Tree removal permits in Happy Valley
- A development application lodged on PlanSA to remove a regulated or significant tree
- An arborist report on the tree's health and status; a late report puts the application on hold
- A site plan, which is mandatory for every development application
- For pruning rather than removal, a plan that stays within 30% of the crown every 5 years
- No help from council with the bill: Onkaparinga doesn't offer financial assistance for removals, pruning or arborist reports
Tree removal in Happy Valley: what's local
The reservoir
Happy Valley wraps around the Happy Valley Reservoir, home to South Australia's largest water treatment plant. The native vegetation kept around the water gives the suburb its semi-rural feel.
Built from 1959
The name was first used for a 1959 subdivision, and more blocks followed in the 1970s. Garden trees from then have had time to pass 1 metre around, so a tape measure settles a lot.
Fire risk
The Happy Valley CFS brigade, formed in 1939, still turns out to major bushfires. SA's rules treat trees within 20 metres of a home in a Medium or High Bushfire Risk area as their own case, so check your address and confirm with council in writing.
New homes, new canopy rules
Onkaparinga's Urban Tree Canopy Off-set Scheme applies to new dwellings in some zones. Where a replacement tree won't fit, a payment goes into the Urban Tree Fund instead.
Stump grinding after an approved removal
Once an approved removal is done, the stump is the next question. Grinding goes below ground level, so underground services need locating first. Before You Dig Australia takes enquiries online, and its plans may not show private pipes or cables inside your boundary.
If the approval came with replacement trees, tell the arborist where they'll go before grinding starts, so the grindings and the new planting holes don't end up in the same spot. More in stump grinding in Adelaide.
Trees and power lines in Happy Valley
Keep at least 10 metres from a fallen line and anything it touches. SA Power Networks takes fault reports; call 000 too if there's fire or someone's life is at risk. For storm damage to your home, the SA SES can help.
Hiring an arborist in Happy Valley
We'd order the arborist report first. It tells you whether the tree is healthy and whether it's regulated, and it gives council what it needs to decide. Then we'd lodge on PlanSA with the site plan, and only book the removal once the approval is in hand.