Tree management

Trees play a vital role in enhancing our lifestyle in Wollongong. That is why the Tree Managment Order exists. The Wollongong City Tree Management Order allows proper assessment to be made of the environmental importance and viability of trees before they are pruned, removed or damaged in any way. This order prohibits the ringbarking, cutting down, topping, lopping, removing, injuring or destruction of any tree except with the prior written consent of Council.

There is more to a tree than its beauty.  Trees serve many purposes to the owner, wider community and native fauna.  These functions must be considered when buying, planting and maintaining a tree. The benefits of trees can be grouped into social, community, environmental and economic categories.  Amenity is an aspect that is most important when managing a tree. A tree’s ability to produce shade, climate control, wind and dust barriers, screening, privacy, a sense of well being and aesthetics all contributes to the amenity of an area.

Social benefits
A tree or a group of trees often produces feelings of serenity, peacefulness, tranquility and privacy, plus its shade offers children a natural sun-safe environment to play in.  Trees are often planted as living memorials to commemorate a significant event or occasion.

Community benefits
Even though trees may be growing on a private property, their size and nature often makes them a part of the community as well.  Since trees occupy considerable space, planning is required if both you and your neighbours are to benefit.  With proper species selection and maintenance, trees can enhance and function on one property without infringing on the rights and privileges of your neighbours.

Environmental benefits
Trees bring natural elements and wildlife habitats into urban surroundings; all of which increase the quality of life for residents of the community.  In the greater context of the community, trees form wildlife or “green corridors”.  A row of backyards all with a few trees each have the potential to form a linkage of greenery that can support the movement and residence of native fauna.  Remnant areas of bushland are an important component of our natural heritage and important for the biodiversity of the region.  Wildlife corridors, rare and endangered species, habitat and remnants are a few of the environmental concepts that must be considered in tree management.

Economic benefits
Established, well-managed trees in a maintained garden can increase property values. Contributions by trees to land stability, erosion control and regulation of the water-table are often values overlooked by tree owners.