Pruning trees in public spaces

Should you take pruning trees in public spaces into your own hands? The short answer is no.

If ever you find yourself trimming back a street tree on your berm, traffic island or median, you might think you’re doing the tree (or even Council!) a favour, but sadly this is not always the case.

Poor or improper pruning or trimming can cause issues by introducing disease or weakening the tree’s structure. If you’re unfamiliar with the type of tree, trimming at the wrong time or place can mean the tree can’t properly close its wounds.

Disease can sneak in through these openings and develop inside the tree, creating a weak point. During a storm, that weak point is often where the tree can be damaged. 

This is why it's best to leave the care and maintenance of these trees for Council to handle.

Poor pruning opens up problems

Poor pruning can make the tree susceptible to pests and diseases.

Cherry trees, for example, can get borers. Borers are insects that drill into and live inside wood. They’re attracted to sap and open wounds, and once they get in, they can cause rot and create large cavities.

Incorrect pruning can also increase epicormic growth, which is a flush of new shoots. It’s a bit like when you trim a hedge and it comes back bushier, with lots of fast new growth.

The same thing can happen with street trees – we can end up with lower branches over footpaths that need more ongoing maintenance. These shoots can also have weaker connections, so when the wind picks up, they’re more likely to tear out and create a hazard.

So, while it might feel like a helpful thing to do, pruning trees in public places can have unintended consequences.

How to report a tree issue

If you’re unsure about a street tree on your berm or traffic island, whether it looks unsafe, is blocking a footpath or road, or needs attention, let us know:

• call us on 0800 486 486
• log a service request on the Antenno app
• Raise a service request on our website.

Council will assess the tree to determine and arrange any necessary works.