NATURAL ASSETS LOCAL LAW
MINOR STREET TREE
PRUNING
Brisbane City Council’s Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL) helps to protect our city’s
natural assets, including bushland areas, wetlands, waterway corridors and trees.
Brisbane is a thriving, world-class city, enjoyed for its subtropical climate. Protecting our natural
assets is key to preserving our city’s way of life, wildlife and character.
The NALL protects Brisbane’s natural vegetation and delivers a balance between protecting the
city’s environment and people, property and lifestyle.
Street trees
Street trees are an important part of Brisbane’s urban forest and over 575,000 street trees are
located across the city. These trees provide shade and create attractive suburban streetscapes
across the city.
Street trees are those growing on the footpath or in a road reserve, that is, the land between the
front of a property boundary and the road. They are protected by NALL under the Council
Vegetation category. However, a property owner or occupier can apply for a permit from Council
to carry out minor pruning to the street tree/s directly in front of their property.
Minor street tree pruning includes removing small branches that may be overhanging the front
fence, driveway or footpath. All other pruning work (including park trees) must be carried out by
Council. Permits can be issued for ongoing minor pruning works, enabling the community to
continue to help Council care for the city’s extensive urban forest.
Application to carry out minor street tree pruning
Before any minor street tree pruning work can begin, property owners/occupiers are required,
under NALL, to obtain a Council permit. Application to Carry out Minor Street Tree Pruning forms
can be obtained from Council’s website and submitted online, via mail, email or in person.
Online:
Visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘protected vegetation permits’
Mail:
Brisbane City Council
Compliance and Regulatory Services
Environmental Management Team
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001
Email:
CARS-NALL@brisbane.qld.gov.au
Visit:
Any Council regional business centre
Permits cover ongoing trimming of the approved vegetation. It is not necessary to re-apply for a
permit again.
Pruning guidelines
Guidelines have been developed to help permit holders undertake minor pruning. When a permit
is granted it will include a clear set of conditions that need to be complied with. The permit
conditions ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place and that minor work to the tree is
done in a manner that promotes the tree’s long-term health, strength and form. All trimmed
vegetation must also be promptly removed from the footpath or road reserve and disposed of at a
green waste facility or in an appropriate alternative manner.
Permit holders will also need to keep a copy of the permit. This needs to be available upon
request by an authorized Council officer.
Guidelines for minor street tree pruning
• Permits for minor street tree pruning suit simple maintenance and hazard reduction work.
• Only branches that are less than 25mm thick may be pruned.
• All trimmed foliage/branches will be promptly removed from footpaths, driveways, road reserves
and disposed of in an appropriate manner, e.g. at a green waste facility or suitable Council bin.
• Only clean, sharp hand tools are to be used. Chainsaws or telescopic or extendable loppers are
not to be used.
• Branches should be no higher than 2.5m from the ground so work can be undertaken by
standing on the ground.
• Sucker growth at the base of tree/s may be removed.
Correct pruning of branches
Safety considerations
Be aware of hazards and risks posed to yourself and others when carrying out minor street tree
pruning work. There are a number of safety issues permit holders should consider. These
include:
• carrying out all pruning work from the ground (i.e. not on a ladder)
• wearing appropriate clothing and safety equipment (gardening gloves, protective clothing,
safety/sun glasses, sunscreen, covered shoes and a hat)
• keeping pedestrians and yourself off the road
• keeping footpaths clear of tools and/or plant material
• looking up before pruning to keep pruning equipment away from overhead power cables. (For
more information on how to stay safe around electricity contact Energex on 13 12 53 or
www.energex.com.au).
• using appropriate hand tools only (i.e. no chainsaws).
Permits can be lodged with Council online, mail, email or in person. For permit forms and more
information visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘protected vegetation permits’, call (07)
3403 8888 or visit your nearest Council regional business centre.
Further information
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone Council on (07) 3403 8888.
Brisbane City Council Information
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001
Facebook: Facebook.com/BrisbaneCityCouncil
Twitter: @brisbanecityqld
Publication Number: N2014-03251