Urban Trees

Importance of trees

Trees are an essential part of the urban fabric, providing significant economic, social and ecological benefits.
Trees:

• provide a pleasant softening effect to the urban infrastructure
• have a calming and therapeutic influence on the human psyche
• are pedestrian in scale, creating more desirable spaces for movement and recreation
• ameliorate the extremes of noise, wind, sunlight, temperature and air pollution
• assist in creating a unique identity and structure to our city
• establish a distinct neighbourhood character
• can highlight features, be sculptural or screen unwanted views
• provide habitat and food for native wildlife
• form corridors for movement and refuges for native wildlife
• reduce the impacts of rainfall and run-off and reduce erosion
• improve property values and rate revenue

Street Tree Planting

Councils Program
The City of Ballarat conducts an annual street tree planting program. Residents only have to contact the Parks and Environment section and one of our arborists will arrange a visit to determine suitable species and planting locations. The trees will then be planted during the next planting season. All Council asks is that residents take some responsibility to water and care for the trees.

Can residents plant their own trees?
Under Councils Local Law No.5, permission must be obtained to undertake any planting or landscaping within the road reserve. Generally all that is required is to arrange an inspection with one of our arborists who will provide guidance on what is allowed in that particular area. Street landscaping that has not been approved often needs to be removed for safety reasons.

What types of trees can be planted?
Ballarat is defined into 'landscape character' areas. These determine if the street trees should be exotic, native or indigenous. In some areas they can be a mix. As a general rule no more than two species of trees are used in each street. Garden or shrub type plantings are not recommended.

Tree Removal

Can anyone remove a street tree?
No. Under Councils Local Law No.5, a permit is required to remove a street tree. If you think a street tree needs to be removed please contact Councils Parks and Environment section. Street trees are only removed if they are becoming dangerous or are classed as an unsuitable species. It is Council policy to consult with residents prior to removing any street trees.

Can I remove a tree in my own property?
This depends upon where you live and the type of tree. There is a variety of state and local controls on the removal and pruning of vegetation. Please contact Council for more details. Substantial penalties and legal action can result.

Tree Management, Pruning and Maintenance

The City of Ballarat employs a team of qualified and experienced arborists to ensure the correct decisions are made for the short and long term benefit of our community.

Council is responsible for maintaining trees within your street and public parkland. Under Local Law No.5 a permit is required to prune any street tree so if you have any tree concerns please contact the Parks and Environment section and speak to one of our arborists.

To find more information on general tree care visit the International Society of Arboriculture website www.treesaregood.org.

Electric Line Clearance

The responsibility for keeping trees clear of overhead electrical lines is shared between Council and the distribution company (Powercor). The City of Ballarat is responsible for pruning streets trees within the main urban area but not in rural areas or private trees.

More information can be obtained on the Energy Safe Victoria website www.esv.vic.gov.au/community/platrees.html.

Pests & Diseases

Ballarat is very lucky as we have very few serious tree pests or diseases. However, we do have Elm Leaf Beetle in Ballarat which is a serious threat to our elm trees. Control programs are conducted each year. Your assistance is vital to help us keep this pest under control. Please contact us immediately if you sight this beetle or its larvae (grubs).

The Friends of the Elms website provides a good description of the pest.