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City of Casey Summary Tree Guide

Trees in Casey

Trees are one of Casey’s most valuable assets. They provide shade, clean air, reduce heat, improve property values, and make our streets and parks beautiful. Council manages over 360,000 public trees and aims to grow a resilient urban forest through the Greening Casey plan.

This guide explains how we manage trees, when removal is considered, and what residents can expect from our programs. It covers tree risk, planting, pruning, root management, health care, pest control, protection during works, and how trees are valued.

Tree removals

Council only removes trees under strict conditions. Healthy trees are rarely removed because they provide long-term benefits for everyone. Removal is not approved for reasons like leaf litter, shade, or minor inconvenience.

When trees may be removed

  • Dead or dangerous: The tree is dead, dying, or structurally unsound and poses a safety risk.
  • Severe decline or disease: The tree is infected with pests or disease that cannot be treated and threatens other trees.
  • Infrastructure damage: Roots or branches cause significant, unmanageable damage to public infrastructure (roads, footpaths) that cannot be resolved through pruning or engineering solutions.
  • Emergency situations: Trees damaged by storms or accidents that present immediate hazards.
  • Development compliance: Removal approved under planning permits, following AS 4970 (Protection of Trees on Development Sites).
  • Hazardous trees: Trees assessed as high risk under Council’s risk management framework.
  • Dead trees: Trees that have died naturally or due to disease.
  • Significant trees: Removal only after thorough assessment, planning permit application and community consultation.
  • Allergic reactions: Rarely approved; only considered if severe and medically substantiated.
  • Infrastructure works: Removal may occur for major road or drainage upgrades where no alternative exists.

Council investigates all options—such as pruning, root barriers, and engineering solutions—before recommending removal. Residents are notified before works commence.

Tree risk management

Trees are living organisms and carry some risk, especially in storms. Council’s duty of care is to keep risk as low as reasonably practicable.

How we manage risk

  • Regular inspections: Street trees every 3 years; parks every 1–3 years depending on use.
  • Risk zones: High-use areas (playgrounds, major roads) inspected more often.
  • Pruning programs: Maintain clearances and remove dead wood.
  • Assessment levels:
    • Level 1: Quick visual check (e.g., after storms).
    • Level 2: Detailed ground inspection.
    • Level 3: Advanced tools for internal decay or root issues.
  • Risk ratings: Extreme risk = immediate action; High risk = works within 7–28 days.

Tree selection and planting

Choosing the right tree for the right place is critical.

Key principles

  • Right tree, right place, right way: Match species to site conditions and space.
  • Climate resilience: Select drought- and heat-tolerant species.
  • Diversity: Avoid monocultures; mix native and exotic species.
  • Fire retardant trees: Used in bushfire-prone areas.
  • Large trees preferred: Provide up to 8 times more benefits than small trees.
  • Planting standards: All stock meets AS 2303; planting occurs in cooler months.
  • Offsets and spacing: Trees planted 6–20 m apart depending on size; minimum distances from driveways, footpaths, and services apply.

Tree pruning

Pruning keeps trees healthy and safe.

General rules

  • Complies with AS 4373 (Pruning of Amenity Trees).
  • No more than 25% of live crown removed in one year.
  • Council does not prune for views or solar access.

Clearance requirements

  • Footpaths: 2.5 m vertical
  • Driveways: 3.0 m residential; 4.5 m industrial
  • Roads: 4.5 m vertical
  • Buildings: 1.5 m clearance
  • Streetlights: 1 m above and sides
  • Electric lines: per Energy Safe Victoria regulations

Tree root management

Roots can damage footpaths, pipes, and structures. Council uses the following approaches:

  • Preventative measures: Right tree, right place, adequate space.
  • Engineering solutions: Flexible pavements, root-friendly designs.
  • Root pruning: Only under arborist supervision; roots > 5 cm require approval.
  • Root barriers: Used selectively; not a guaranteed solution.
  • Claims process: Investigations follow MAV Insurance guidelines; removal only if no practical alternative exists.

Tree health management

Healthy trees help create a healthy city. Council focuses on:

  • Soil care: Prevent compaction, add organic matter, mulch.
  • Watering: Newly planted trees maintained for 2 years.
  • Fertilising: Only after soil testing.
  • Tree support systems: Used for structural stability where needed.

Pest and disease management

Council adopts Integrated Pest Management (IPM):

  • Monitor tree health regularly.
  • Use biological controls where possible.
  • Remove trees only if infection is severe and uncontrollable.
  • Common issues include Elm Leaf Beetle, Psyllids, Bronze Bug, and fungal diseases.

Tree protection

During construction:

  • Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) fenced off.
  • No trenching or machinery in TPZ without arborist approval.
  • Works comply with AS 4970 (Protection of Trees on Development Sites).

Tree valuation

Council uses industry-approved methods (MIS506, CCT) to calculate tree value for:

  • Compensation claims
  • Insurance
  • Development bonds

Factors include size, health, species, location, and amenity value.

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