Guidelines to provide efficient tree inspections across the Shire

Council has endorsed the Tree Inspection Policy and Guidelines to better manage tree inspections and maintenance works within urban areas of the Shire.  

Council recognises that there can be differing considerations and priorities for effectively managing trees on Council owned land, or land under Council’s control. These differing considerations are reflected in the Policy and Guidelines, which breaks down the tree inspection programs into two parts, reactive and proactive inspections.  

As outlined in the guidelines, Council will commence a proactive approach towards tree inspections within the urban areas of the Shire. This involves a scheduled inspection of the tree to assess any potential hazards. Inspections are then followed up with scheduled maintenance if required, in an effort to reduce the risk of the tree failing.  

This new process seeks to achieve a more efficient approach to the assessment of trees by allowing Council to better prioritise maintenance works and allocate resources.    

Reactive tree inspections upon request will continue to occur on trees on Council land or land under Council’s control in both rural and urban areas. These requests will be managed through Council’s Customer Request Management (CRM) system. An initial inspection will be arranged to consider the impact the tree may cause if it remains unstable. Following this, a decision will be made with regards to whether follow up maintenance is required.  

The systematic approach towards the assessment of trees aims to minimise the need for tree removal, maintain the overall visual appeal within the Shire and maintain a safer environment for residents and visitors to the region.  

Quote attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss 

“Council welcomes the tree inspection policy and guidelines. These will help us have a better process moving forward for tree inspections from both a resource and safety perspective. This new approach means Council can assess the potential hazards before an issue arises and undertake maintenance works if needed. The goal is to keep Baw Baw’s leafy landscape the way it is, and these guidelines will help achieve that." 

Quote attributable to Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Leaney 

“Up until now, Council did not have a formal policy in relation to tree inspections. Council has always undergone a reactive approach to tree inspection. However, these guidelines and policy introduce the proactive approach where Council can better revaluate and adjust our work methods towards tree management. This sets Council up with a much better framework where our trees are better looked after for the benefit of our entire Community.”