Tree Management

Trees on Public Land

Trees on public land are fundamental to the character of Noosa Shire. They shade our parks, cool and soften our buildings, enhance our streets and they provide homes and food for our local wildlife.

Trees in urban areas have a cooling effect that may significantly reduce energy consumption in summer. Trees also prevent soil erosion, filter wind, reduce noise and air pollutants, store carbon and produce oxygen.

Trees also present a risk to both people and property and Council staff try to manage this risk whilst also maintaining trees as valuable assets where possible and safe to do so. Council’s Tree Management on Public Land Policy addresses these issues and sets out Council’s responsibilities regarding tree management. Any tree requests made by the public to Council should be in accordance with this policy.

  • Trees will only be removed or pruned after consideration of potential risks and benefits. 

    Council may agree to the following works if the risk presented outweighs the benefit;

    • Removal of trees that present an unacceptable hazard
    • Removal of trees in conflict with utilities and built structures where all engineering alternative solutions have been considered
    • Maintenance pruning to remove dead, dying, diseased or defective branches
    • Selective pruning to remove branches causing conflict i.e. encroachment onto buildings
    • Vegetation works for service lines
    • Vegetation works to reduce unacceptable hazards to pedestrians or vehicular access
    • Pruning for vehicle sight lines, public signage and the requirements of the Department of Transport and Main Roads
    • Root pruning of trees to ameliorate damage to built or natural structures, or to remove trip hazards
    • Minimal vegetation works to trees that are identified as providing habitat to specific species.  Council will remove the minimum amount determined to make it safe, whilst still be retaining habitat value (e.g. leaving a hollow stump for nesting birds).

    Council will not undertake the following works:

    • Removal or pruning of trees to benefit private views
    • Removal of healthy and stable trees that do not present an unacceptable risk
    • Removal of trees to facilitate private construction works including fences
    • Removal or pruning of trees for leaf, flower, fruit, minor branch or sap drop, or animal faeces
    • Removal of trees which are inhibiting grass growth, shading property or shading solar panels
    • Removal of trees which are claimed to be damaging water or sewage pipes, unless evidence is provided that indicates that tree roots are the cause of the damage
    • Pruning of trees contrary to Australian Standard 4373:2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees
    • Pruning of trees for private and commercial signage
    • Vegetation works that will cause the tree to decline or die.

    In mitigating circumstances, Council may grant permission for non-essential tree works to be undertaken at the cost of the applicant. This will involve a tree permit application and be using Council’s approved contractors.

  • Street trees if well managed and maintained are important assets. Street trees grow in a modified urban environment with restricted space and some species are not suited to this, others can damage private and public infrastructure due to their vigorous root and canopy growth.

    Selection of appropriate stock and the ongoing tree maintenance are critical in ensuring a street tree survives and forms a good mature specimen with minimal defects and risk issues.

    Council does not permit residents to plant trees on the nature strip.

  • Trees and vegetation on council property

    If there are concerns regarding trees and vegetation on Council land, such as footpaths, parks and open spaces, a service request can be lodged via the link below:

  • Trees and vegetation on private property

  • Noosa greatly values the efforts of our residents in maintaining the front verges of their urban and rural properties. Since Council does not actively manage these verges, we rely on the support and cooperation of adjacent residents and property owners. This community-driven approach helps keep property rates low while allowing residents the freedom to maintain their verges according to their own standards of presentation. Road reserve planting contributes to climate change resilience, biodiversity outcomes and helps reduce the net loss of ecosystem values.

    To support this collaborative effort, Council has endorsed an Encroachments Policy to provide clear guidelines on verge management in urban and rural residential areas. This includes specific guidance on garden planting and other verge enhancements.

    For further information please refer to the Management of Urban and Rural Residential Verges factsheet.

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