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Tree Management

Townsville City Council is committed to the preservation, management, enhancement and maintenance of Public Trees on Council Controlled Land within the Townsville Local Government Area.

Across the City’s Public Tree Network, Council’s activities and resources are prioritised based upon the following order of principles:

  • Manage risks to public safety;
  • Manage risks to property or infrastructure;
  • Preserve and maintain the health and structural soundness of the City’s Public Tree Network including the City’s Significant and Highly Significant Public Trees;
  • Improve the City’s image, liveability, and the well-being of the community by prioritising the integration of Public Trees within the urban landscape; and,
  • Support the health of the City’s ecosystems through investment in the City’s Public Tree Network.

For more information, please view the Public Tree Management Policy PDF, 799.0 KB or the Tree Management Guidelines PDF, 812.9 KB.

I want to Apply for the Removal of a Tree on Public Land

Before submitting an application, please note that Council will not remove trees for the following reasons:

  • Fruits, seeds, flowers and leaves: Council will not remove trees for dropping fruit, seed, flowers or leaves as this is a normal process for all trees.
  • Overhanging new pool or solar panels: Council will not remove trees if they were planted prior to the installation of pools or solar panels. It is the responsibility of the installation company to make sure the installation site is not in conflict with existing trees and shade.
  • Obstruction of view: Council does not remove trees that are interfering with private scenic views.
  • If the tree is affected by termites but its structural integrity has not been compromised: Council does not remove trees to mitigate a perceived risk posed by a termite population in a Public Tree, property owners are responsible for ensuring their property is suitably protected against termites.
  • Tree Roots: Council does not remove trees for unjustified claims of Public Tree root related damage to property or infrastructure, without relevant supporting evidence.

Note: If all required information and photographs are not submitted, the application will be declined.

Top 10 Benefits of Trees

Trees offer many valuable benefits that help improve our lifestyle and our city’s liveability. Beyond adding beauty to our community, trees provide real health and safety benefits to people living here every day.

  1. Cooling - Trees block out the sun’s radiation and provide shade that cools the ground. Water evaporating from the leaves also cools the air.
  2. Conserves energy and reduces carbon - Trees shading buildings helps reduce the demand for cooling, providing savings on your power bill. Trees absorb carbon dioxide by removing it from the air and absorbing it into their wood and roots, helping to mitigate global climate change.
  3. Increase property value - Leafy streets are aesthetically pleasing and make homes and streets look and feel more appealing.
  4. Improving health and wellbeing - The soothing and restorative effect of nature helps reduce stress, contributing to better health and wellbeing and encourages a more active lifestyle.
  5. Mitigation of storm and flood damage - Well established, well-managed and strong trees can reduce cyclone and storm damage. The tree roots absorb water, helping to reduce flooding from heavy rain. Roots control erosion and reduce the risk of property damage.
  6. Improve air and water quality - Trees produce oxygen, enriching the air we breathe, and absorbs pollutant gases, purifying the air. Trees also provide natural water filtration, reducing stormwater pollution to our waterways.
  7. Reduce noise pollution - Trees can absorb, deflect, refract or mask sound waves. Trees create their own sounds and attract wildlife to mask other noise.
  8. Support wildlife - Trees improve biodiversity by providing a food source and natural habitat for local wildlife, supporting pollinators and natural predators of pests.
  9. Building connections - Trees support social connections. Studies have found that residential common areas with trees and other greenery support stronger feelings of community.
  10. Safety buffer - Trees form a natural barrier between vehicles and residents engaging in recreational activities in their neighbourhoods, ensuring safer environments for all.

Source: https://www.washingtonnature.org/fieldnotes/2021/6/8/health-benefits-of-trees