines, including private trees hanging over the road reserve. Beyond your connection point, private poles and lines between buildings are yours, and SA Power Networks says to use a qualified tree trimming contractor for those. More in trees and power lines.
Hiring an arborist in Glenelg
Measure first. If the trunk is close to 1 metre around at 1 metre up, assume it's regulated, and remember gums don't get the 3 metre allowance. Then ring Holdfast Bay. If removal is the plan, line up an arborist report, because the council will want to know why the tree has to go.