Edition: August 2013
Specification: Part L40 Tree Pruning and Removal
PART L40
TREE PRUNING AND REMOVAL
CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
General
Tree Pruning and Removal Methods
Tree Pruning Techniques
Fauna Habitat
Disposal of Cut Material
Stump Removal
Prevention of Suckering and Regrowth
1.
GENERAL
This Part specifies the requirements for tree pruning, tree removal, disposal of cut material, stump removal and
prevention of suckering and regrowth. This Part does not refer to maintenance pruning requirements on DPTI roads
(refer Part M40 “Roadside Vegetation Maintenance”).
Tree hollows identified by the Superintendent during the removal process shall be treated in accordance with
Part L30 "Tree Hollow Relocation" or Clause 4 "Fauna Habitat" as directed by the Superintendent.
2.
TREE PRUNING AND REMOVAL METHODS
2.1
General
Refer to the Contract Specific Requirements for the tree pruning and removal requirements.
(a) Methods of Tree Pruning/Removal Specified by the Principal
Where the Principal is nominated in the Contract Specific Requirements to provide tree pruning/removal
methods, the Contractor shall remove the trees as specified on the Drawings or in the Contract Specific
Requirements and undertake the tree pruning as specified in the Contract Specific Requirements.
(b) Methods of Tree Pruning/Removal Recommended by the Contractor
Where the Contractor is nominated in the Contract Specific Requirements to provide tree pruning/removal
methods, the Contractor shall remove the trees as specified on the Drawings or in the Contract Specific
Requirements having examined the site conditions and recommend preferred methods of tree pruning or tree
removal for the project.
2.2
Tree Pruning or Removal Methods
Refer to Contract Specific Requirements for tree pruning or removal methods.
(a) Clear Fell
This method shall only be used for tree removal where there is sufficient area in all directions for the tree to
be felled safely, without damage to persons, property and surrounding vegetation.
(b) Use of Climbers
Tree removal or tree pruning shall be carried out by the physical climbing of the tree and the dismantling of
branches (and trunk sections where appropriate) progressively downwards. The Contractor shall ensure
that all climbers and supervising staff meet approved accreditation standards and that all climbing, branch
support and lowering equipment complies to relevant standards, is fit for purpose and in good working
order. The material shall be lowered to the ground by means of ropes, crane etc., unless approval has been
obtained to drop material to the ground (only where there is no risk to persons, property or existing
vegetation).
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(c) Elevated Platform
This method shall be used where machinery access is available, with one or two operators in a basket
traveling up in the crown to remove branches. The Contractor shall ensure operating staff have received
approved training in use of this equipment. The material shall be lowered to the ground by means of ropes,
crane etc., unless approval has been obtained to drop material to the ground (only where there is no risk to
persons, property or existing vegetation).
(d) Other
3.
TREE PRUNING TECHNIQUES
3.1
General
Prior to pruning, the Contractor shall assess the tree’s health, growth habit, structure, stability and pruning
requirements. Equipment that wounds the bark or conductive tissues (i.e. spurs, spikes, hooks) shall not be used on
sections of the tree to be retained. All cutting tools shall be sharp and branches shall be undercut to prevent splitting
or tearing of the branch collar or trunk.
All pruning, including on-ground support work, shall be carried out by personnel who are trained to the appropriate
level for the type of work being performed, and have a full appreciation of the principles, techniques, hazards and
safety procedures involved.
All pruning shall conform to AS 4373 "Pruning of Amenity Trees" unless otherwise specified in the Contract
Specific Requirements. The pruning procedures and types described in this standard shall also form the basis for
pruning indigenous vegetation in rural and remote areas.
Whenever the Contractor, after full inspection of a tree for pruning, considers that the tree is dangerous and requires
removal, the Contractor shall immediately notify the Superintendent.
3.2
Tree Pruning
(a) Thinning
Thinning of the crown shall be undertaken by removing secondary branches whilst retaining the main
structural branches of the tree. This may include selective thinning to lessen wind resistance, to reduce the
weight of limbs, to increase light penetration and air movement through the crown or to restore views.
(b) Deadwooding
Deadwood shall be removed from the tree.
(c) Selective Pruning
Branches identified as causing a specific problem (e.g. conflicting branches) shall be removed.
(d) Formative Pruning of Young Trees
The Contractor shall selectively remove specific branches to enhance form and improve structure, and to
directionally shape the young tree. With smaller diameter branches it may be necessary to reduce the
branch to a dormant bud. Formative pruning shall aim to reduce the development of structural weaknesses
and to accommodate site constraints and reduce encroachment on utilities or buildings as the tree grows.
(e) Reduction Pruning
The Contractor shall reduce the size of the crown of the tree either in the height or spread. The ends of the
branches shall be removed to internal lateral branches or stems.
(f) Crown Lifting
Lower branches shall be removed to the clearance height specified.
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(g) Pollarding
Trees shall be cut back to just above the existing pollard. When removing shoots, pollard heads should not
be injured. Cuts should be made as close as possible to the swollen collars that surround each shoot. This
pruning process is suited mostly to deciduous trees that have been formatively pruned at an early age and
should not be carried out on mature trees that have not been previously pollarded.
(h) Remedial Pruning
The Contractor shall undertake remedial pruning to remove damaged, diseased or lopped branches back to
undamaged branches back to undamaged or healthy tissue. This type of pruning should only be carried out
on trees which have lost their natural form and structure through storm damage, lopping, dieback or
disease.
3.4
Control of Bees and Wasp
The Contractor shall be responsible for the control of bees and wasps in trees to be pruned or removed.
4.
FAUNA HABITAT
4.1
General
The removal of trees, particularly in rural and remote areas, often results in the removal of hollows. These hollows
have important habitat values for indigenous fauna species. Where hollows are encountered during the tree removal
process, or where directed by the Superintendent, the following shall apply.
Every effort shall be made to avoid the disturbance of native fauna occupying the tree and/or tree hollows. In the
event of the discovery of fauna requiring relocation the Superintendent shall be notified immediately.
Where material suitable for habitat creation is encountered during the pruning, it shall be prepared in accordance
with Contract Specific Requirements.
The Contractor shall dispose of all cut material resulting from the activities described in Clause 3.2 (a), (b) and (c) in
accordance with Clause 5 “Disposal of Cut Material”.
4.2
Retention of Cut Material
Refer to Contract Specific Requirements for retention of cut material methods.
(a) Retention of Cut Branches or Limbs
As directed by the Superintendent, all or selected cut branches or limbs shall be positioned on the ground
within the site.
(b) Retention of Tree Hollows for Terrestrial Relocation
All cut material containing hollows greater than 50 mm in diameter shall be stockpiled on site and relocated
in accordance with Part L30 Contract Specific Requirements.
(c) Retention of Tree Hollows for Arboreal Relocation
All cut material containing hollow apertures greater than 40% of the trunk diameter shall be stockpiled
onsite and relocated in accordance with Part L30 Contract Specific Requirements.
5.
DISPOSAL OF CUT MATERIAL
5.1
General
The removal operation shall be carried out in a manner involving minimal movements across the site resulting in
minimal disturbance to the vegetation, soil and watercourses.
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The Contractor may use an approved motorised chipping unit to process the upper canopy and minor branches of
woody weeds. The unit shall be in good working order, shall comply with all applicable OHS&W, noise and spark
arrestor requirements, and shall be operated only by trained operators equipped with appropriate personal safety
equipment.
5.2
Disposal Methods
Cut and chipped material shall be disposed of in accordance with the Contract Specific Requirements or
Environmental Management Plan. This may require stockpiling on site, spreading over the worksite, removal from
site or burning.
All plant material containing proclaimed and environmental weed species shall be removed from the site and
disposed at a licensed waste depot. Permits for transportation shall be obtained by the Contractor.
Refer to the Contract Specific Requirements for the disposal methods.
(a) Stockpile On-Site
Chipped prunings shall be stockpiled on site in the location shown on the Drawing or as agreed with the
Superintendent.
(b) Spread On-Site
Where approved by the Superintendent, chipped prunings may be left on site where they provide protection
to exposed soil, will not inhibit regeneration of indigenous species, will not significantly increase the
current fuel load at the site.
Chipped prunings may be spread evenly over the ground taking care to avoid indigenous grasses and
ground covers. The spread chippings are not to exceed 100 mm in depth across the site.
(c) Remove From Site
The Contractor shall remove all material from site.
(d) Burning
All material shall be burnt on site or at a suitable location proposed by the Contractor and approved by the
Superintendent. The Contractor shall comply with all fire bans and restrictions, and shall obtain an
appropriate permit to carry out burning.
(e) Phytophthora (Dieback) Areas
In High Risk Phytophthora (Dieback) areas, all cut material shall be disposed of at a licensed waste depot
or burnt.
6.
STUMP REMOVAL
The Contractor shall remove the stumps to the extent shown on the Drawings or listed in the Contract Specific
Requirements.
Refer to Contract Specific Requirements for stump removal methods.
(a) Grinding to full extent.
(b) Grinding to 300 mm below the surface.
(c) Cutting to ground level.
(d) Cutting 100 mm above ground.
Any excess sawdust and chippings shall be used to reinstate stump hole to natural ground level.
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7.
Specification: Part L40 Tree Pruning and Removal
PREVENTION OF SUCKERING AND REGROWTH
Where a living tree is to be removed, a systemic herbicide shall immediately be applied to the main stem(s) at the
manufacturer's recommended rate. Large stems (exceeding 20 mm diameter) shall be frilled to the depth of the sapwood below the main stem cut and immediately applied with herbicide to ensure adequate translocation of
herbicide. All live stems shall be removed from the cut stump. Herbicide shall be applied immediately to all cut
surfaces by brush (or similar), avoiding any spillage of herbicide on the soil or adjacent non-target plants. A red
marking dye shall be added to the herbicide mix.
This application shall allow sufficient time for the death of the tree stump prior to stump removal.
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