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Tree management

Trees play a key role in our ecosystem. They help to provide habitat for wildlife, connect our green corridors, clean our air and cool our streets.
Cockatoos in tree

Urban Tree Strategy 2020

Cumberland City’s Urban Tree Strategy provides a strategic and coordinated approach to managing Cumberland’s tree population. The Strategy provides a strategic and coordinated approach to managing Council’s tree population over 10 years and is supported by a short term action plan.

The objectives of the Urban Tree Strategy are to:

  • increase community knowledge and appreciation of trees
  • maintain and protect existing trees
  • align with regional strategies to strengthen green corridor connections.

These objectives will be achieved by delivering actions in three key focus areas:

Key Focus Area 1: Community Education and Engagement

Key Focus Area 2: Maintain, Protect and Increase Existing Tree Canopy

Key Focus Area 3: Strategic Planning and Innovation

To know more, download the Urban Tree Strategy 2020 (PDF, 4.22MB)

Why trees are important

Trees provide shade, protection from the wind and improve air quality. They play an important role in natural ecosystems, including reducing outbreaks of pests, protect fragile soils and prevent salinity problems.

Trees can also:

  • Provide habitat for native animals
  • Reduce the effects of urban heat 
  • Reduce airborne pollution
  • Protect from soil erosion
  • Reduce exposure to the sun and UV rays
  • Improve physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing
  • Create privacy and lessen noise
  • Provide a connection to nature
  • Reduce demand for energy
  • Contribute to ecological biodiversity
  • Beautify our streets and encourage us to get outside

Tree management

Local Tree Management Controls

The specific benefits of an individual tree or group of trees are not always valued.

Over-mature, damaged or poorly maintained trees may deteriorate and become potentially hazardous.

Healthy trees may conflict with buildings or other structures. Some trees may be classed as weeds, or may simply compete with other elements in a landscape.

What to plant in Cumberland

Choose Native Trees that have the best chance of survival in our area and attract wildlife to gardens.

Key guidelines for tree removal and pruning

For many ‘woody’ trees that are over 3.6 metres high, you’ll need Council’s written approval before removing or pruning them. This especially applies to native trees. Some other trees, such as non-natives or trees growing close to buildings may be an exception.

For full details on Council’s tree removal and pruning guidelines, download Tree Management Controls (PDF, 254KB)

Tree management forms

Further information

For more information contact Council on 8757 9000.