Council and the rules
Do I need City approval to remove a tree? Secret Harbour, Port Kennedy, Warnbro, Golden Bay, Singleton, Baldivis and Karnup are all in the City of Rockingham. The City has said its planning scheme does not require approval to remove trees on standard residential lots. Native trees on rural, special rural and special residential zoned land are treated differently and need City approval. The City has also been consulting on protecting significant trees on private land. Check the City's website or call them before removing a large tree.
What about the tree on my verge? Verge trees are street trees managed by the City of Rockingham. Do not prune or remove them yourself; report concerns to the City.
Are there rules for moving tree waste? The polyphagous shot-hole borer has led the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to set rules on moving wood and green waste within a quarantine area. Check the department's current map and guidance before moving tree material, especially if a tree is showing borer signs such as small holes and sawdust on the trunk.
Safety and power lines
A branch is near the power line to my house. What do I do? Mention it when you call. Work near the service wire needs someone authorised for it. For lines on poles in the street, Western Power is the network operator to contact.
A tree has fallen. Who do I call first? If it is on or near power lines, stay well away and call Western Power's emergency line. If it is on the house or blocking access, keep everyone clear and call us during phone hours. For a life-threatening situation, call 000.
How can I tell if a tree might be dangerous? Look for a new or increasing lean, cracked or lifted ground on one side of the base, a split in the trunk or main fork, fungus at the base and large dead limbs. None of these alone means the tree must go, but they are reasons to have it inspected.
Neighbours
My neighbour's tree hangs over my yard. Can I cut it? In WA you can generally trim branches overhanging your property back to the boundary, but you should not damage the tree or enter the neighbour's property without permission. Talk to your neighbour first. For a significant dispute, get advice before acting.
Who pays if a neighbour's tree damages my property? That depends on the circumstances and is a legal and insurance question rather than a tree one. Talk to your insurer and the neighbour, and get advice if needed.
Stumps, palms and bamboo
Grinding or removal? Grinding for lawns and gardens; removal where something is being built. See stump grinding and stump removal.
Can palms be lopped? No. A palm grows from a single crown; cutting it ends the palm. Palms are cleaned of dead fronds or removed. See palm tree removal.
Why does bamboo keep coming back? Because the rhizomes underground were left behind. See bamboo removal.
How this service works
Who actually does the work? This is a referral website. Work is carried out by independent local contractors. We ask the contractors we work with to hold the licences and insurance the job needs; ask to see them before work starts.
Is the quote free? Yes, and there is no obligation to accept it. Prices are explained on the cost guide.
When can I call? Monday to Friday 7am to 5pm, and Saturday 8am to 2pm. Closed Sunday. The contact page has the form.
Before the visit
How long does a quote visit take? Usually a short visit. The contractor looks at the tree, the base of the trunk, the access and what is underneath, then talks through the options. Larger or more complicated jobs can take longer to assess.