Tree Cutting Laws And Regulations in Canberra You Should Know

Living in Canberra itself is a beautiful experience. A place surrounded by trees and natural reserves. You will find parks, forests, hiking places, and many more. When a place holds this much value, then it becomes important to make strict rules to maintain the beauty of nature. When you look for tree cutting services in Canberra, make sure you and the company are well aware of the tree cutting rules. 

If you own a home in Canberra, then you must know what laws and regulations are made by the ACT government to protect the trees. Whether it’s a public or your own tree, before you proceed with the process, you have to take permission from the legal bodies. This blog will guide you through the process and help you become an ideal citizen of Canberra by following these regulations. 

Why does Canberra have this rule and regulation? 

• The very first question that comes to your mind is, why are there rules to cut our own trees? Well, the answer is simple. The government wants you to protect your national property, which is only helping you to live a good life. 

• They provide a shading around your home so you won’t feel hot in the summer. It also provides you with clean air, which is important for a healthier life. 

• It is a shelter for many animals and birds, and when we cut it for no reason, then they become homeless and find difficulties in living. It also provides you with an herb that promotes good health. 

Is your tree protected? The main regulation to follow 

• It is the very first rule to check if your tree is protected before cutting or removing it. In Canberra, if the tree fits in the specific size criteria or is listed on a special register, then it is known as a protected tree. To cut the protected trees, you have to obtain permission from the government. 

• Height: If it is 8 meters or more 

• Canopy width: 8 meters or more 

• Trunk: If the distance around the trunk is 1 meter or more 

Other Protected Trees 

• Registered trees: If the trees are registered under the ACT tree register, then they are protected regardless of their size. These trees mostly hold some historical or scientific value, and to protect them, the government made these rules. 

• Large dead native trees: A large dead native tree is protected if the trunk size is around 1.88 meters, measured 1.4 meters above the ground. The government believes these types of trees are mostly a home for local animals and birds. 

• New replacement tree: If you cut a protected tree and plant a new tree as part of your deal with legal bodies, then the new replacement tree is considered a protected tree for five years. 

• All public trees: All public trees, regardless of their size, are protected trees. It can be anything, a tree on your street or in a park. Hiring a professional and affordable tree removal service can help you identify the protected or non-protected trees. 

When Do You Need Approval for Your Protected Tree 

• If your tree is protected, then you need permission for removal, major pruning and groundwork within the tree protection zone. To do any of this activity, you require a legal permission. 

• Tree protection zone: If you plan to conduct any activity near a protected zone, you have to obtain permission. You cannot perform any activity in the restricted area without permission. It is to save the routes of the trees spreading in the land. 

When Can You Act Without Approval? 

• Mostly protected trees required government permission to perform any tree-cutting job. But there are two conditions when you can skip the permission part and do the needful. One is a daily routine, and another is when you are facing an emergency. 

• Daily routine:Regular tree maintenance is essential for property safety. If you want to remove a dead, diseased or broken branch from the tree, you don’t require permission. For a minor pruning that affects less than 10% of the total canopy also does not require approval. You can prune it for the growth and production of the fruits. 

• Emergencies: If the tree is becoming dangerous for you, then you can get quick permissions, but you still need to follow the process. You can call access Canberra and ask for a tree removal. A government officer can give you permission over the phone or visit your home to inspect and then provide you with permission. 

• You can do the needful in an emergency, but it is good to have a word with them. If you cut a protected tree and the reason is not valid, then they will charge you a large fine. 

The Approval Process: What Happens If You Remove a Tree 

• When you want to make a major change in protected trees, you have to apply to the city services, mentioning the reasons. If your application gets approved, then they will allow you to cut the trees under the canopy contribution agreement. Under this agreement, you are given two choices. 

• If you cut a protected tree, you have to plant two new trees on your property in its place. 

• If you don’t have enough space to plant replacement trees, or your property layout doesn’t allow it, you’ll need to pay a set fee for each tree you can’t replant. The government then uses this contribution to plant and look after new trees in other areas of the city. 

Conclusion 

Canberra is very strict with tree-cutting rules and regulations to maintain natural beauty. If you want to conduct a major tree activity, then first check if the tree is protected or not. If it is, then apply. Follow any of the conditions from the agreement and carry on your process. Following these steps will not only save you from legal penalties but also keep your city greener.