Tree removal permits in Launceston
Greater Launceston crosses council lines. The City of Launceston covers the city itself, and West Tamar Council, with its office in Riverside, covers neighbouring areas along the Tamar. Your rates notice tells you which one is yours, and that's the council to ask.
All of them work under the Tasmanian Planning Scheme. The City of Launceston's Local Provisions Schedule came into effect on 14 September 2022. Under the scheme, significant trees are listed in each council's schedule and covered by the Local Historic Heritage Code, and the Natural Assets Code covers waterways and priority vegetation.
West Tamar Council is blunt about it: you may need a planning permit to remove an individual tree even if it's near a house, a fire risk, blocking drains or diseased. Some titles also carry a tree protection order, which means council's written approval is needed first. Our Tasmanian permits page covers the state framework.
Tree removal in Launceston: what's local
River city, flood city
Launceston grew where the North Esk and South Esk meet to form the Tamar / kanamaluka. It has had 36 significant floods since settlement, 1929 reputedly the worst, and the most recent significant one in June 2016. The City now has 12km of flood levees.
Street trees with a story
The council points to David Street's pin oaks, Elphin Road's crab apples and Invermay Road's plane trees as examples of its street trees. Residents aren't allowed to prune, damage or remove the City's trees, but you can ask for an inspection.
Roots and council trees
If you think a council tree's roots are damaging your property, the City asks for evidence from a suitably qualified person. An arborist's assessment is the usual way to get it.
Bushland and fringe risk
The City says people in bushland or rural residential areas are generally at higher fire risk than city dwellers. The TasALERT Risk Ready tool lets you check your own address.
TasNetworks lines
TasNetworks runs Tasmania's network and takes reports of trees near powerlines. In Launceston, street trees under the lines are pruned by TasNetworks' own vegetation contractors.
Storm damage and fallen trees in Launceston
Call 000 if anyone is in danger and the Tasmania SES for storm or flood damage to the home. Stay away from fallen trees and anything near power lines, and report lines down to TasNetworks. Trees in waterlogged ground can be unstable after a flood, so keep people clear until an arborist has looked.
Common tree jobs in Launceston
Removals that need a permit check. Big gums and exotic trees on older blocks are the classic case. Ask the council first, then get quotes.
Pruning over boundaries. Tasmania's Neighbourhood Disputes About Plants Act 2017 governs neighbours' plants, including overhanging branches. See tree pruning and neighbours' trees.
Storm and flood clean-up. Fallen limbs and root plates after wild weather. The after a storm guide covers what to do first.
Stumps. Grinding out what's left after a removal; see stump grinding.
Hiring an arborist in Launceston
Find out which council you're in, then ask that council in writing whether your tree needs a planning permit, even if it seems obviously dangerous. Keep the reply. With that settled, an arborist can quote properly, and if the council wants an assessment first, the same visit can cover it.