Trees on Private Property
Many areas in the City of South Perth are experiencing a significant loss of trees on private properties, reducing the overall tree canopy cover. It is critical that these trees are preserved wherever possible.
Branches and roots from neighbouring trees
While trees can grow beyond property boundaries, it is important to respect your neighbour's safety and public amenity when managing trees on private property.
Branches and roots from trees can, and often do, extend well past property boundaries. Despite this, trees should ideally be left to grow naturally without unnecessary pruning.
If a branch or root of a neighbour’s tree encroaches on your property and causes an issue, you are allowed to cut and remove the branch or root up to the boundary of your land. You must not cut the branch or root on your neighbour’s side of the boundary without their agreement.
It is best to discuss any pruning with your neighbour, especially if you are cutting any structural roots, as this may weaken the tree. If in doubt, please engage the services of a reputable consulting arborist.
Any root, branch, flower or fruit on a branch that is removed remains the property of the tree’s owner.
Tree safety
If you think your neighbour’s tree is a danger to people or property you should:
- Speak with your neighbour about your concerns and attempt to reach an amicable solution
- Write to the owner requesting works to be undertaken on their tree and keep a copy of the letter
- Obtain an arboricultural report from a qualified consultant and give it to the owner with a request to carry out required works.
Damage caused by a neighbouring tree
If a tree has caused damage to your property, you can notify your neighbour in writing and request:
- Reimbursement for the costs of repairs and other expenses
- That the offending part of the tree is removed.
If you cannot reach an agreement, it may be necessary to issue legal proceedings. You may also wish to contact Legal Aid WA and the Citizens Advice Bureau to seek advice on resolving the dispute.
The court may order the tree’s owner to have the encroaching branches or roots removed. If the property owner does not take action after the court ruling, you may report the issue to the City. The City can contact your neighbour to ensure the court action is taken, however you must be able to provide proof of the court action.
Trees for your yard
The City recommends planting waterwise trees with a non-invasive root system on your property. The following trees are ideal for the Perth climate.
| Small trees (up to 10 metres) | Medium trees (up to 15 metres) |
|---|---|
Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus sp. utilis, forrestiana, todtiana, spathulata, erythronema, synandra, leucoxylon | Native Peppermint - Agonis flexuosa |
Banksia - Banksia sp. | Eucalyptus macranda - Coastal Moort |
Golden rain - Cassia fistula | Swamp bloodwood - Corymbia ptychocarpa |
Bottlebrush - Callistemon sp | Tuckeroo - Cupaniopsis anacardiodes |
| Lime - Citrus aurantifolia | Leopard tree - Caesalpinea ferrera |
| Tahitian lime - Citrus latifolia | Royal Poinciana - Delonix regia |
| Pink flowering Hawthorn - Crataegus laevigata | Eumondo quandong - Elaeocarpus eumundi |
| Horse bush - Desmodium umbullatum area | Claret Ash - Fraxinus oxycarpa ‘Raywoodii’ |
| Pin cushion Hakea - Hakea laurina | Honey Locust - Gleditsia triacanthos |
| Crape myrtle - Lagerstroemia indica | Native Frangipani - Hymenosporum flavum |
| Paperbarks - Melaleuca sp. | Jacaranda - Jacaranda mimosafolia |
| Port wine magnolia - Michelia figo | Mango - Mangifera indica |
| Chinese tupelo - Nyssa sylvatica ‘Tupelo’ | Magnolia - Michelia alba |
| Frangipani - Plumeria obtusa | Cheesewood or leichhardt’s pine - Nauclea orientalis |
| Pears - Take you pick from Capital pears, Manchurian pears, Snow pears etc - Pyrus spp | Avocado - Persea Americana |
| Golden Trumpet Tree - Tabebuia chrysotricha | Wheel of fire - Stenocarpus sinuatus |
| Chinese Tallow - Triadica sebifera (formerly Sapium sebiferum) | Tamarind - Tamarindus indica |
| Peaches , Nectarines, Apricots, Plums, Cherries, Apples and more. | Chinese Elm - Ulmus chinensis |
| Japanese elm - Zelkova serrata |
