Trees on public reserves

City of Coffs Harbour is responsible for trees growing on nature reserves and in parks, reserves and open spaces.

We will not undertake works on trees:

where property damage is due to a pre-existing tree or tree roots
to advantage views, or remove shading from solar electricity or heating
on non-Council controlled lands (Crown Land) without the approval of the controlling Land Manager
on private property unless the property owner engages us on a service for fee basis.

Dangerous and fallen trees Root issues Termites Development impacting public trees Planting on council land

Dangerous and fallen trees

Dangerous trees

You can report a dangerous tree on Council land or a Crown Reserve under City of Coffs Harbour management by emailing us at coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Please be sure to include as much information as possible including the location and photos of the dangerous tree.

Our officers will investigate the report, reply back to you and prioritise works as required.

If the tree is on private property we cannot undertake tree works.

Fallen trees

You can report a fallen tree on Council land or Crown Reserve under City of Coffs Harbour management by emailing us at coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au

We will assess trees that have fallen from within Council land into private property. Where reasonable we will remove them following consultation with the property owner.

Please be sure to include as much information as possible including the location and photos of the fallen tree.

We will need to know:

Has the tree fallen over completely?
Has the tree fallen over due to storm or high wind?
Is it blocking the road or footpath, or blocking access to your property?
How large is the tree?

Root issues

You can report tree roots interfering with sewer mains or lines by emailing us at coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au.

Please be sure to include as much information as possible including the location and photos.

We will inspect trees that are interfering with the sewer mains or line and the tree/s may need to be removed.

We will not remove a tree that is on private property.

Where private structures, stormwater pipes or drains exist within the Road Reserve the responsibility for any damage sustained due to trees or tree roots is that of the property owner benefiting from the structure.

Where trees planted by individuals within a defined sewerage / drainage easement have the potential to cause damage to the sewerage / drainage structure then we may direct the removal of the tree without compensation.

Termites

Termites are an essential part of the natural environment where they play an important role in our ecosystem functions. There are over 350 different species of termites found in Australia, with only 30 species causing property damage. Proper identification is essential as some species of termites in NSW will only attack living trees and not timbers in a building.

Termites are a natural agent beyond the control of Council and the removal of a termite affected tree is not held to influence in any way the potential for termite attack on adjacent private property. The presence of termites on Council managed land including parks, bushland reserves or roadsides will not automatically prompt the removal of such tree or termite colony. Trees that contain termites are not necessarily compromised, as termites will feed on the heartwood (deadwood) and not the living tissues that a tree requires for growth and stability. Removal of a tree with termites may in fact increase the chance of damage to property as, once the tree or food source is removed, termites will seek out a new food source which may include timber in and around the home.

Council does not accept responsibility for damage to private property caused by termite pests. Council will inspect affected trees to ensure their structural integrity and intervene where the immediate or long-term survival of a tree is compromised or if it deemed to be a risk to safety. If treated, Council offers no guarantee that further termite activity will not occur, nor that all termite pests have been eliminated, as treating termites does not stop them from invading other food sources or properties. It is the responsibility of private landowners to undertake appropriate actions to adequately protect their properties from the invasion of termites/pests.

If there is concern that the structural integrity of the tree is compromised and/or a risk of injury, please email us at coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au

Development impacting public trees

Development and trees on adjoining land

Trees are essential for amenity and liveability and are as much a part of public infrastructure as roads and footpaths. They provide shade and refuge for pedestrians and cyclists, contribute to the amenity and useability of commercial centres, residential areas, and open space. They strengthen habitat connections in urban areas, mitigate urban heat and make our natural environment more resilient and help improve our overall health and well-being. Legally, trees can also be considered a financial asset and the impact of development on adjoining trees must be considered as part of a development. The City of Coffs Harbour (City) and the builder may be liable for damage to a neighbour’s asset if the impact is not considered.

Public trees in parks and road reserves belong to the whole community. Approval of works that do not consider the impact of trees from retaining walls, future driveways, or services like stormwater, water and sewer may result in the City bearing the cost of removing trees that have been made unviable by private works. Early consideration of trees can assist in retention and save in redesign. Where there is a request to remove a tree on public land, i.e. for a new driveway or services, the City will consider the health and significance of the tree, its contribution to the local streetscape, if redesign to retain the tree is possible, suitable replanting options, and funding options including contributions by the applicant for removal and replacement costs. The City may also ask for an arborist report to be supplied with the request.

When assessing the impact to a tree the AS4970-2009 Protection of Trees on Development Sites is relevant. The formula to calculate the impacted radius is: Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) = Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) x 12. If there is work within the TPZ then an arborist should be consulted to determine if the tree is viable. An encroachment of more than 10% of the TPZ is seen to be a major encroachment.