Arborists and tree removal in Canberra and the ACT

Which ACT trees are protected?

In built-up urban areas, a living tree on leased land is protected if it's 8 metres or taller, has a canopy 8 metres or wider, or has a trunk 1 metre or more around, measured 1.4 metres up. Some dead native trees, trees on the ACT Tree Register and recent canopy contribution plantings are protected too. ACTmapi shows whether a tree is.

Removing, lopping or major pruning (branches over 100 mm across) a protected tree needs approval first, through a tree activity application. That reaches over the fence too: an application for a neighbour's protected tree needs their written consent. The ACT permit page has the detail.

Power lines on your block

Evoenergy says owners keep trees on their property clear of powerlines: most trees at least 1 metre from service lines and 1.5 metres from powerlines, and it suggests 2.5 metres to allow for regrowth. Once a tree has grown past the minimum, Evoenergy says trimming it is for an arborist authorised to work near its lines, and penalties may apply if you try it yourself.

Approval, then replanting

The decision-maker must decide a tree activity application within 35 working days, not counting time waiting for information it asked for. If removal is approved, you'll enter a canopy contribution agreement: City Services says that means two new trees on site, or a contribution for each one you can't replant.

If it were our block, we'd work out where two new trees could go before applying. For a big tree on a shared fence, we'd talk to the neighbour first, and City Services points people to the Conflict Resolution Service if talking doesn't settle it.