Managing Public Trees

Our arborists play a vital role in maintaining the health, safety, and sustainability of trees across public spaces. They respond to a wide range of requests and responsibilities that reflect Council’s commitment to urban biodiversity, public safety, and community wellbeing.

Below are some of the most common requests our arborists receive and information to help residents manage their request:

Insurance Claims

Our Public Tree Team won't be able to directly assess insurance claims relating to trees. Tree assessment and insurance claims are dealt with separately. If you want to make an insurance claim relating to tree issues please contact Customer Service Centre Team on (02) 9806 5050 or council@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au

Leaf and Fruit Fall

As part of trees natural biological processes they exhibit falling leaves, branches, flowers and fruit. They will also provide valuable habitat to wildlife, which in turn may result in some mess from droppings. Council will not undertake tree pruning or removal requests relating to leaf and fruit fall. Residents are encouraged to tidy up the leaf and fruit fall and to place within their green garden bin.

Overhanging Branches

Council will provide clearance of branches encroaching the roof or external face of your property by up to 2m from the nearest branch part.

Council will not prune or remove trees simply because they overhang your property, or property boundary other than within the clearances prescribed above.

Solar Access

While we support renewable energy, we have an obligation to retain and maintain our natural assets. Where possible we will endeavour to provide street tree pruning that will assist in the maintenance and installation of solar panels, in accordance with relevant standards, policies, and environmental and planning instruments.

Storm Damage

Public trees: Our Public Tree Team are on call 24/7 for incidents relating to Council managed trees during a storm. Call us on (02) 9806 5050 to a storm damaged public tree.

Private trees: If a storm damaged tree is on private land please call the SES on 132 500 for assistance.

Termites

Termites are a natural part of the ecosystem. We don't treat trees for termite infestation. We will assess the health and structural condition of a tree relating to termites and take action where required. It is the responsibility of the property owner to protect their own assets from pests such as termite activity, as part of undertaking adequate property maintenance.

Blocked or damaged private service pipes

Blocked or damaged pipes generally develops as a result of old and worn pipe seals and joints that are leaking and is common with the older style terracotta pipes and seals. Clay pipes are known to breakdown with age and soil pressure may cause general cracking, and rubber or cement seals may perish or crack, causing leaking at joints and increasing the vulnerability of the system. This allows tree roots to enter and block pipes.

It is generally accepted that tree roots do not enter sound pipe joints and the maintenance and/or upgrade of service pipes including stormwater and sewer from the private property to the Sydney Water junction is the responsibility of the property owner. Unfortunately, tree root blockage typically continues until the service pipes are properly sealed and or replaced as needed.

Find out more about tree maintenance and management