Will Clegg Arboriculture Services leader
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Can you give me your definition for what is a 'significant tree'?
Significant tree is a tree of value to the community, or to the environment. While it might not be heritage listed it has still been recognised by the local authority i.e. council that it has value whether in aesthetics, age, form, rarity, size or cultural/historical significance.
Our council mapping system has a layer including these trees and their locations.
Does council have an Urban Tree policy?
Council does have an urban tree management policy which outlines what constitutes a reason for action/inaction as appropriate for maintenance, retention or removal of street trees. We also have local laws which regulate what can and can't be carried out in relation to vegetation management and then we can take appropriate action i.e. fining residents if those laws are breached. We also have A.S.4373 which is the Australian pruning standard and that is designed to regulate tree work in this country.
What are the most challenging aspects of you job regarding urban trees?
The most challenging part of our job is balancing what we have the resources to do and what the guidelines allow us to do with what residents want. Many people require education on the value of trees and correct pruning methods.
What do you feel are the key areas (regarding urban trees) that you would like the broader community to know?
Trees are the world’s lungs; the world would be bleak without them. Trees in residential areas allow more wildlife, offer shade to house, cars, roads( Studies revealed that bitumen lasts 3 x longer under trees) and people. They increase amenity (soften the look of a street) to areas and increase house prices. Studies carried out in America found that areas with trees had lower crime rates. If correct species were planted in correct sites with sufficient growing room, there would be very few problems. Trees do not just fall over. 90% of the time the roots have been cut in urban areas for construction. (With storms all bets are off)
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Can you give me your definition for what is a 'significant tree'?
Significant tree is a tree of value to the community, or to the environment. While it might not be heritage listed it has still been recognised by the local authority i.e. council that it has value whether in aesthetics, age, form, rarity, size or cultural/historical significance.
Our council mapping system has a layer including these trees and their locations.
Does council have an Urban Tree policy?
Council does have an urban tree management policy which outlines what constitutes a reason for action/inaction as appropriate for maintenance, retention or removal of street trees. We also have local laws which regulate what can and can't be carried out in relation to vegetation management and then we can take appropriate action i.e. fining residents if those laws are breached. We also have A.S.4373 which is the Australian pruning standard and that is designed to regulate tree work in this country.
What are the most challenging aspects of you job regarding urban trees?
The most challenging part of our job is balancing what we have the resources to do and what the guidelines allow us to do with what residents want. Many people require education on the value of trees and correct pruning methods.
What do you feel are the key areas (regarding urban trees) that you would like the broader community to know?
Trees are the world’s lungs; the world would be bleak without them. Trees in residential areas allow more wildlife, offer shade to house, cars, roads( Studies revealed that bitumen lasts 3 x longer under trees) and people. They increase amenity (soften the look of a street) to areas and increase house prices. Studies carried out in America found that areas with trees had lower crime rates. If correct species were planted in correct sites with sufficient growing room, there would be very few problems. Trees do not just fall over. 90% of the time the roots have been cut in urban areas for construction. (With storms all bets are off)
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