Public trees and vegetation

Hornsby Shire Council’s Tree Preservation provisions have been developed in accordance with Council’s authorities contained in Chapter 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas), of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021.

Section 1.2.6 Tree and Vegetation Preservation(PDF, 166KB) of the Development Control Plan prescribes the trees and vegetation to which the Biodiversity and Conservation SEPP and/or Clause 5.10 of the Hornsby Local Environmental Plan applies and the applicable approval process.

The Hornsby Urban Forest Strategy 2021(PDF, 29MB), sets out the vision is for the Council to have a healthy, thriving, diverse and valued urban forest that provides shade, cooling and adds colour and life to the Shire. Hornsby Shire Council’s urban forest is one of the core components of the Shire’s green infrastructure network. The range of benefits that trees provide are well documented and include but not limited to are shade, carbon storage, air pollution reduction, stormwater interceptions, habitat, food for wildlife and contribution to the landscape character.

Residents of Hornsby Shire are not permitted to prune or remove a tree on Council owned or managed land.

If you are concerned about a tree located on Council owned or managed land (eg nature strips, parks and sportsgrounds) lodge a service request with Council. One of Councils AQF5 Arborists will assess the tree in question in accordance with Councils Tree Assessment Principles along with the implementation of an industry recognised risk assessment to determine if maintenance is required.

Once you have lodged a service request, Council will inform you in writing when it has commenced action on your request. Please use the service request search tool to view progress and / or updates.

Lodge a service request

Phone – Call Council’s Customer Service team on 9847 6666 (office hours)

Typical requests include

• The collection of branches fallen from nature strip trees
• General pruning and maintenance of street trees
• Request to plant a tree on nature strip
• Investigation of private trees overhanging public spaces (nature strip, walkway, footpath etc)
• For queries in relation to power line clearance pruning, please call Ausgrid Customer Service Centre on 13 13 65 or ausgrid.com.au/treetrimming

The Council undertakes annual tree planting in streets and parks. Residents can request to have a tree planted in their neighbourhood. Council may plant trees where a tree has been removed or in other suitable planting sites.

Find out more

The purpose of this termite management factsheet(PDF, 3MB)is to establish Council's response to the management of termites on public land within Hornsby Shire Council.

In urban areas the condition of the nature strip adjacent to our property provides a ‘leafy green and shaded’ zone between roads and pedestrian / shared pathways. Maintained nature strips help to maintain the appearance and pride of your neighbourhood, adds real estate value and creates a safer environment.

It is the responsibility of the property owner/resident to maintain the nature strips directly outside their house, and includes the front, side and rear grassed nature strips.

Where there is an instance of an overgrown grassed nature strip, Council will contact the property owner and direct them to tend to the nature strip as soon as possible and maintain it on a regular basis.