With all the recent news of people ‘tree sitting’ or the destruction of exotic trees on our maunga Auckland, Heaven Contracting have some advice on what you can and can’t do with trees on your property. They advise that best practice is to consult with the Council to check if you can chop, prune or trim a tree on neighbouring properties as well.
Problems can arise when trees grow, block drains, disrupt walls and foundations or create hazards.
If any branches or roots from trees on your property cross a boundary, your neighbour has the right to cut or trim them. However, they may still need resource consent to do so. Similarly, if a tree on your property endangers life or property or diminishes their property, as a last resort, your neighbour can apply for a court order to have you trim or remove it. Also, if a problem is caused by a neighbour’s tree, or your tree causes problems for them, you should talk to the Council first to check if the tree is protected or council owned.
The new unitary plan continues to be updated, and general tree protection has been removed from properties in Auckland. Although this has given property owners more scope when it comes to removing or pruning trees, it doesn’t automatically mean you can cut down any tree in any location.
Heaven Contracting strongly suggest before you do anything regarding trees on your property, you visit Auckland Council’s interactive unitary plan map and check your zoning. The map is easy to use and by simply inputting your address you will be shown the zoning of your property and any legislation pertaining to the trees on it.
If you need help navigating your way through the zoning information or if you need any of the terms or conditions clarified, Heaven Contracting are there to help.
Link to the Auckland Council unitary plan maps: https://unitaryplanmaps.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/upviewer .
You can also talk to Heaven Contracting as they are checking properties on the unitary plan on a daily basis and have a good relationship with the planners and Auckland council.
The Council may also issue you with a trim notice if they deem a tree on your property as hazardous – i.e. it has exceeded the growth limit zone and is encroaching on power lines, causing potential risk to electricity supply and the public, and for more information on tree trimming Auckland, tree root removal and hedge trimming Auckland please go to https://arboristauckland.com .
