FAQ's

Can I prune the verge tree?

No, all street tree maintenance activities are required to be carried out by the City’s authorised personnel.

Unauthorised pruning or removal of a street tree without prior approval from the City is an offence under the City’s local laws and can result in a fine to recover the monetary value of the tree.

Can the City or its contractors prune my street tree without notifying me?

Yes, the City programmes periodic maintenance activities for street trees and, other than general community notification, does not generally notify individual residents in advance.

How long does it take to prune a street tree?

If requested, tree inspections can be conducted by the City’s Streetscape Supervisor, and a determination will be made if any works are necessary.

Each pruning request is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you request pruning of a street tree and it is not related to tree health, safety, boundary encroachment or statutory clearance, the City will generally only approve the pruning if it’s deemed appropriate.

Can I plant my own street tree?

Only the City is authorised to plant trees on the verge, however there may be circumstances where the City will allow residents to plant their own trees.

A verge landscaping application must be submitted prior to planting a street tree and the City’s Parks Department will notify you of the outcome via letter.

Fruit trees are not permitted on the verge.

Do I have to be home when the Streetscape Supervisor inspects the tree?

No, the Streetscape Supervisor will not need to meet the owner or tenant of the property on site upon initial inspection.

How do I request a street tree to be pruned?

You can submit a request for street maitenance form or email the City at info@armadale.wa.gov.au or call the City’s Customer Service Department on 9394 5000.

Can I request a street tree to be removed?

Council policy allows for the removal of street trees in certain circumstances. These include where a street tree is dead, dying, diseased or poses a safety risk.

Other than where a tree is dead, all requests for street tree removal must be in writing addressed to the Manager Parks Services.

Would the City refuse to approve removal of a street tree if requested?

Council policy specifies a number of circumstances that are considered un-acceptable reasons for street tree removal.

The below reasons are generally not considered justification for removal of established street trees:

• leaf, flower, nut or bark falling or accumulating or being blown by the wind into gutters, downpipes;

• enhancement or protection of views;

• reduction or eradication of shading to gardens, lawns, pools or dwellings;

• a desire to re-landscape;

• a dislike of the species or its growth habit;

• a species being considered inappropriate to its location; or

• existing tree is in the way of, or within close proximity to a driveway crossover
  

If a street tree is causing me inconvenience will the City remove it?

Generally, not, some inconvenience from street trees is considered a necessary consequence of living in a heavily treed environment where street trees provide significant benefit to residents and the broader community.

What will the City do if fruit, nuts or leaves from street trees are collecting on my driveway or crossover?

Driveway and crossover maintenance, including sweeping and cleaning, is the responsibility of the property owner. Where the wind blows fruits, nuts or leaves from street trees the City is not legally obligated to remove these from private property or the crossover.

Whose responsibility is it to prune a street tree which is growing into power lines?

It is the City’s responsibility to prune verge street trees growing into power lines. The City carries out power line clearance pruning in accordance with Western Power requirements at no cost to residents.

How can I find out if a species of tree which I want to grow on the nature strip will be permitted by Council?

You can view or obtain a copy of the ‘Urban Forest Strategy: Suggested Tree Species’ from the City’s website which contains a schedule of approved street tree species.

What if a street tree is causing damage to property? For example: footpath, crossover or fence.

The City will assess any instances where a street tree is causing damage to the built environment. Where there is the opportunity to remediate the problem through tree maintenance, the City will generally carry this out in preference to removing the tree. If there is a significant hazard caused by an unsuitable tree, the City may be required to remove the tree and replace it with a more suitable species.

Who will repair damage to property caused by a street tree?

A formal claim must be submitted in writing to the City.

The City will carry out an initial assessment and if warranted will assist you in processing your claim.