Arborlink Consultancy (Exempt & Complying Development)

The NSW State Government introduced the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) in 2008. One of the primary reasons for the introduction of this SEPP was to expedite construction of new homes and smaller additions and alterations to properties. The SEPP was also intended to ease the burden on Local Councils by reducing the number of development applications lodged to Council for assessment.

Development cannot be carried out under the Exempt and Complying Development Code if trees protected by council's TPO require removal or if trees are likley to be damaged during the development. However, in February 2011 an additional clause was added to the SEPP relating to tree removal. Trees are under six (6) metres tall within three (3) metres of the proposed building line can be removed without council consent. If the trees are over six metres tall, the only way to remove them is under Council's TPO. Hows your eye for measuring tree height accurately when considering the location of a house footprint?

Arborlink Consultancy 'Trees and Wind'

Peter Maish of Arborlink Consultancy has assessed privately owned trees for residents in the Ryde and North shore areas for the past 12 years. Trees can be assessed for a number of reasons however the two primary categories are tree health and structural integrity. A tree may appear to be healthy however its structural integrity could be weak.

Given the windy conditions in the Sydney area today, I thought it appropriate to breifly discuss wind induced tree failure caused by a combination of strong wind gusts and defective root systems. As many people would be aware wind is the primary cause of tree failure. A normal healthy tree can usually withstand strong winds (within reason) however trees with defective root systems are pre-disposed to failure during strong wind events.

Some of the causes of root system failure include termites fluting out the centre of structural roots, a containerized asymmetrical root system or the most common cause being root severence close to the tree during trenching or other forms of excavation during development works. One simple way of checking a tree's stability is during strong winds like today. If you look closely at the lower trunk of a tree at ground level and the trunk is moving from side to side (even slightly) your tree may be hazardous. Normal healthy trees with good root systems do not sway at ground level.

If your tree is moving at ground level it is worth having the tree assessed by an expert Arboriculturalist as soon as practicable. I will mention that the above check is to be observed where the trunk enters the soil. Bending moments will occur in the trunk and larger branches of trees during strong wind and bending is OK BUT ROCKING OF THE ENTIRE ABOVE-GROUND PARTS OF A TREE FROM GROUND LEVEL IS DEFINATELY CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Peter Maish

Arborlink Consultancy Details

Arborlink Consultancy provides arborist reports and advice on trees located within your property in the Sydney area. You may have concerns relating to the structural integrity of a large tree growing in close proximity to your home or other infrastructures. If you are worried about a tree that may damage your property Peter Maish can give sound objective advice about the tree.

Peter has 25 years experience in arboriculture and works within the Sydney area. The best way to contact Peter is by email: arboristconsultant@bigpond.com

Tree Report to City of Ryde Council

I recently compiled an Arboricultural Assessment Report to be submitted to City of Ryde Council. Sydney. A resident living in the Council area submitted a Tree Inspection Application form to Council requesting removal of one large Eucalyptus racemosa (Narrow Leafed Scribbly gum) located in close proximity to his home. The owner of the tree has concerns relating to its large size and its potential to shed branches that may damage his home. To date the tree has only lost two small branches.

The Council rejected the application and suggested he get an expert opinion from a Consultant Arborist who is to compile a comprehensive report on the health and structural integrity of the tree.

Analysis of the tree and its growing environment showed the tree is in good health. The tree is causing damge to the owners built landscape around the tree and in the my opinion has outgrown its available growing environment. The report submitted to Council recommended removal of the tree because of its potential to cause further damage to the landscape.

It will be interesting to see what the Council's decision will be given the information contained in the report..