We take a holistic approach to streetscapes and tree planting when considering residents’ requests for new trees or tree removal.
Street Tree Planting by Request
If you would like to apply to have a tree planted, here's what you need to know.
- Street tree planting is carried out on a by-request basis.
- Requests are only accepted from the ratepayer of the requesting property address.
- Requests must be received by the end of August each year.
- Trees are planted in streetscapes from May to the end of September. The wet and cool months means the ground is moist and for improved establishment.
- You will be supplied with a bucket, gloves, information sheet and liquid fertiliser to help you look after the tree.
- There are no costs involved with applying for street tree planting.
- You must agree to water the tree for a minimum of the first 3 years, to assist in the establishment of the tree (once a week in Summer or extreme heat weather twice a week).
If you would like to request a tree to be planted email council@charlessturt.sa.gov.au or complete the form.
We take a holistic approach to streetscapes and tree planting.
We consider the following elements in planning streetscapes:
- plant characteristics, like a tree’s tolerance in paved surfaces, pest and disease resistance, life span, root growth and litter
- available growing space which includes street and verge width
- growing conditions (soil type, aspect)
- a minimum 1 metre footpath width for pedestrians and wheelchairs
- having suitable clearances to minimise interference to underground and overhead services
- the amount of vegetation overhang from private property that could limit tree growth and form
- having suitable clearances from driveway crossovers
- availability of tree species
- neighbouring and surrounding landscape character
Refer to our Path Policy for more information.
Trees are selected from existing dominant tree species in the street. If the tree species is not on the current list, another tree species can be chosen.
If the existing tree species is too large for the verge an alternate tree species may be selected depending on location.
You can request consultation over tree-planting. Consultation occurs with residents if there is a problem with the location or if they nominate a tree species that is inappropriate.
If a request is received for Whole Street Planting, this is listed for consideration and a drive through inspection is made to assess suitability. If not selected for a particular year, it rolls over to the next year for consideration.
How to Request a Service
Removal of trees on council property
If you believe a tree needs removal, you must make an application in writing. Your application must clearly state the reasons why the tree should be removed and include any supporting information such as photographs and/or professional advice. The application will be formally assessed in accordance with our Tree and Streetscape Policy.
Our qualified staff take into consideration the health, condition, structural integrity, risk level and management options of the tree. They will compare all this information against specific criteria.
If a tree is in good health, all alternative measures should be investigated. Legislative requirements must also be fulfilled. You must provide a valid reason for the removal of a tree.
The policy also states a valid reason will not include:
- Householder preference for no street tree or for a different species
- Complaints about appearance (unless these are related to very poor tree health or structure)
- Interruption of views
- Interruption of view to advertising/signage (general maintenance pruning may be undertaken for clear visibility of any legislative and /or traffic management signage. Request to prune trees for business signage will be considered on a case by case basis)
- Complaints about leaf litter, twigs or other debris
- Complaints relating to tree roots protruding above the ground or competing with lawns
- Bird or animal noise and associated mess
- Shading of solar panels
- Property damage where the damage is not substantiated by an engineers' report
- To submit a tree removal application, please complete the Tree Removal Form
Removal of trees on private property
Property owners are responsible for trees on their land. This includes trees that interfere with power lines for personal power supply. It is your responsibility to maintain vegetation so it doesn't interfere with power lines.
If a privately owned tree is overhanging the fence, verge or footpath and is interfering with the power lines above Council land, SA Power Networks will prune the tree. If a Council owned tree has limbs that are interfering with the power lines, SA Power Networks must be contacted to organise for the tree to be pruned.