Tree Care FAQs

The City’s Tree Services team consists of qualified professionals who hold nationally recognised qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

The team includes arborists qualified at both the Trade level (AQF Level 3) and the Management/Consultant level (AQF Level 5). This ensures all tree assessments and maintenance are determined by specialists with the appropriate level of technical expertise for the task, ranging from practical care to advanced structural diagnosis

The City has 24 registered significant trees on City-managed land that are officially recognised as ‘outstanding specimens’. These trees are protected from removal by the City's Significant Tree Policy because they display exceptional size, high ecological value, outstanding aesthetics or high social, cultural or historical significance to the Bayswater community.

If you are a property owner or have identified a remarkable tree on City land, you can submit a nomination for it to be considered for the Significant Tree Register. Submissions are assessed by a panel of City officers to determine if the tree meets the required criteria for significance.

Should you wish to make a submission, please review the Significant Tree Register Guidelines on the City's website to ensure the tree meets the criteria before completing a nomination form.

Significant trees register

The City hosts several events each year designed to engage the community and grow our urban forest.

For residents looking to green their own homes, our tree giveaway offers a limited number of trees for private property owners to plant within their boundaries.

The City also operates a Trees to Schools program, which combines educational talks about the benefits of tree canopy alongside hands-on planting sessions where the City installs new trees on school grounds.

For those interested in the technical side of tree care, the City hosts Depot Day – a family-friendly event where the public can explore facilities at the City’s Depot, watch machinery in action and meet the various teams and trades that maintain our City.

Additionally, the City holds interactive sessions in local parks where staff arborists provide planting demonstrations, share professional maintenance tips and answer questions from the community.

Keep an eye on the City’s website and social media channels for dates and registration details for upcoming events.

In accordance with our Customer Service Charter, the City aims to acknowledge all tree-related enquiries within 10 working days.

Due to the high volume of requests received by the Tree Services team, every request is logged and reviewed by a qualified arborist. We prioritise inspections based on tree health, public safety and potential hazards.

For immediate safety concerns, contact our 24/7 Community Safety Team at 1300 360 333.

The City is committed to an extensive annual planting program to grow our urban forest and restore natural ecosystems. Each year, we plant approximately 3,200 trees across residential verges, parks, reserves and street medians.

Trees range in size from 5L to 45L (depending on the species and availability) to ensure they are large enough to be resilient in a streetscape environment.

In addition, the City plants roughly 30,000 tubestock annually within its natural areas. These consist of endemic species specifically chosen to support local biodiversity and restore the health of our native bushland and wetlands.

The City’s annual tree planting program generally commences in June, following the first significant winter rains, and concludes by the end of September.

Planting during these cooler months ensures soil moisture levels are at their peak. This timing allows young trees to establish their root systems in a low-stress environment before the onset of the summer heat, significantly increasing their long-term survival rates.

The City aims to maximise its tree canopy by planting on as many verges as possible. However, every location must be assessed to ensure the tree can grow to maturity without compromising public safety or essential infrastructure.

A request may be declined if the site is deemed unsuitable due to the following constraints:

• Service clearances: To protect underground utilities (water, gas and telecommunications), trees must generally be positioned at least 2.7 metres from the property boundary toward the road.
• Infrastructure spacing: Adequate distance (2 metres where possible) must be maintained from power poles, streetlights, fire hydrants, manholes, drainage systems and other infrastructure.
• Safety and visibility: Planting locations must maintain clear sightlines for motorists and pedestrians, particularly near driveways and intersections.
• Available space: There must be sufficient soil volume and overhead space for the specific tree species to grow without damaging footpaths or roads.
• Existing vegetation: If a verge already has established trees or significant vegetation, a new tree may not have enough space to compete for light and nutrients.

Typical positioning:

• Front verges: Trees are usually placed between the driveway and the side boundary.
• Side verges (corner blocks): Trees are spaced evenly along the available length of the verge while adhering to all safety setbacks.

Every request is assessed by the City’s Tree Services team on a case-by-case basis. Our priority is to ensure every tree we plant is positioned where it can be safely established and sustainably maintained for decades to come.

Property owners in the City are encouraged to request a free verge tree to help grow our urban forest canopy. To ensure our Tree Services team can process requests efficiently, the property owner must provide consent for any new planting.

Once a request is submitted, our team will assess the site for suitability, considering factors such as soil conditions, available space for root and canopy growth, and infrastructure constraints like power lines and underground services.

Successful requests from property owners are added to the City’s annual winter planting program. This ensures your new tree is professionally selected, planted and maintained by the City during the optimal growing season – all at no cost to you.

Street tree request form

The City selects verge trees from a curated Street Tree Planting Palette, which includes a mix of native and exotic species specifically chosen for the City of Bayswater’s environment.

Each tree is selected based on its performance in local soil types and its ability to thrive in a streetscape.

Our selection process prioritises climate resilience to withstand increasing summer temperatures and biodiversity to support local wildlife while protecting the canopy from widespread pests or disease.

Additionally, we ensure infrastructure compatibility by matching tree sizes to available space – paying close attention to overhead power lines, surrounding infrastructure and underground services – while prioritising species that offer maximum shade and aesthetic value.

For a comprehensive list of our approved species, view the Street Tree Planting Palette.

Street Tree Planting Palette

The City is committed to growing its urban forest on all public land, including parks and verges.

While we prioritise planting along identified Safe Routes to School and as replacements for removed trees, we also identify suitable residential verges for our annual program.

In most cases, the City will proceed with planting unless the adjacent property owner requests otherwise during the formal notification period.

While the City ultimately determines the best species and location based on safety and infrastructure constraints, we aim to work with residents to enhance the local streetscape.

If you see a blue circle on your verge, this indicates a tree is scheduled to be planted as part of the City’s annual program.

The City marks proposed planting locations on residential verges several weeks prior to the arrival of trees.

These blue markings serve as a notification to the adjoining resident, providing an opportunity to consider the proposed location and provide feedback on the exact positioning.

This window of time ensures that any potential concerns regarding the specific placement, such as planned driveway works or existing reticulation, can be discussed with the City’s Tree Services team before the tree is permanently installed.

All tree pruning undertaken by the City is performed in strict accordance with the Australian Standard for Pruning of Amenity Trees (AS 4373-2007).

This standard provides the benchmark for best practice in arboriculture, ensuring any maintenance work supports the long-term health, structural integrity and natural form of the tree.

The City’s Urban Tree Planting and Maintenance Policy aligns with these principles, prioritising professional care over aesthetic or convenience-based pruning.

By adhering to these standards, the City ensures its maintenance practices are sustainable, reduce the risk of disease or decay, and retain the safety and beauty of our streetscapes for the entire community.

Yes, the City maintains high standards for all tree-related work, regardless of whether it is performed by staff or contractors.

All contractors engaged by the City are required to have the same level of expertise as our staff, typically consisting of a combination of trade-qualified and management-level arborists.

These professionals must demonstrate a deep understanding of arboricultural practices and maintain strict compliance with the Australian Standard for Pruning of Amenity Trees (AS 4373-2007).

You may prune small branches, under 3cm in diameter, using manual hand tools. Any work must be ground-based. Residents are not permitted to use ladders or climbing equipment.

You are not permitted to prune any trees located under or near powerlines, nor juvenile trees still within their 3-year maintenance period.

Any significant maintenance, including the removal of larger limbs, canopy reductions or work near utilities, must be carried out by the City’s qualified arborists.

If you are unsure whether your pruning needs fall within the guidelines, contact the City for an arborist assessment.

Resident Pruning Guidelines

The City prunes verge trees only when there is a clear safety or arboricultural requirement.

Primary reasons for pruning include:

• maintaining mandated clearances from power lines, street lighting and underground utilities

• ensuring safe sightlines for driveways, intersections and traffic signage
• ensuring footpaths and roads remain unobstructed for pedestrians and vehicles.

From a tree health perspective, City arborists may perform formative pruning on juvenile trees to improve their long-term structure, restoration pruning to help a tree recover from storm damage, or work to remove hazardous deadwood and structural defects.

Additionally, the City may prune branches overhanging private buildings, though this is subject to formal assessment and prioritisation based on the level of risk or encroachment.

All work is carried out to professional standards to minimise stress on the tree while protecting public and private infrastructure.

If you believe a tree requires pruning for any of these reasons, contact the City to request an arborist assessment.

The City runs an annual powerline clearance pruning program that encompasses all trees within road reserves, including those on residential verges.

This program is heavily influenced by site constraints, contractor availability and environmental factors, such as extreme weather that can make working near high-voltage lines unsafe.

For these reasons, it can be very difficult to provide specific timeframes for individual streets.

It is important to note even if a tree appears to be encroaching into the wires, it may not be pruned until its scheduled turn in the annual cycle. However, the City is committed to ensuring that every City-managed tree within the road reserve is pruned for essential safety clearances at least once per year.

Powerline Pruning

The City conducts an annual street tree pruning program using specialist arboricultural contractors. The municipality is divided into seven dedicated zones, with contractors working systematically through each area. This ensures required clearances from overhead powerlines, electrical infrastructure, and road network requirements are maintained in accordance with recognised arboricultural best practices.

When to contact the City 

Lodge a request with the City if the below applies: 

• If branches are touching the powerlines

• If branches are growing through the powerlines

How to lodge a request 

To request tree pruning near powerlines, contact our Parks Services team on mail@bayswater.wa.gov.au  and provide the street address and suburb.

In certain circumstances, Western Power may intervene and prune City-managed trees without prior notice to the City in order to maintain emergency clearances.

Yes. In certain circumstances, Western Power may intervene and prune City-managed trees without prior notice to the City in order to maintain emergency clearances.

When this occurs, the City will arrange for the collection of any resultant green waste left on the verge.

If debris has been left on your verge from Western Power’s pruning of a City-managed tree, contact mail@bayswater.wa.gov.au and we will coordinate a cleanup and inspection.

As Western Power’s priority is line clearance over tree aesthetics and long-term health, the City may also undertake restorative pruning, if required, to help the tree recover its form and health.

No, the City does not prune verge trees for aesthetic preferences or requested styles. All pruning is conducted by qualified arborists in strict accordance with the Australian Standard for Pruning of Amenity Trees (AS 4373-2007).

The primary goals of City pruning are to ensure public safety, maintain clearances for infrastructure (such as powerlines, roads and footpaths) and promote the long-term structural health of the tree.

The City understands residents may have personal preferences, however our arborists prioritise techniques that minimise stress to the tree and ensure it remains a safe and sustainable part of our urban forest.

No, the City does not remove or disturb native birds, bees or other wildlife from trees. These animals are vital to the local ecosystem and are often protected under State and Federal environmental legislation. The presence of nesting animals or the sounds and debris associated with them are considered a natural part of our urban environment.

An exception may be made for bees if a hive is active in an area with high foot traffic or near sensitive infrastructure where they may pose a public safety risk. In these instances, the City will assess the situation and may engage a specialist to safely relocate or manage the hive.

Pruning of City-managed trees is only undertaken when there is a legitimate arboricultural need, such as maintaining public safety, structural integrity or infrastructure clearance. The presence of wildlife alone is not a reason for pruning or removal.

If you have concerns about the safety of a tree or a beehive in a high-traffic area, report it to the City for formal assessment.

No. Verge trees are City-managed assets and all pruning must be carried out or specifically authorised by the City. Residents are not permitted to engage private contractors to prune City trees.

Unauthorised pruning by private parties can lead to significant issues, including:

• Tree damage: Incorrect techniques can lead to disease, structural instability or the death of the tree.
• Safety risks: Working near roads and power lines requires specific insurance and safety protocols that City contractors are vetted for.
• Liability: Residents may be held liable for any damage to public infrastructure or injuries caused by unauthorised contractors.

If you believe a verge tree requires pruning, direct your request to the City for assessment by a qualified arborist.

No. If you request the planting of a tree on your verge, the tree remains the property and responsibility of the City.

Any tree located on City-managed land is managed as a public asset within the City’s urban forest.

While the tree is there for the benefit of the adjoining property and the wider community, the City is responsible for its ongoing maintenance, health assessments and long-term care.

This ensures every street tree is managed consistently to meet safety standards and infrastructure requirements across the network.

No. Trees on City-managed verges are public assets and cannot be removed or replaced without formal authorisation.

The City only considers removal if a tree is dead, dying or poses an unmanageable risk to public safety.

Removal may also be approved if a tree is causing significant infrastructure damage (supported by professional evidence) or to facilitate an approved crossover or subdivision.

Unauthorised removal or pruning is an offense and may result in penalties.

If you have concerns about a tree’s health, please request an assessment by a City arborist.

To ensure the long-term success of our urban forest, the City oversees the selection and placement of all trees on public land. This ensures the species is appropriate for the local environment and safely situated away from underground services, infrastructure and powerlines.

Any tree planted on City-managed land becomes the property and responsibility of the City. Trees planted through the City’s annual planting program receive professional maintenance, including scheduled watering and formative pruning, at no cost to the resident. This process ensures the tree is professionally established and protected for years to come.

If you would like a tree on your verge, you are encouraged to submit a request so our team can select the best species for your location.

Verge Tree Planting Request Form

Yes, although the adjoining resident is responsible for preparing the site before the City can proceed with planting. This preparation typically includes removing sections of paving or cutting appropriate planting holes in artificial turf, as well as the removal of any associated debris or waste.

No, the City’s annual planting program is funded and managed specifically for the enhancement of public land. Tree planting requests can only be fulfilled on City-managed property, such as road verges, parks and reserves.

If you have concerns about the health or condition of a City-managed tree, including potential pest or disease issues or structural safety concerns, report it to the City immediately.

Once reported, a qualified arborist from the City’s Tree Services team will conduct a formal inspection to evaluate the tree's health and structural integrity.

Based on this assessment, the City will determine if maintenance, treatment or further intervention is required to ensure the tree remains safe and healthy.

To request an assessment, lodge a formal request by emailing mail@bayswater.wa.gov.au

By providing the exact location of the tree and a brief description of your concern, along with a photo, our team can prioritise the inspection accordingly.

For information relating to the Polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB), visit the City's Pest Control webpage. To report a plant pest, download the MyPestGuide Reporter app by visiting the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.

If you are concerned a City-managed tree may be impacting or causing damage to your private property (such as fence, pipe or driveway), report the matter to the City for formal assessment.

Please note the following requirements for an investigation:

• Onus of proof: The responsibility is on the property owner to provide clear, documented evidence that the City tree is the direct cause of the damage.
• Site access: City arborists will only assess the tree from the road reserve or public land. City staff will not enter private property to conduct inspections or assess internal damage.

To lodge a request, email mail@bayswater.wa.gov.au with your supporting evidence and the exact location of the tree.

A qualified arborist will then inspect the tree from the verge to determine the most appropriate course of action.

All newly planted trees are included in a scheduled watering and monitoring program during their initial establishment period of 3 years.

This routine maintenance is vital for supporting healthy growth and ensuring long-term survival.

The watering program is designed to deliver targeted hydration to the root zone, helping young trees become self-sufficient and resilient against summer heat.

To ensure the long-term health and survival of our urban forest, the City provides a comprehensive maintenance program for all young trees during their initial 3-year establishment period. This intensive care phase is designed to help the tree become self-sufficient and resilient.

Maintenance activities include:

• Scheduled watering: Regular deep watering during warmer months to build root resilience.
• Soil health: Specialised applications of liquid wetting agents and nutrients to improve soil structure, water penetration and nutrient uptake.
• Vegetation management: Ongoing removal of weeds and grass from the base of the tree to reduce competition for moisture.
• Mulch replenishment: Maintaining a consistent mulch layer to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture.
• Structural support: Adjusting or installing stakes and ties to support stable growth where necessary.
• Formative pruning: Generally performed in the second or third year, this specialised pruning encourages a strong trunk structure and ensures appropriate future clearances.
• Health monitoring: Regular inspections to identify and treat any pests or diseases early.

Not necessarily. Young trees often have slight leans or irregular shapes, and many will naturally straighten as they grow towards the light and develop ‘reaction wood’ to reinforce the trunk.

The City’s arborists focus on structural integrity rather than perfect vertical alignment, using formative pruning in the early years to encourage a strong, balanced canopy.

If a tree has a severe lean caused by storm damage or soil failure, please contact the City for a formal assessment; otherwise, slight leans are usually managed through the tree's natural growth.

Plastic tree guards are temporary tools used only during the initial three-year establishment period. They serve three specific purposes for young trees:

• They act as a basin to hold water directly over the root ball
• They prevent grass from competing for nutrients at the base
• They keep mulch in place so it does not wash away during watering.

Once a tree is established, these guards are removed to prevent them from ‘girdling’ the trunk, trapping moisture against the bark, or harboring pests. After three years, a tree is resilient enough to thrive without these aids.

While the City provides scheduled watering for all newly planted trees during their 3-year establishment period, the extreme heat of summer can still be a challenge.

If you notice a tree on your verge struggling during a particularly hot period, the City encourages residents to provide supplementary watering as required.

A deep soak in the early morning or late evening can make a significant difference in helping a young tree build resilience against the heat.

If the tree continues to decline or the issue appears to be unrelated to water, such as signs of pests, disease or physical damage, please contact the City for a formal assessment. Our Tree Services team can then determine if specialised care or intervention is necessary to save the tree.

There are no State Government laws preventing the removal of trees on private property in most circumstances. Under the City’s Trees on Private Land and Street Verges Policy, approval is generally not required to remove a tree located on private property.

However, there are important exceptions:

• Development Approvals: Approval is required if the tree has been specifically identified for retention as part of a previous development approval condition or other planning requirement.
• Significant Trees: Property owners should verify if the tree is subject to any specific heritage or environmental protections.

The City encourages property owners to consider the significant environmental, cooling and amenity benefits mature trees provide before undertaking removal.

If you are unsure whether your tree was part of a previous development approval condition, contact the City’s Planning department.

The City does not intervene in disputes regarding trees on private property, as these are considered civil matters between neighbours. Responsibility for the maintenance and safety of a private tree remains with the property owner. The City encourages residents to work together to resolve any concerns collaboratively.

The City may only become involved if there is documented evidence that a tree poses an immediate and significant risk to public safety or City-managed infrastructure. Outside of this safety trigger, the City has no authority to order a resident to prune or remove a tree for aesthetic reasons, leaf litter, shade or undocumented claims of risk.

For further clarification, refer to the Neighbouring Trees Complaints Policy.

Neighbouring Trees Complaints Policy

At present, there are limited State Government controls regarding the removal of trees on private property. Under the City’s Trees on Private Land and Street Verges Policy, approval is generally not required to remove trees on private land unless the tree has been specifically protected through a prior development approval condition.

While the City encourages the retention of established trees, property owners and developers have the legal right to clear land to facilitate approved construction. Because land clearing is often tied to complex State planning requirements and subdivision approvals (such as those from the Western Australian Planning Commission), the rules can vary from site to site.

Specific enquiries regarding land clearing or tree removal on a development site should be directed to the City’s Planning team for clarification.

Under the Local Government Act 1995 and the City’s Activities in Thoroughfares and Public Places and Trading Local Law 2020, residents must not place or attach objects or play equipment (such as swings, cubby houses or lighting) to a verge tree without prior approval from the City.

Attaching objects to trees can cause significant damage to the trunk and branches, leading to infections or structural weaknesses that compromise the tree's long-term health.

Unapproved equipment may create a safety risk for users and the general public, potentially creating a liability issue.

For further information on these regulations, contact the City.

No. Street trees are City assets and will not be removed to accommodate new developments or crossovers unless all other reasonable design alternatives have been exhausted. The City prioritises the retention of established trees due to the significant cooling, environmental and amenity benefits they provide to the community.

Key Requirements for Developers and Homeowners:

• The 2-Metre Rule: In accordance with the City’s Crossover Application Booklet, a minimum clearance of 2 metres must be maintained between the base of an existing street tree and the edge of a proposed crossover.
• Design Integration: The City encourages applicants to design their developments around existing trees. Removal is considered a last resort and is subject to a rigorous assessment.
• Costs: If removal is approved as the only viable option, the applicant may be responsible for costs associated with the removal and the amenity value replacement of the tree.

For detailed specifications and the application process, refer to the Crossover Application Booklet.

Crossover Application Booklet

No, the City does not provide a general collection service for private green waste from residential properties. Residents can, however, manage their garden waste by requesting a green waste bulk bin through the City’s waste services. These bins are specifically for the disposal of garden materials and can be booked directly via the City’s website.

During or after storm events, residents must not place private green waste on the verge amongst debris from City-managed trees. The City’s emergency crews are tasked only with the removal of branches and waste originating from City trees, therefore any private material in these piles will not be collected.

Request a bulk bin

No, the City is generally only responsible for trees on City-managed land, such as local street verges, parks and reserves.

Trees on State Government land, including Water Corporation assets, Public Transport Authority (PTA) rail corridors or Main Roads WA land, remain the responsibility of that specific agency unless a specific maintenance agreement is vested with the City. In most cases, authorities will have their own maintenance schedules and safety standards.

If you have concerns about a tree on State-managed land, contact the relevant authority directly.