Living amongst the trees is a big part of the hills environment in which our residents choose to live in the Shire. The Shire of Mundaring is committed to the preservation of trees, and maintaining a balance between our environment and our infrastructure.

We understand the importance of maintaining a practical level of hazard minimisation in regards to trees, whilst understanding that trees are a living organism and can be unpredictable at times.

The Shire reserves the right to remove and/or prune any verge tree, if it is deemed to be:

  • Hazardous
  • Creating sight line issues
  • Destroying public infrastructure
  • No longer suitable to be growing under power lines
  • Impacting the construction of new Shire infrastructure.

Note: Verge trees are growing on Crown Land. The Shire simply manages the trees when and where necessary and does not take ownership of a particular tree or trees.

Removal of verge tree

To request a tree is removed, please contact us.

If a request is made to have a verge tree removed, certain criteria will apply before any action can be taken e.g. is the tree creating a hazard.

What constitutes a hazard?

  • A dead or dying tree that is close to a driveway, road, footpath and/or infrastructure
  • A tree that is severely diseased (Marri Canker for example) and of poor structure
  • A tree that has become unstable at the base where root ball heave is present
  • A tree that is causing sight line problems when exiting a driveway or an intersection
  • A tree that appears to be deteriorating in health
  • A tree with severe termite infestation

What does not constitute a hazard?

  • A tree simply shedding leaves, bark and fruits. This is a natural occurrence.
  • The height of a particular tree.
  • The proximity to infrastructure if the tree is in good health and structure.
  • The species of a particular tree.

Pruning of verge trees

To request a tree is pruned or inspected, please contact us.

Tree inspections can be conducted by the Shire’s Supervisor Tree Management (who is a qualified arborist), and a determination will be made if any works are necessary. 

If a request is made to have a prune a verge tree, certain criteria will apply before any action can be taken e.g. is the tree creating a hazard.

What constitutes a hazard?

  • A dead limb/s overhanging a driveway, road, footpath and/or infrastructure
  • A limb/s that appears to be cracked or damaged
  • A limb/s that is causing sight line issues when exiting a driveway or an intersection
  • A limb/s that is hanging low with the potential to damage vehicles
  • A limb/s that is encroaching over infrastructure or the road with the potential for failure
  • A limb/s that is severely diseased (Marri Canker for example) and of poor structure.

What does not constitute a hazard?

  • A limb/s encroaching over a fence that has no impact on infrastructure
  • The size of a limb/s
  • A particular limb/s shedding leaves, bark and fruits (this is a natural occurrence)
  • Limb/s encroaching into a paddock where no infrastructure is present. Please note it is the responsibility of the land owner to prune overhanging limbs encroaching into their fire break. 

Removing or pruning verge trees yourself

Generally the Shire discourages residents from conducting their own tree works on verge trees, however exemptions are made where certain conditions apply. For example where a resident wishes to prune back encroaching limbs to reduce the amount of leaf and litter drop from a particular tree/s they may do so at their own expense (conditions apply).

Further to this if a resident wishes to remove a non-indigenous verge tree they may do so (if the reason is valid) at their own expense, providing they have contacted the Shire and sought permission to do so, and received a letter of authorisation outlining the guidelines and procedures they must adhere to prior to commencing works.

Verge trees impeding power lines

Naturally occurring verge trees, primarily Marris and Jarrahs (which are the prominent species in the hills), that are impeding power lines are generally managed by Western Power.

Should you have an issue regarding naturally occurring trees and power lines, make the safe call by contacting Western Power.

For any other verge trees that have been planted and/or cultivated that are impeding the power lines, contact us.

Damage to property

If a verge tree falls or is damaged as a result of a storm or high winds, and cause damage to a resident’s infrastructure, the Shire cannot be held responsible for any damages as this is a naturally occurring event and part of living in the hills and a heavily treed environment.

Bush verge protection and management

Refer to the Environment section for guidance on the protection and management of bush verge.

More information and contact

Please contact Infrastructure Services on 9290 6716 or email shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au