Before you book
Most of the questions we get come down to three things: who owns the tree, what rules apply to it, and what exactly is being paid for. The answers below cover the common cases. Where rules are involved, we say which body sets them; they change from time to time, so check with that body before work starts.
Councils in this area
The south-east corridor falls across several local governments, and which one you deal with depends on your street:
- City of Armadale: Armadale, Kelmscott, Harrisdale, Piara Waters and the hills to the east.
- City of Gosnells: Gosnells, Thornlie, Maddington, Southern River and part of Canning Vale.
- City of Canning: the rest of Canning Vale.
- Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale: Byford and the area to its south.
Each council manages its own street trees and sets its own local rules. If you are unsure which council you are in, your rates notice will tell you.
State rules that can apply
Some rules come from the state rather than the council:
- Clearing native vegetation is regulated under WA environmental law, administered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. There are exemptions, but large lots with remnant bush should check before clearing.
- Bushfire prone areas are mapped by the state, and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services publishes standards for managing vegetation around houses on that land. Our bushfire guide explains them.
- Power lines are Western Power's network. Work near the street mains may need their involvement.
What a good quote looks like
A good quote names each tree and the work to be done to it, says what happens to the stump and the waste, describes the access and any protection for lawns and paving, and lists anything excluded. The cost guide has planning prices and a checklist for comparing two quotes. Each service page also lists what that particular quote should cover.
Words people use loosely
Lopping, pruning and removal get mixed up all the time. Removal takes the whole tree down. Pruning removes selected branches, such as dead wood or limbs over the roof, and leaves the tree's shape intact. Lopping usually means cutting a tree back hard to reduce its size; done badly, it leaves stubs that regrow fast and weak. When you ask for a quote, describe the result you want rather than the word, and the contractor can suggest the right method.
Still not sure?
Call (08) 7666 1429 between 6am and 8pm, any day of the week, and describe what you are looking at. Or start with the services page to see which job fits.