Agenda Item No. 9.10

Report No. 124/17ts

TO: TECHNICAL SERVICES COMMITTEE - MONDAY 17 JULY 2017

SUBJECT: TREE MAINTENANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES

AUTHOR: DIRECTOR TECHNICAL SERVICES - SCOTT ALLEN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report provides Elected Members with the details of the Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedures which includes an executive summary, purpose, scope, policy, definitions and Sacred Tree / Trees of Significance

RECOMMENDATIONThat it be a recommendation to Council

This report forms the guidelines of all tree maintenance procedures

REPORT

1. BACKGROUND

The Technical Services Department was asked to compile a Council report that identified issues pertaining to tree hazards for Council. A brief background indicates that the Parks and Gardens Department is responsible for the maintenance of all trees, shrubs and ground covers within all ASTC controlled verges, sporting ovals, parks, gardens, surrounds of sporting ovals and facilities within the municipality. This equates to:

• 200 kilometres of verges on sealed roads• 12.5 kilometres of verges on unsealed roads• 13.5 kilometres of laneways• 42 hectares of sporting ovals• 44 hectares of maintainable grassed areas around the sporting ovals• 80 hectares of parks

The estimated number of trees that Council is responsible for is 20,000+.

The Parks and Gardens Department - Tree Crew have seven (7) full time employees dedicated to the maintenance of the municipality’s trees. Below are the positions of the Tree Crew:

• Team Leader -Tree Crew• Senior Team Member - Tree Crew• 3 x Team Members - Tree Crew• Senior Water Truck Operator• Water Truck Operator

The Tree Crews role within the Department includes the following:• Maintain the tree infrastructure on all Council controlled assets

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• Conducting tree assessments• Tree Farm Maintenance and Succession Planning• Termite Assessments on Trees• Termite Treatments• Emergency works including call outs• Planting trees, shrubs, ground covers, etc.• Removal of trees, shrubs, ground covers, etc.• Tree pruning and removal of epitomic growth• Preparation of areas for tree planting events including National Tree Planting

Days, Neighbour Days, etc.• Writing detailed tree reports• Provide advice to Depot management• Stump removals• Stump grinding• Reactive tree works• Wood chipping• Collection of wood for various events including Alice Springs Show / Police• Repairing and replacing vandalised trees• Ongoing maintenance of planted trees, shrubs, ground covers, etc.• Liaising with the community regarding tree issues• Installing cages to protect trees after planting• Bowling out trees to improve water retention• Watering trees, shrubs, ground covers, etc.• Weeding removal and chemical applications• Sourcing plants including trees, shrubs, ground covers, etc• Maintain plant and machinery including chainsaws, wood chipper machines, pole

saws, trucks x 3, elevated work platforms, etc.

The current work Tree Crew work breakdown is split into two separate components which encompasses the following headings:

• Reactive Works• Proactive Works

Reactive works comprises 90% of the current workload which includes the following:

• Street Trees - responding to the protection of Council’s assets which involves amenity pruning’s

• In Kind Support - support to Community Events• Cages - the installation or replacement of tree cages to protect young trees• Emergency Works - any works undertake in the interests of safety to the

community• Tree Assessments and Reports - monitor and assess the health and to provide

recommendations regarding trees, shrubs, etc.• Neat Street Requests - responding to community concerns• Tree Replacements - undertaken to improve the shade within the municipality• Street Scape Pruning’s - are formative pruning’s that provide an aesthetic and

practical value to the trees within the municipality• Termite Assessments and Treatments - protection of Council’s assets• Stump Grinding - removal of hazards• Equipment Maintenance - required to improve longevity of plant and equipment

Proactive works comprises 10% of the current workload which includes the following:

• Emergency Works - any works undertake in the interests of safety to the community

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• Street Trees - responding to the protection of Council’s assets which involves amenity pruning’s

• Report Writing and Tree Assessments - the assessment of trees and the writing of detailed reports

• Cages - the installation or replacement of tree cages to protect young trees• Tree Farm - succession planning and beautification program• Plantings - improve shade and provide an aesthetic and practical value to the

street scape within the municipality• Equipment Maintenance - required to improve longevity of plant and equipment• Termite Assessments and Treatments - protection of Council’s assets

2. DISCUSSION

The draft Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedures is Attachment A.

The policy includes the following items:

• Executive Summary• Purpose• Scope• Policy• Definitions• Sacred Trees / Trees of Significance

A recent tree count of all ASTC controlled roads within the municipality counted 14,362 trees on street verges. A similar count was conducted in 2008 which estimated the street trees at 9200. Following that count in October 2009, a storm damaged an estimated 600 trees throughout the municipality with an untold number of trees damaged during the storm.

Below is the monthly tree planting figures conducted by the Tree Crew:

• April 2017 - 62 trees planted• March 2017 - 60 trees planted• February 2017-60 trees planted• January 2017 - 66 trees planted• December 2016 - 66 trees planted• November 2016-68 trees planted• October 2016 - 87 trees planted• September 2016 - 75 trees planted• August 2016 - 38 trees planted

3. POLICY IMPACTS

It must be noted that the Tree Crew are currently responsible for the ongoing maintenance of over 20,000 trees, they provide assistance with in kind support, complete new plantings, provide maintenance of new plantings and all other duties previously identified. External contractors would be engaged to plant trees, prune tree and shrubs and provide ongoing maintenance to the trees and shrubs as a supplement to Council's Tree Crew.

ALICE SPRINGS TOWN COUNCIL STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS 2014:

GOAL 2: Recreation, Culture & Social Infrastructure and Programs -A harmonious and healthy community actively engaged in recreation, arts and culture

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• Outcome 2.8 Open spaces developed and maintained for the use and benefit of the community

o Strategy 2.8.4 - improve the provision of shade

■ Action: improve the provision of shade on verges, parks, ovals, sporting facilities, cemeteries and Council Maintained facilities

• KPi: Develop a tree shade requirement priority list• KPi: Two trees planted for every one removed

EXTRACT FROM ASTC VERGE DEVELOPMENT PSD (The below statement is taken fromCouncil's Verge Development PSD)

8. Street Trees:

ASTC has adopted two separate tree species lists. One list for verges with powerlines on the verge side and one list for non-poweriines side of the verge. ASTC periodically checks and carries out any necessary pruning and/or removal of street trees, if you wish to prune or remove any trees from the verge, WRITTEN APPROVAL MUST BE OBTAINED from ASTC.

ASTC is not responsible for the maintenance of any completed verge landscaping work that has been approved by ASTC. ASTC is not responsible for the upgrade of verges throughout the municipality. A minimum standard of 1 tree per property frontage is the responsibility of ASTC.

ASTC guidelines and Power Water Corporations regulations require that:

> Maximum planting height of any plants as per tree species list for tress on powerlines side of the verge within the 5 metre wide corridor under the powerlines (2.5 metres either side of the power poles) (See Diagram 2)

> Use the 45s angle from the base of the power pole to work out where it is safe to plant tall trees in private property (a 10 metre tree can be planted a distance of 10 metres from the power line) (See Diagram 2)

> Plants trees from the ASTC recommended trees species lists

The draft Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedures are Attachment A.

4. FINANCIAL IMPACTS

The implementation of the Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedures will have a minimal impact on budget lines.

5. SOCIAL IMPACTS

The implementation of the Plant and Equipment Policy will enable Council to reference Council Policy on trees.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

Council strives to remain a leader within the community and the strategy of 2 for 1 tree replacements has a positive impact on improving the shade within the community of Alice Springs. The implementation of the Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedures will enable Council to make informed decisions in line with Council Policy.

7. PUBLIC RELATIONS

The implementation of the Plant and Equipment Policy will enable Council to make informed decisions in line with Council Policy and subsequently prove its displaying good governance and undertaking due process when discussing the maintenance of trees

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within the municipality. The policy will also enable discussions to continue with key stakeholders within the community.

8. ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A: Draft Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedures

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Scott AllenDIRECTOR TECHNICAL SERVICES

Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedure 30.06.2017

ATTACHMENT A

Alice Springs

TREE MAINTENANCE

POLICIES and

PROCEDURESVERSION 1.0

Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedure 30.06.2017

TREE MAINTENANCE POLICYand PROCEDURE

Table of Contents

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY2. PURPOSE3. SCOPE4. POLICY

4.1 Tree Ownership4.2 Street Trees - New Planting4.3 Street Tree removal4.4 Unauthorised Tree Planting4.5 Trees on Crown Land4.6 Clearing Native Vegetation4.7 Council Consultation4.8 Fenceline Clearing

DEFINITIONS5.1 Road5.2 Damage5.3 Tree / Shrub

6 SACRED TREES / TREES OF SIGNIFICANCE6.1 Criteria

Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedure 30.06.2017

TREE MAINTENANCE POLICY and PROCEDURE

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of the Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedures are to establish guidelines & procedures for the installation, maintenance & removal of street trees within the municipality of the ASTC.

ASTC also recognises the significant contribution that trees make in providing a high quality public realm where people are encouraged to partake in a wide range of activities to meet and. ASTC recognises that tree plantings may / will result in a diverse landscape throughout the municipality that will contribute to the amenity of our town.

3. SCOPE

The Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedures:

• Will apply to all street trees within the municipality of ASTC

• Does not over ride conditions stipulated by ASTC planning department for a particular development

• Will assist ASTC staff in making decisions in relating to the planting, maintenance or removal of street trees

• Does not apply to trees on privately owned land

• ASTC maintenance, planting & replacement activities will be guided by the Australian Standard AS4373-2007 (AS AMENDED) Pruning of Amenity Trees

• Makes reference to the Thyer Tree Valuation worksheet.

4. POLICY

4.1 Tree Ownership

Any tree on a road reserve, footpath, sporting oval, Council facility, parks or Reserves or other land under the care and control of the Council is the property of the ASTC.

4.2 Street Tree - New Planting

Residents may apply to ASTC to have trees planted on the nature strip in front of premises.

The planting of trees is permitted with the following criteria:

Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedure 30.06.2017

I. Street trees shall not be planted without the prior approval of ASTC and shall be of an approved variety in accordance with ASTC Tree Species List

II. Street trees with a potential to reach over 4 meters tall shall not be planted within 10m of each other along any street

III. Street trees and shrubs shall not be planted within 10m of any corner property alignment at any intersection.

IV. Street trees shall not be planted within 5m of any electric light pole

V. Street trees and shrubs shall not be planted within 3m of any vehicle entrance / exit

VI. Street trees shall not be planted directly in front of any pedestrian entrance to any property

VII. No planting of poisonous or pest varieties of trees or shrubs is permitted

ASTC may authorise the applicant to plant approved trees in accordance with ASTC specifications. Where the applicant has applied for trees to be planted in front of the premises the applicant is expected to provide adequate water and care to the tree until it becomes established.

4.3 Street Tree Removal

Every tree and shrub on Council controlled areas is deemed to have an asset dollar value. Generally the Thyer Tree Valuation method will be used when calculating the value. The method evaluates the tree on factors such as size, age, social benefit and type.

The dollar worth is determined by giving each factor a numerical value and multiplying by an industry current average replacement cost. This value will be used when determining compensation to Council for the loss of the asset.

No tree may be removed from Council controlled areas without the written approval by Council. ASTC will remove any tree that is dead, diseased or dying and cannot be rehabilitated to a healthy condition.

ASTC will remove any tree after consultation with affected land owners, which on inspection by approved personnel, is found to be dangerous to persons or property, or has the potential to cause injury or damage to persons or property.

ASTC will remove any tree after consultation with affected land owners that on inspection by approved personnel, is found to be damaging services (e.g. sewer lines), footpaths, driveways, structures or retaining walls. Trees under or near electricity infrastructure will be assessed by PowerWater Corporation in accordance with its Standard for Vegetation Management. A

Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedure 30.06.2017

recommendation will be made after assessment by an approved person and a determination on the outcome made by a delegated ASTC officer.

4.4 Unauthorised Tree Planting

Where a property owner plants a tree on Council controlled land without Council approval in accordance with this policy, Council may take action after consultation with the owner and adjoining property owners. The costs associated with this action will be borne by the owner.

4.5 Trees on State Controlled Land

Matters concerning trees and gardens on State controlled roads should be referred to NTG.

4.6 Clearing Native Vegetation

The clearing of native vegetation on freehold land, leasehold land and other State land requires a development permit from NTG.

4.7 Council Consultation

If a tree is dead, diseased or considered dangerous in its present condition it will be removed under current delegation. However, where the previous conditions do not apply and the tree forms part of a streetscape particularly in a Central Business District or other prominent site a report must be presented to Council for direction.

4.8 Fenceline Clearing

The conditions for the clearing of a fenceline adjoining a Council controlled road reserve in a rural residential or rural zone in accordance with the relevant local law.

5. DEFINITIONS

5.1 Road: is an area of land that is dedicated to public use as a road, a footpath or bicycle path, a bridge, culvert, ford, tunnel or viaduct.

5.2 Damage: includes complete removal, lopping or pruning of the vegetation: root pruning; killing by poison, grubbing or transplanting.

5.3 Tree / Shrub: a long lived woody perennial plant with an existing or potential height of three metres which includes a branched canopy structure, including palms or other plants.

6. SACRED TREES / TREES OF SIGNIFICANCE

Trees can be classed as sacred or trees of significance for many reasons including their historical, social, environmental or cultural attributes.

Tree Maintenance Policy and Procedure 30.06.2017

6.1 Criteria

Significant trees may include trees or groups of trees and must satisfy one of the following:

• Historical value - memorial trees for lives lost in defence service, documented ceremonial trees or trees that can be linked to the regions early botanical planters, settlement or documented history

• Botanical value - rare, endangered or vulnerable species with educational value.

• Landscape value - a local landmark or feature tree, significant in size form or spread in a regional context and may contribute to the scenic character of the location or setting

• Natural/Habitat/Ecological Value - the tree contributes to soil stability, shade and water table management, provides habitat to rare and endangered native fauna as well as the provision of food for wildlife or provides a desirable genetic seed source,

• Cultural or Traditional value - the tree has a specific link with cultural traditions or stories

• Sacred Site / Tree of Significance - a tree that has been documented as having cultural significance