Trees

Trimming Trees on your property

Changes to the Resource Management Act regarding tree trimming came into effect from the 1st October 2009.

Some of these changes relate to the trimming of protected trees. Trees which are protected are defined in the District Plan.

You still cannot cut down trees that are protected. However, you can now trim trees that are protected in the urban area.

The changes to the Resource Management Act do not specifically define trimming. However, Papakura District Council has issued the following guidelines to assist you stay within the new law and avoid prosecution:

Trimming should be carried out with hand operated tools and in accordance with recognised arboriculture practice which is not likely to result in:

• the death or destruction of the tree or cause irreparable damage

• major change to the height or shape of the tree.

If in doubt, please contact Council on 295 1300 before carrying out any work.

Protected Trees
Trees provide shade and shelter and enhance privacy. They absorb environmental pollutants and can soften "visual pollution". Papakura has become well known within the greater Auckland region for its abundance of mature evergreen and deciduous trees.

Many of Papakura’s scenic reserves and bush lots feature remnant native forest and mature plantings of exotic species, including Kirks’ Bush, Margan’s Bush, Redmount Scenic Reserve, Red Hill Scenic Reserve, Dominion Reserve, Kauri View Reserve and Sonja Reserve.

Likewise private property owners in many parts of the district are planting trees for their many beneficial effects, and others are enjoying trees planted on their properties ten, twenty or more years before.

Property owners and arborists in Papakura are advised that a range of tree species have protection from pruning or felling. A list of these species is here.

Overhanging Trees - between two neighbouring properties

Trees or Shrubs  - causing an obstruction to pedestrians

Overhanging Trees (between two neighbouring properties)

The Council has no responsibility for shrubs or trees overhanging the boundary of adjoining residential properties that may be causing loss of light, dampness or a general nuisance. It is a common law or private matter. It does not involve Council except where a tree or shrub overhangs the front boundary and obstructs a footpath in the street.

The Property Law Act contains provisions on the action that can be taken by a property owner concerning shrubs or trees overhanging the boundary. Concerned property owners should contact their lawyer or Papakura's Citizens Advice Bureau for further information.

Trees or shrubs causing an obstruction to pedestrians 

On berms or verges

Trees or shrubs that interfere with pedestrians using a public footpath can be a nuisance and represent a danger. Trees or shrubs on the berm or grass verge should not obstruct pedestrians and Council will trim the plants if they are causing an obstruction. 

The Council will not remove a tree, if trimming is all that is required to alleviate an obstruction. 

Email Council's Customer Service Centre or telephone 295 1300 between 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday, to report an obstruction.

On private property

Those trees or shrubs located on private property and overhanging the front boundary causing an obstruction to pedestrians are the responsibility of the property owner.

Similarly trees or shrubs overhanging the boundary and obstructing a public walkway between two roads is the responsibility of the owner.  In both cases the owner of the tree or shrub has to trim the plant to prevent the obstruction.

Email Council's Customer Service Centre or telephone 295 1300 between 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday, to report an obstruction.