urban tree management plan - junee shire...2. council may require tree/s that have been planted...

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JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL

URBAN TREE MANAGEMENT PLAN

ADOPTED: 18 May 2010 MINUTE NO: 11.05.10 READOPTED: 21 FEBRUARY 2012 MINUTE NO: 13.02.12


TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 4 OBJECTIVE ............................................................................................................................................... 4 EXISTING TREES ................................................................................................................................. 4 TREE PRESERVATION ORDERS .................................................................................................. 4 EXISTING TREE INSPECTION AND RISK ASSESSMENT ............................................ 5 ROAD RESERVE TREES AND VEGETATION ...................................................................... 5 SPECIES CHARACTERISTICS ....................................................................................................... 6 TREE PLANTING .................................................................................................................................. 6 TREE MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................................................... 6 TREE REMOVAL .................................................................................................................................... 7 APPENDIX ‘A’ -...................................................................................................................................... 8 1. INSPECTION REQUIREMENT ...................................................................................................... 9 2. RISK MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................................... 9 3. DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................. 10 4. RESPONSIBILITIES ......................................................................................................................... 13 5. TREE DEFECT RISK RATINGS ................................................................................................... 14

a. Probability of Failure: 1 – 4 points .................................................................................. 14 b. Size of Defective Part(s): 1- 3 points ............................................................................... 15 c. Probability of Target Impact: 1- 3 points ........................................................................ 15

6. INSPECTIONS ................................................................................................................................. 16 7. HAZARD CATEGORY CRITERIA ............................................................................................. 17 8. INSPECTION ZONES AND ZONE RISK RATINGS ............................................................ 18 9. TREE INSPECTION FLOWCHART .......................................................................................... 19 10. INTERVENTION LEVELS ............................................................................................................. 20 11. ADDITIONAL INSPECTIONS .................................................................................................... 20 12. INSPECTION REGISTER .............................................................................................................. 20 13. REPORTING .................................................................................................................................... 20 14. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................... 21 APPENDIX ‘B’ - .................................................................................................................................. 22 IDENTIFIED HIGH RISK STREET TREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM 2009 ..... 22 APPENDIX ‘C’ - ................................................................................................................................... 23 JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL GUIDE – TREE SELECTION AND PLANTING .......... 23 1. OBJECTIVE ....................................................................................................................................... 24 NEW TREE SELECTION AND PLACEMENT FLOWCHART .................................................... 25


TABLE 1 – TREE PLANTING RISK ZONES IN STREETS ............................................................. 26 TABLE 2 – TREE PLANTING SITE CHARACTERISTICS .............................................................. 27 TABLE 3 – SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT ....................................................................... 28 TABLE 4 – JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL – PROHIBITIED SPECIES LIST ........................................ 29 TABLE 5 – JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL – NATURE STRIP PLANTINGS – PREFERRED

SPECIES LIST ................................................................................................................................... 30 TABLE 6 – OPEN AREA PLANTINGS ON COUNCIL CONTROLLED LAND –

PREFERRED SPECIES LIST .......................................................................................................... 32 KEY TO PREFERRED SPECIES LIST .................................................................................................... 33 TABLE 7 – RISK MANAGEMENT CONTROL STRATEGIES ...................................................... 34


INTRODUCTION Junee Shire Council is committed to the efficient and effective management of trees on land under council control, including operational land, community land, nature strips, parks and reserves. Council also recognises that being the Road Authority under the Roads Act 1993, it has a responsibility for the management of trees and the vegetation that may create a risk in the road reserves, within the local government area.

OBJECTIVE This Procedure supports the Tree Management Policy by providing guidance on how Junee Shire council will establish a Tree Management Plan to develop and maintain the “urban forest” environment, whilst recognising that trees will present risks to persons, property and infrastructure assets that have to be managed, giving due consideration to priorities and resources available. It is acknowledged that the Council has responsibility to manage the risks that may arise from existing trees on both council controlled land and private property. These risks could result from the interaction between the trees and structures and the characteristics of the tree species may impact on human and animal health or create a nuisance to a third party. This Plan is not a technical guide on arboriculture and related matters. It is a guide for the council to establish a management system that provides strategies to minimise the risk associated with trees in the urban environment, both existing trees and new plantings and the trees that may present risks to life and property in the road reserves while attempting, at all times, to create a arboreal contribution to a pleasing townscape.

EXISTING TREES A past Court ruling has defined a tree either planted by, or under control of council, as an artificial structure and consequently all necessary steps must be taken to eliminate or minimise exposures caused by the tree. It is therefore necessary to establish a Tree Inventory of all existing trees in the urban areas within the control of this council. As trees are replaced, or new plantings occur, the new tree is added to the Tree Inventory and the existing tree is noted as removed or other relevant comment. Council has developed a Tree Inventory within its Exponare database.

TREE PRESERVATION ORDERS The Council at this time, does not have a “Tree Preservation Order” and where it is demonstrated that a particular tree presents a risk to persons and/or property, appropriate action will be taken to eliminate that risk including removal of part or whole of the tree. It also means that a landholder does not require Council consent to lop or remove a tree within private property.


EXISTING TREE INSPECTION AND RISK ASSESSMENT Council will examine the characteristics of all existing trees to establish if they conform to the current Preferred Species criteria, or if any complaints or problems have occurred in the past with individual trees, groups of trees or the species. Any complaints or actions not previously recorded will be recorded against the relevant tree in the Tree Inventory. Physical examination of individual trees will require the use of the inspection process as outlined in JSC-Asset Inspection Procedure 1.4 “Street Trees”. (Appendix A) From the inspection data the Identified Street Tree Maintenance List 2009 (Appendix B) has been updated and remedial works scheduled based on the level of risk to Council. Ground level inspections may not identify some conditions that may render the tree hazardous. Above ground inspections will be conducted where considered appropriate. The provisions of NSW WorkCover Code of Practice for the Amenity Tree Industry and Council’s Working at Heights procedure will apply to these operations. It is recognised that there may be some trees that are no longer appropriate for the current urban environment, but for historical or sentimental reasons need to be retained. A Plan of Management will be prepared. This Plan shall also include any relevant actions or recommendations resulting from Hazard Abatement Recommendations, Tree Risk Assessments or Arborist Reports. Replacement plantings for existing trees will also be considered as part of the Plan of Management, given that these trees will eventually have to be replaced for a variety or reasons. The effectiveness of the Plan of Management for existing and significant trees will be periodically monitored, and where necessary reviewed and amended.

ROAD RESERVE TREES AND VEGETATION As previously stated, Council, as the Road Authority under the Roads Act 1993, has a duty of care to the travelling public to, as far as possible, ensure that trees and vegetation in the road reserve do not present a risk to life or property. In order to fulfil its duty of care it will be necessary for staff involved in road construction, maintenance and road inspections to be aware of trees and other vegetation that may present a risk to road users. This will be especially important following high wind or storm events. The use of Tree Risk Assessment and associated procedures as detailed above will apply where appropriate. Budget and resource allocations will be made in accordance with usual council processes and competing priorities. Funding for emergency actions will be allocated as the need arises.


SPECIES CHARACTERISTICS To assist in the implementation of strategies to manage the risks associated with trees (new and existing) Council has prepared a Preferred Species list. (Appendix C)

TREE PLANTING 1. Council will provide suitable trees to plant on nature strips provided that:

a) A Customer Action Request is made for such plantings; b) The trees so provided will be of a type that is contained in Council’s

“Preferred Species” list, and c) The total number of trees on any section of nature strip (including existing

trees) does not exceed two for each property frontage, except where the General Manager or delegated officer may determine that additional trees are warranted, where the property frontage is significantly longer than normal or other unusual circumstances exist.

2. Council may require tree/s that have been planted without prior approval to be

removed or relocated at the cost of the property owner. 3. Council will, as opportunities arise, plant trees along roadways to create an avenue

effect. For example:

• When Council constructs or reconstructs a new street. • When the existing tree stock in a street is in such a poor state – Council may

decide to remove all trees and replant with an avenue of suitable species.

Council has found that successful avenue planting required a controlled watering system as the climate in Junee is too harsh and hand-watering to inconsistent to ensure a good result.

TREE MAINTENANCE The maintenance of trees and shrubs on Council controlled property shall be undertaken where possible by Council work staff, at the instruction of Council’s Manager Engineering Services. Council officers will ensure that appropriate techniques and equipment are used for these activities, and that Council’s Occupational Health and Safety provisions are adhered to. Should the consideration of the above factors place the tree maintenance/removal activities outside of Council’s abilities or expertise, Council’s Department of Engineering Services will engage the services of a contract arborist.


The Manager Engineering Services may arrange, either independently or in conjunction with Country Energy, for the trimming of trees on Council controlled property to prevent them fouling power lines. The Manager Engineering Services may arrange for the trimming or lopping of any tree on Council controlled property that poses a serious and significant threat to the safety of persons, animals, property or the operations of vehicles. Written applications for the heavy trimming or lopping of trees on Council controlled property may be determined in accordance with the following guidelines: a) Criteria which may be considered as justifying action:

• serious and significant danger to life and/or property, • proven trigger for allergic reactions, • inhibits initial commercial or industrial development of a site, • proven harbour for white ants or other infestations which cannot be effectively

and economically treated by other means, • serious damage to footpaths or other facilities, • the payment by the applicant of the full cost of determined action.

b) Criteria which will not be considered as justifying action:

• dropping of leaves, twigs or other litter, • overshadowing of property, • inhibits residential development, • inhibits additional commercial or industrial development of a site, • obscures, or otherwise detracts from advertising signs.

Applications for the heavy trimming or lopping of trees on Council controlled property are by the use of Council’s Customer Action Request process.

TREE REMOVAL The removal of trees and shrubs on Council controlled property shall be undertaken, where possible, by Council work staff, at the instruction of Council’s Manager Engineering Services. Council officers shall ensure that appropriate techniques and equipment are used for these activities, and that Council’s Occupational Health and Safety provisions are adhered to. Should the consideration of the above factors place the tree removal activities outside of Council’s abilities or expertise, Council’s Engineering Services shall engage the services of a contract arborist. Applications for the removal of trees on Council controlled property are by the use of Council’s Customer Action Request process.


APPENDIX ‘A’

JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL

ASSET INSPECTION

PROCEDURE 1.4

STREET TREES

Approved: Col Macaulay, Manager Engineering Services Date: 14/05/2005 Reviewed: ……………………………………………… Date: …../…../……


1. INSPECTION REQUIREMENT Junee Shire Council is responsible for managing and maintaining the urban tree environment within the Shire. To enable Council to achieve this outcome, the following procedure has been developed. • Under the OH & S Act 2000 and OH & S Regulations 2001, Council has an

obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of staff, contractors and visitors and;

• Council has an obligation to the community to minimise exposure to public liability

and property damage claims arising from the urban tree asset. The purpose of the Street Tree Inspection shall be to identify and assess any hazards that may be present using Risk Management principles. It will also form part of a total Urban Tree Management Program for Junee Shire Council.

2. RISK MANAGEMENT Inspections are to identify hazards, assess the risk, implement controls, monitor and review the inspection procedure. AS/NZS 4360:2004 – Risk Management principles will be used as guidance. This process will enable Council to take action to: • Ensure the safety and well being of staff, the public and property. • Reduce its exposure to public litigation. • Take a proactive approach to the effective planning and management of the tree

infrastructure and; • Acknowledge that trees are living organisms and have a finite life span which varies

greatly between different species.


3. DEFINITIONS

• arboriculture means cultivating and managing trees as individuals and in small groups for amenity purposes.

• bushland means land on which there is vegetation which is either a remainder of the

natural vegetation of the land or, if altered, is still representative of the structure and/or floristic of the natural vegetation.

• Council means the Junee Shire Council or any officer authorised to act on behalf of

the Council. • Crown maintenance pruning is as defined in Australian Standard AS 4373, 1996

“Pruning of Amenity Trees” and is considered to involve a reduction in tree foliage and branches by up to 10 percent in any one year with no reduction in the height of the main trunk.

• critical root zone (CRZ) is used to define the portion of the root system nearest

the stem that is critical for stability and vitality of the tree. This area is usually beyond the drip line of the tree. The radius of this circular area is defined as CRZ (in metres) = DBH x 10.

• defect decay, cavity, crack, dieback, crown damage, root damage/girdling; dead

trees/wood that decreases the integrity of a tree and which could lead to premature failure of or part of the tree.

• destroy means any activity leading to the death, disfigurement or mutilation of a

tree. • diameter breast height (DBH) is the outside bark diameter at breast height.

Breast height is defined as 1.37metres above ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

• height means the distance measured vertically between the horizontal plane of the

lowest point of the base of the tree which is immediately above ground and the horizontal plane of the uppermost point of the tree.

• heritage item means any building, item, garden, tree or thing listed on Council’s

schedule of Heritage Items. • injury means damage to a tree and includes:

- lopping and topping. - poisoning. - cutting, tearing, breaking or snapping of branches and roots that are not carried

out in accordance with accepted arboricultural practices, including vandalism. - ring barking - scarring the bark that circles a tree and significantly restricting the

normal vascular function of the trunk or branches. - damaging a trees root zone. and, - under scrubbing, unless carried out by hand tools, such as brush cutters and the

like.


• inspection zone designated geographic area for the implementation and management of the tree risk management functions.

• likely habitat tree means any tree which has developed hollows in the trunk or

limbs suitable for nesting birds, or arboreal marsupials or mammals, or is supporting the growth of locally indigenous epiphytic plants such as orchids.

• lopping means the unacceptable practice of cutting between branch unions or at

internodes on young trees. • native vegetation means any of the following types of indigenous vegetation:

- trees, under storey plants, groundcover, plants occurring in a wetland, and/or - Any tree listed in the ‘Census of Australian Vascular Plants’ produced by the

Australian Biological Resources Study (previously known as the Bureau of Flora and Fauna) Canberra, and not designated as a naturalised species. Naturalised species are marked with an asterisk in the census.

• owner has the meaning ascribed to it in the Local Government Act NSW 1993. • prune or pruning is defined as all other pruning which is not “crown maintenance

pruning” and includes “crown modification” as defined in Australian Standard AS 4373-1996, "Pruning of Amenity Trees".

• public land is defined as any land that is vested in or is under the care, control or

management of Junee Shire Council. • public work means work carried out by the Council or it’s agents on Public land. • remnant tree or vegetation means a native tree or any patch of native vegetation

which remains in the landscape after removal of most or all of the native vegetation in the immediate vicinity.

• remove means to cut down, take away or transplant a tree from its place of origin. • road has the same meaning as in the Roads Act NSW 1993. • topping means cutting away part or the entire tree canopy leaving a trunk and

stubbed main branches. • tree means a perennial plant with at least one self-supporting woody or fibrous

stem, being:

- greater than 5m tall, or - greater than 5m wide across the foliage crown, or. - a trunk circumference of greater than 500mm measured 1.37metres (DBH)

above ground level. • tree drip line or zone means the area defined, under a tree, by the outer edge of

the tree canopy projected to ground level.


• undesirable species means plants that have characteristics which may lead to poisoning, weed infestation, brittle and dangerous wood, excessive spread of roots or bush land invasion.

• vegetation - all native plant communities other than trees as defined in this

procedure.


4. RESPONSIBILITIES • General Manager

- To implement this procedure

• Manager Engineering Services

- To provide the necessary resources to monitor and maintain the urban tree resource.

- Support staff as and when required to maintain a safe urban tree resource.

• Supervisor Parks and Gardens

- Responsible for the assessment and care of the urban tree resource on Junee Shire Council controlled land.

- To ensure that all tree inspections are carried as per the schedule contained

within this procedure. - To ensure the safety of staff and the general public whilst carrying out any task

as outlined in this procedure. • Spatial Information Management Project

- To maintain the Mapinfo/Exponare database. - Upgrade and maintain the tree risk assessment tool software.

- Provide training information as required from time to time.


5. TREE DEFECT RISK RATINGS

a. Probability of Failure: 1 – 4 points Low 1 point

Some minor defects present

• Minor branch/ crown dieback. • Minor defects or wounds

Moderate 2 points

Several moderate defects present

• Stem decay or cavity within safe shell limits - shell thickness > 25mm of sound wood for each 150mm of stem diameter.

• Crack without extensive decay - defect(s) affecting 30-40% of the tree’s circumference.

• Crown damage/breakage - hardwoods up to 50%; pines up to 30%.

• Weak branch union - major branch or co dominant stem has included bark.

• Stem girdling roots - <40% tree’s circumference with compressed wood.

• Root damage - < 40% of roots damaged within the CRZ.

High 3 points

Multiple or significant defects present

• Stem decay or cavity at or exceeding shell safety limits: shell thickness < 25mm of sound wood for each 150mm of stem diameter.

• Cracks, particularly those in contact with the soil or associated with other defects - defect(s) affecting > 40% of the tree’s circumference.

• Crown damage/breakage - hardwoods >50%; pines >30%.

• Weak branch union with crack or decay. • Girdling roots with > 40% of tree’s

circumference with compressed wood. • Root damage > 40% of roots damaged

within the CRZ. • Leaning tree with recent root breakage

or soil mounding, crack or extensive decay.

• Dead tree - standing dead without other significant defects

Extremely High 4 points

Multiple and significant defects present

• Visual obstruction of traffic signs/lights or intersections.

• Stem decay or cavity exceeding shell safety limits and severe crack.

• Cracks - when a stem or branch is split in half - defect(s) affecting > 40% of the tree’s circumference or CRZ and extensive decay or crack(s) - weak branch union with crack and decay- leaning tree with recent root breakage


or soil mounding and a crack or extensive decay -dead branches: broken (hangers) or with a crack.

• Dead trees - standing dead with other defects such as cracks, hangers, extensive decay, or major root damage - visual obstruction of traffic signs/lights or intersections - physical obstruction of pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

b. Size of Defective Part(s): 1- 3 points 1 point.

Parts less than 100mm in diameter

2 points.

Parts from 100mm to 500mm in diameter

3 points.

Parts greater than 500mm in diameter

c. Probability of Target Impact: 1- 3 points Occasional Use - 1 point

Low use streets and lanes; parking areas adjacent to low use areas; natural areas; transition areas with limited public use; industrial areas

Intermediate Use - 2 points

Moderate to low use parks; parking areas adjacent to moderate use areas; secondary streets within moderate to high use areas.

Frequent Use - 3 points

Emergency access routes, medical and emergency facilities; high use school areas, parks, and picnic areas; bus stops; visitor centres, shelters, and park buildings; main thoroughfares and intersections in high use areas; parking areas adjacent to high use areas; information kiosks.

Other Risk Factors - 0-2 points

This category can be used if professional judgment suggests the need to increase the risk rating.


It is especially helpful to use when tree species growth characteristics become a factor in risk rating. For example, some tree species have growth patterns that make them more vulnerable to certain defects such as weak branch unions and branching shedding. It can also be used if the tree is likely to fail before the next schedule risk inspection.

6. INSPECTIONS Council shall carry out planned safety inspections of its tree inventory at the intervals as per the inspection schedule. A risk assessment is also to be made prior to any activity by Council staff or contractors in the vicinity of trees.

Hazard

Categories

Colour Codes

Inspection Schedule

Inspection

Method

Comments

HIGH

RED

Annually

Individual tree inspections

Scheduled for July August each year

MODERATE

Orange

Annually

Individual tree inspections

Schedule for July August each year

LOW

Green

Three yearly

Individual tree inspections and/or Drive by

Schedule for January each year

ALL CATEGORIES

N/A

After severe storms, fire, accident, etc

Drive by

If potentially hazardous trees detected carry out individual tree inspection


7. HAZARD CATEGORY CRITERIA

Hazard

Categories

Colour Codes

Criteria

High

Red

1. Medical: ● Hospital ● Medical Centre ● Chemist ● Ambulance.

2. Schools: ● Junee High ● Junee Public ● St Josephs ● North Junee ● Auskids ● Junee ● Pre School.

3. Parks: ● Memorial Park ● Jubilee Park ● Hobbin Pond

4. CBD: ● Lorne Street ●Peel Street ● Main Street ● Lisgar Street ● Broadway East of Victoria Street ● Humphrey Street ● Belmore Street ● Waratah Street

5. Facilities & Services: ● Recreation Centre ● Skate Park ● Post Office ● Caravan Park

6. Sporting Fields: ● Burns Park ● Loftus Oval● Willow Park

Moderate

Orange

1. Main Thoroughfares: ● Main Street ● Seignior Street ● Gundagai Road ● Kemp Street ● Broadway West of Victoria Street● Regent Street ● Old Junee Road ● Harefield Road ● Illabo Road

2. Showground

3. Parks: ● Rotary Park ● Bernie Fraser Park ● Hunter Street ● Ben Martin Park ● Wrights Oval

4. Cemetery

5. Golf Course

6. Rocky Hill Lookout

Low

Green

1. Town Streets 2. Open Areas


8. INSPECTION ZONES AND ZONE RISK RATINGS


9. TREE INSPECTION FLOWCHART


10. INTERVENTION LEVELS

Hazard Category

Days to Rectification High

One day.

Moderate

Five days.

Low

Programmed maintenance

Where the defect is causing an immediate hazard, the inspecting officer shall either reduce the danger by removing the hazard or, where this is not practical, set up warning signs and barriers until the risk has been eliminated or reduced to a tolerable level.

11. ADDITIONAL INSPECTIONS Additional inspections will be carried out after environmental occurrences such as severe storms, fires, traffic accidents involving trees or at any other times deemed appropriate by the Manager Engineering Services.

12. INSPECTION REGISTER Council will utilise Mapinfo/Exponare for all inspection recording, scheduling and reporting functions. The database will highlight any non-conformance with regard to the inspection calendar and remedial intervention timeframes.

13. REPORTING Exception reports will be made available to the Manager Engineering Services on a monthly basis. Adhoc reports will be available from the Exponare database by those with access.


14. REFERENCES • Junee Shire Council Risk Management Policy 2004. • Junee Shire Council Asset Inspection Policy 2004. • Junee Shire Council Guide to Tree Selection and Planting 2004. • Statewide Mutual Best Practices Manual – “Trees and Tree Root Management”.

Version 2 May 2003. • Urban Tree Risk Management: A Community Guide to Program Design and

Implementation. • Local Government Act NSW 1993. • Roads Act NSW 1993. • Australian Standard AS 4373, 1996 “Pruning of Amenity Trees”. • AS/NZS 4360:2004 – Risk Management. • “Census of Australian Vascular Plants” produced by the Australian Biological

Resources Study (previously known as the Bureau of Flora and Fauna) Canberra. • Occupational Health and Safety Act NSW 2000. • Occupational Health and Safety Regulations NSW 2001.


APPENDIX ‘B’ IDENTIFIED HIGH RISK STREET TREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM 2009


APPENDIX ‘C’

JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL GUIDE

TREE SELECTION AND PLANTING

Version One: October 2004 Version Two: July 2005 Version Three: October 2005 Version Four: January 2010


1. OBJECTIVE To produce a simple, systematic and readily useable system to determine the risks associated with tree selection and planting within Junee Shire Council. This document forms part of Junee Shire Council’s Urban Tree Management Plan. This document was formulated through the utilisation of material contained in the StateWide Mutual best practices manual Trees and Tree Root Management. Additional resources used for the development of the Preferred Species List were obtained from the following sources: • Hunter Water Corporation’s “Have You a Monster Growing in Your Backyard?”, • South East Water Limited Victoria’s “Tree Roots a Growing Problem” and; • Urban Tree Risk Management: A Community Guide to Program Design and

Implementation. Coordinating Author Jill D.Pokorny Plant Pathologist USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry 1992 Folwell Ave. St.Paul,MN 55108 Even though the information contained in this book is compiled by the USDA Forest Service it is relevant to our environment.


NEW TREE SELECTION AND PLACEMENT FLOWCHART

Select Tree Species

Do you know the risk zone No

Refer to Table 1 & 2

and site characteristics? Yes Do you know the social/cultural context? No

Refer to Table 3 Yes

Yes

Do you know the species No

Refer to Table 4

characteristics Yes

Have you considered a risk No

Refer to Table 5

management strategy?


TABLE 1 – TREE PLANTING RISK ZONES IN STREETS ZONE A

Most Constraints (Greatest risk)

ZONE B Moderate constraints (Moderate risk)

ZONE C Fewest constraints (Minimum risk)

Electrical & telecommunications

Uninsulated low and high voltage wires bushfires area

Bundled cables (ABC) insulated cables

No powerlines

Below ground services typical layouts

Fibre optic cables high voltage power

Water mains gas mains stormwater

No underground services

Slope

Steep slope

Moderate slope

Generally flat land

Paved areas

Area wholly paved surface wholly sealed brick pavers laid on sand bedding

Partially paved areas non reinforced concrete

Grass up to 6m wide

Verge width

Less than 3.0m

From 3m to 4m

4m or wider

Building set back

None

Less than 6m

6m or greater

Street lighting

Over pedestrian crossings traffic intersections

Street lighting other than crossings and intersections

No street lighting

Safety signage ie. traffic signs

Dual carriageways arterial roads high density residential streets

Medium density residential streets arterial roads in rural zones

Low density rural/residential streets

Traffic

Heavy vehicles public transport in heavy volumes

Public transport in moderate volume heavy vehicles in moderate volumes

Public transport in low volume residential traffic in low volume cul-de-sacs.

Soils

Severely compacted shallow reactive clay acid sulphate poor drainage

Moderately compacted urban fill moderate drainage

Undisturbed soil deep profile medium texture good natural drainage

Water table

High

Moderate depth

Deep water table


TABLE 2 – TREE PLANTING SITE CHARACTERISTICS

A Most Constraint

B

Moderate Constraint

C

Least Restraint

Climate

Frontline wind exposure Prevailing wind exposure Rain shadow Extensive sealed ground surface

Moderate wind exposure Partial rain shadow Partial ground surface sealed

Minimal wind exposure No rain shadow Minimal ground surface sealed

Slope

Steep slope

Moderate slope

Minor slope to flat land

Aspect

Southern & Western exposure

Either southern or western exposure

Northern & eastern exposure

Street – Width & Usage

Narrow; CBD residential & commercial; Arterial – high traffic volume

Non CBD; narrow residential & commercial; Suburban collector roads – medium volume traffic

Average to wide residential/ commercial Wide residential

Soil – Type and Drainage

Reactive clay Poor drainage Salinity

Non reactive clay Average drainage

Free draining open textured soil

Services

Above ground and below ground utilities

Above or below ground utility services

No utility services


TABLE 3 – SOCIAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT

CONTEXT

IMPORTANCE

COMMENT LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH

Heritage

Yes

Junee Shire Council endeavours to preserve and protect trees of heritage value in conservation precinct.

Architectural style

Yes

All new street trees should add to the ambiance of the current architecture.

Community values

Yes

Junee Shire Council’s tree selection will reflect community values wherever possible.

Wildlife habitat

Yes

Trees that attract nesting birds are also a point of risk and should be managed on a needs basis.

Street character

Yes

All trees need to add value to the character of the street.

Landscape character

Yes

All trees need to enhance street landscape without adding risk.

Junee Shire Council will consider all of the above options, however it will endeavour to mitigate risks associated with all of its tree selections and plantings.


TABLE 4 – JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL – PROHIBITIED SPECIES LIST

Species

Common

Name

Remarks

Cortaderia Selloana

Pampas Grass

Classed as a noxious weed.

Pyracantha Angustifolia

Firethorn

Unsuitable due to berries and thorns.

Toxicodendron Succedanea

Rhus Tree

Allergic reactions.

Lycium ferocissimum

African Boxthorn

Berries, thorns and invasiveness – listed noxious weed.

Schinus areira

Pepper Tree

Invasive weed, harbour for white ants.

Melia azedarach

White Cedar

Extensive berry drop – Asthma.

Brachychiton populneum Kurrajong Extensive pod drop – invasive root system.


TABLE 5 – JUNEE SHIRE COUNCIL – NATURE STRIP PLANTINGS – PREFERRED SPECIES LIST Species

Common Name

Height x Spread (in metres)

Form (1)

Fruit Flower (2)

Pests Disease

Constrai-nt Zone (3)

Longev-ity (4)

Powerline Suitability (5)

Other Characteristics

Lagerstromoemia Crepe Myrtle 4X2 Round Flower N/A C 30+ U

Arbutus Irish Strawberry 4X3 Round Flower N/A C 30+ U

Pyrus Ussuriensis Manchurian Pear 5X3 Pyramidal Flower N/A C 30+ U

Albizia Julibrissin Silk Tree 8 X 11 Broad-Domed

Fruit & Flower

N/A B S U

Roots prone to lifting footpaths

Malus Ioensis Bechtel Crabapple 10 X 6 Pyramidal Flower N/A U

Callistomon – all species Bottle Brush 6 X 6 Broad-Domed

Flower & Fruit U

Hakea Salicifolia U

Pistneia Pitinensis U


Species

Common Name

Height x Spread (in metres)

Form (1)

Fruit Flower (2)

Pests Disease

Constrai-nt Zone (3)

Longev-ity (4)

Powerline Suitability (5)

Other Characteristics

Sapium Sebiferum Chinese Tallow Tree 10 X 5 Fruit U

Platanus Acerifolia London Plane 18X10 Broad Domed Flower N/A A 30+ S

Fraxinus Oxycarpa “Raywoodii” Claret Ash 12X6 Broad

Domed Flower N/A B 30+ S

Quercus Palustris Pin Oak 20X10 Broad Domed Flower N/A B 30+ S

Jacaranda Mimosifolia Jacaranda 15 X 6 Pyramidal Fruit & Flower

S

Leaf, flower and fruit drop

Ulmus Parvifolia Chinese Elm 18 X 6 Pyramidal Fruit & Flower

Dutch Elm disease

S

Liquidambar styraciflua Liquid Amber 25 X 6 Pyramidal Fruit & Flower

S

Leaf & fruit drop


TABLE 6 – OPEN AREA PLANTINGS ON COUNCIL CONTROLLED LAND – PREFERRED SPECIES LIST

Species

Common Name

Remarks

All species excepting those as listed in Table 4

Council plantings in open spaces will take into account the risk, environment, amenity, views and safety of the community.


KEY TO PREFERRED SPECIES LIST 1. Form A guide to the general shape or profile that indicates the mature form of a species. • Column-like e.g. Callitris rhomboidea (Port Jackson Pine) • Pyramidal e.g. Brachychiton spp. (Illawarra Flame tree) • Broad-Domed e.g. Ficus rubiginosa (Port Jackson Fig) • Narrow-Domed e.g. Lophostemon confertus (Brush box) 2. Fruit, Flower, Twig or Branch Shedding A rating for the tendency to shed material, such as fruit, flowers, twigs and branches. Key Fr – fruit H – heavy (large amount of fruit fall with risk implications) L – light (limited amount of fruit with lower risk implications) R - respiratory (as recommended by Australian Asthma Foundation) Fl – flower H – heavy (large amount of flower with risk implications) L – light (limited amount of flowers with lower risk implications) R- respiratory (as recommended by Australian Asthma Foundation) Br – branch drop) H – heavy (listed in horticultural literature as potential large branch L – light (limited amount of small diameter branches/twigs) 3. Constraint Zone A rating on the potential conflict between tree species and infrastructure based on an assessment of factors detailed in Statewide Best Practice guidelines for trees and tree roots. A - Most constraints B - Moderate constraints C - Least constraints 4. Longevity The potential useful life expectancy of a nominated species when planted in the public domain, e.g., streets, parks, reserves, easements. S - Short – less than 15 years M - Medium 15 – 40 years L - Long - > 40 years


5. Powerlines Suitability for planting beneath insulated (Aerial Bundled Cabling or ABC) and uninsulated powerlines. Clearances from insulated wires are less than for clearances from uninsulated wires. Refer to energy supply authority guidelines. U - Unsuitable S - Suitable SP - Suitable if given cyclical pruning 6. Other Characteristics Reference to planting distances from “Do You Have a Monster in Your Backyard?” published by Hunter Water Corporation.

TABLE 7 – RISK MANAGEMENT CONTROL STRATEGIES

Control Strategy

Description

Root barriers

Installation of root barriers to manufacturer’s specification at the time of planting will assist tree roots to develop away from services, pavements and other structures. NOTE OF CAUTION: Tree root barriers do require periodic monitoring as roots deflected downwards will return to the surface if soil oxygen levels are not sufficient to support growth at depth. Roots can also grow over the barrier in some situations.

Soil compaction

Proper compaction of the soil when back filling trenches or around utility easements and house footings will direct tree roots away from these areas. By achieving and maintaining compaction to 95% root growth can be inhibited through the depravation of oxygen.

Pseudo street trees

Residents could be encouraged to plant trees within their boundaries in preference to street tree planting. This might allow larger species to be used, and reduce pressure on pavements and services.

Design of new roads and pathways

The design of new roads and footpaths should be undertaken with consideration for tree planting on the nature strip or in the road pavement to ensure appropriate allocation of space.


Control Strategy

Description

Provision of aeration and irrigation

Where there is to be continuous paving around a tree, the installation of an aeration and irrigation system should be considered. Where irrigation is installed and properly operating, a tree root system will be proportionately smaller than without irrigation.

Pavement Openings

Pavement openings at the base of the tree should be as large as possible to reduce the future impact of buttressing roots on pavements. Position of the tree should be a good distance (e.g. one metre) from the kerb line to reduce the likelihood of future cracking.

Tree management comprises four parts: 1. Tree Risk Management 2. Emergency Response 3. Tree Planting 4. Tree Pruning & Maintenance As can be seen each of the four areas, all have risk management components and wherever possible the Urban Tree Management Plan will combine several parts due to time and budgetary restraints. This process allows a systematic approach to risk management of trees and tree roots. In the past Council staff dealt with the symptoms of tree damage whereas the above Plan is a proactive risk management process.