Is Council responsible for pruning street trees?
Council will assess the risk of injury or damage from street and reserve trees. The hazard rating will determine if Council will prune or remove trees. Under Council Policy for the Management of Trees on Roads and Reserves in Upper Hunter Shire Council, the following reasons are NOT considered valid for the removal or pruning of a street tree: • Leaf drop (into gutters and downpipes, pools, lawns and the like). • To improve the street lighting of private property. • To enhance views. • To reduce shade created by a tree. • To reduce fruit, resin, or bird droppings on cars, driveways, and clothes lines/washing. • Minor (10mm vertical displacement) lifting of driveways and paths on private property by tree roots. • Bushfire hazard control. Assessment of Bush Fire Hazard is carried out by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) under the Service Agreement between Upper Hunter Shire Council and the RFS. Residents must make written application to the RFS. • Potential damage to sewer mains, unless a
