Pruning
Pruning is not specifically included in the list of activities requiring development consent under clause 5.9(3) of WLEP 2010 and in the past certain lopping activities have not been referred to Council for approval because it has been argued that they are in fact ‘pruning’ rather than ‘lopping’.
However, as every gardener knows, one person’s idea of ‘pruning’ is another’s idea of vandalism.
Therefore, in an effort to bring some reason to the issue while still seeking to protect gardens and landscape trees and vegetation from destruction, the following guidelines are offered, and definition prescribed.
The Macquarie Dictionary defines ‘pruning’ as “cutting or lopping superfluous or undesirable twigs, branches or roots from, to trim”.
This definition suggests that ‘pruning’ is a form of ‘lopping’, but the difference between the two is a matter of degree and judgement.
The terms ‘twigs’, ‘branches and ‘trim’ imply ‘modest lopping’, while the terms ‘superfluous’ or ‘undesirable’ imply some professional knowledge of tree structure and growth patterns.
WHERE TO NOW?
Before proceeding to use the information on this page, you must have confirmed that Council is the agency who will handle your application. If you have not confirmed this, check who to contact and what application process may be required.
To assist in this process, Council provides a Vegetation Clearing Guide Map which provides information such as:
- The approval authority responsible for approving the work
- The zoning classification of the property
- Whether the property is affected by heritage considerations or falls under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016
You can check who is the approver for your land via this link Tree and Vegetation Clearing Guide Map
If Council is your approver, then please refer to the information laid out on this page.
If you have determined that you will need a Tree Removal Exemption, then please submit a request via this link. Tree Removal - Request for Exemption
If you have determined that you will need a Vegetation Clearing Permit, then please click here Vegetation Clearing Permit
For trees already forming part of a Development Consent, Council will not accept a tree permit application to remove a tree which is protected under a Development Consent. In such cases a Modification Application must be submitted to amend the Development Consent.
If pruning of a tree is required on a development site a tree permit application must be submitted outlining the pruning work required.
If you are still unsure, please contact Council via our Customer Request System submit your request(s). Alternatively, please contact us on 02 4868 0888.
WHAT 'PRUNING' IS EXEMPT FROM REQUIRING A COUNCIL PERMIT?
Council considers 'pruning', as described below, as being works of a 'minor nature' and does not require a permit.
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Removing branches or other growth as part of the natural cultivation of the tree or plant, such a pruning rose, hydrangeas, fruit trees and vines, maintaining hedges or mowing of grass; or
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Removing branches or other growth which has suffered storm, wind or similar damage; or
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Removing branches or other growth which is decayed and threatens the viability of the tree; or
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Removing branches or other growth to allow a planting up to four (4) metres in height to develop a stronger growth habit; or
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Removing branches or other growth from planting greater than four (4) metres in height, which will, in the opinion of a minimum AQF Level 3 professional arborist, protect or enhance the growth and habit of that planting.
Please note that for all pruning work completed under the exemption rules, a professional opinion should be obtained in writing and be available for Council perusal if requested.
To find out more about an arborist's role, click here
WHAT 'PRUNING' REQUIRES A COUNCIL PERMIT?
You will be required to apply to Council for a Vegetation Clearing Permit for any 'pruning' which is not described in What 'pruning' is exempt from requiring a Council permit? section above.
This includes the following works which are considered by Council to be 'major works' on trees consistent with Australian Standard AS4373-2007 – Pruning for Amenity Trees:
Selective pruning
The removal of identified or specified branches
Pollarding
A specialised pruning technique that establishes branches ending in a pollard head of buds and vigorous shoots.
In Wingecarribee Shire, requirement for approval applies to established trees which may not have been pollarded previously.
Crown modification
Pruning that changes the form and habit of a tree.
Coppicing
The cutting of a truck close to the ground to stimulate the production of epicormic shoots.
Codominant branch or trunk removal
Stems or trucks of about the same size originating from the same position from the main stem on semi-mature or older trees.
Crown Lifting
The removal of the lower branches. In Wingecarribee Shire, this applies to any first order branches on semi-mature or older trees.
WHAT 'PRUNING' WORKS ARE PROHIBITED BY COUNCIL?
Topping
This means cutting away part or all of a tree’s foliage crown leaving a trunk and stubbed main branches to reduce its height and spread. Council considers this to be an antiquated practice which damages a tree, reducing strength and vigour and promoting its premature decline.
Lopping
This means cutting between branch unions or at internodes on any tree, with the final cut leaving a stub. This does not include 'lopping' where this is solely for the purpose of feeding stock in an officially drought declared area, provided the vegetation’s continued health is not affected.