Classified Trees

Historical significance
Any tree commemorating a particular occasion, individual or associated with an important historical event may be considered in this category. Like the Lone Pine Tree, Gallipoli — located in Caulfield Park.

Connection to Aboriginal culture
A tree associated with Aboriginal activities or culture such as Scarred trees or Corroboree trees. We have no records of trees on Council Land which are within this criterion.

Particularly old specimen
Any tree that is a particularly old or venerable example of the species such as pre-colonial trees. Like the large river red gum ‘Rosie’ (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) located at Carnegie Railway Station Reserve.

Outstanding size (girth height spread)
The outstanding size of a tree will relate specifically to the tree species and may vary considerably depending on its height, trunk circumference or canopy. Like the Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) located within Caulfield Park.

Aesthetic value
The tree is a particularly well-formed example of the species that is in a location that makes it striking in the landscape. The loss of a tree in this category would result in a substantial change to the local landscape and a loss of amenity for the community. Like the Tallowwood (Eucalyptus micorcorys) located within Glen Huntly Park.

Unique location or context
A tree that occurs in a unique location or context and provides a major contribution to the landscape and trees which form part of a historic garden, park or town. This may include the blanket inclusion of trees of various sizes in parks. Like the Field Elm (Ulmus minor) located in the McKinnon Road Memorial Garden providing a major feature for the park.

Horticultural or genetic value
Any tree which is of exceptional horticultural or genetic value and could be an important source of propagating stock, including specimens that are particularly resistant to disease or environmental conditions. This could include Australian native, locally indigenous or exotic tree species. Like the river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) located within Booran Reserve.

Curious growth habit
Any tree which exhibits a curious growth form or physical feature such as abnormal outgrowths. Like the large Peppermint Gum (Eucalyptus nicholii) located in Gardenvale.

An outstanding example of species
Any tree that is an outstanding example of the species at an International, National, State, Regional, Local level or of particular aesthetic value. Like the large Algerian oak (Quercus canariensis) located within Caulfield Park.

Rare or localised distribution
Any tree of a species or variety that is rare or is of very localised distribution. This could include trees that are classified as threatened indigenous or endemic species within its locality or a rare exotic specimen. Like the Weeping Elm (Ulmus glabra ‘Camperdownii’) located within Marara Road Reserve.

Outstanding habitat and biodiversity value
A tree that has outstanding value as habitat for indigenous wildlife, including providing breeding, foraging or roosting habitat, or forming a key part of a wildlife corridor. Like the Kauri Pine (Agathis robusta) located within the island Caulfield Park lake.

A permit will be required for:

• any pruning work that comprises more than 10 percent removal of the tree's volume or if any branches greater than 10 centimetres in circumference at the point of attachment are to be removed.
• any request to remove a Classified Tree or to conduct excavation or building works within the Tree Protection Zone around the tree.

The purpose of the permit system is to ensure any requested works are done in accordance with Australian Standards AS 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees. This Australian Standard encourages pruning practices and procedures that reduce the potential for a tree hazard developing in the future such as branch failure, fungal infection or premature tree death. Council arborists will assess each application and will provide advice where necessary to ensure a satisfactory outcome for the tree owners and the trees health.

No permit will be required for:

• minor pruning works to a Classified Tree, where less than 10 percent of the tree's volume is removed and only branches less than 10 centimetres in circumference at the point of attachment are pruned.
• any tree pruning or cutting which is required to control any immediate danger to property or life arising from a Classified Tree. This may be the case after a storm or other unforeseen event.

Council will need to be notified within five working days of any works carried out to a Classified Tree that were undertaken to control the immediate danger. This will then enable Council’s arborists to conduct an inspection of the tree to determine if any further action is required.

Any relevant landholder who is unsatisfied with the notice that a tree on their land is eligible for inclusion in the Register may apply in writing for an Internal Review. Substantiating evidence such as an independent arborist report may also be submitted with the application for Internal Review.

The Co-ordinator Trees and Natural Environment undertakes the first review. If the tree is still considered eligible for inclusion in the Register, notice will be provided to the relevant landholder.

A relevant landholder can request a final review by the Manager Park Services. At this point, an independent arborist will be engaged by us to complete an independent report on the tree. The Manager will then consider all the relevant information and decide if the tree is eligible for inclusion in the Register. The Manager will then provide a notice to the relevant landholder.

Apply for an Internal Review by:

• Emailing — ClassifiedTreeRegister@gleneira.vic.gov.au
• Post to PO Box 42, Caulfield South, Victoria 3162, Attention Classified Tree Officer.

After the completion of any Internal Reviews, if a tree is assessed as eligible for inclusion in the Register, a report and recommendation will be presented at Council meeting which is open to the public. Council makes the final decision on whether or not to include a tree in the Register.

Classified Trees may be growing on Council or private land. Only trees which are assessed as meeting strict criteria are included on the Register. The criteria used for assessment is based on the National Trust of Australia criteria for the classification of trees. Some examples of the criteria include trees with horticultural, environmental and aesthetic value, as well as trees that have links to historical significance and Aboriginal culture.

Our Classified Tree Register acknowledges and documents trees on Council and private land. The Register is an evolving list of the most valuable and important trees in our City. The Register enables us to protect trees from indiscriminate damage and removal. It also ensures that current and future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits these trees offer.

If you think a tree should be recognised as one of the most valuable and important trees in our City — whether it's in your or some else's garden, on a nature strip, or in a public park — you can nominate it to be included in our Register.

Nominate a tree or trees

Our urban forest is dynamic, with natural cycles of tree growth, maturation, and death, and we recognise the need for the Register to be regularly updated to reflect this. The first round of nominations of trees commenced on 3 September 2020 and will be open until 31 March 2021. Further rounds of nominations will open after we have considered the trees nominated in the previous round. Additionally, an application to delist a tree from the Register may occur at any time if required.

The Register provides an opportunity to promote, share and protect the most valuable and important trees in the municipality. Owners of properties where Classified Trees are located play an important role in caring for a valuable community asset. Not only do Classified Trees provide substantial environmental and community benefits, they can also help to reduce energy costs, increase property values and provide aesthetic and amenity value.

Each Classified Tree has a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) which is an area around, below and above the tree. Any building works within a TPZ requires a permit. A permit is also required for any significant pruning, lopping or removal of a Classified Tree. The application of the new controls does not mean that building works cannot take place, but that the health of the Classified Tree will need careful consideration before approval for any works can be given. The need for a permit enables consideration of the impact that the proposed activity may have on the health of the Classified Tree.

No. It only applies to trees on the Register.

Nominations will be assessed by Council’s internal arboricultural officers.

Yes, you can apply for an internal review. A senior staff member undertakes this review. You also have the option to apply for a further review to be undertaken by our Manager Parks Services. They will engage an independent arborist to provide a report before deciding on whether the tree should be recommended for inclusion on the Register.

Council makes the final decision at a meeting which is open to the public.

While Classified Trees will be protected, it is recognised that sometimes a tree may need to be removed. This could be due to the poor health of the tree; a tree that has been irreparably damaged because of a storm; a tree that has died of natural causes; or a tree that poses an unacceptable safety risk to surrounding residents. Our arborists will be responsible for reviewing these applications and will make a report to Council if they decide the tree is no longer eligible for protection. The Classified Tree Local Law aims to provide a balanced approach between the protection of healthy trees and providing flexibility to residents who need to remove a tree on their property.

We will conduct audits every two years. If the audit indicates that a tree no longer meets the criteria for inclusion on the Register, our arborists will notify the relevant landholders and prepare a recommendation for the tree to be delisted from the Register.

We will write to landholders about any valid nominations of a tree on their property. Members of the public can view a copy of the Register on our website. A prospective purchaser of a property can also access Council’s Property Information Certificate, which is usually contained in a section 32 Vendor Statement, containing details of any Classified Trees located on the sale property.