Trees

Rākau

Trees are a vital part of our district’s long-term health and wellbeing. They provide wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, shade, and reduce stormwater flows. We aim to maximise the health of our urban trees and forests and the benefits we receive from them. 

Quick links

Tree Policy

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Request to remove, prune or plant a Council tree

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Working around Council trees

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Tree Maintenance and Safety

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Planting

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Overhanging vegetation

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More information

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Benefits of Urban Trees

Resources and information about the benefits of urban trees.

Trees in the District Plan

Information on protected tree management in QLDC's District Plan.

Tree Operations

Current and previous tree operations happening around the district.

Tree FAQs

Frequently asked questions related to trees in the district.

Tree Policy

The Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Tree Policy provides guidance on planting, maintenance, working around, and removal of trees on Council land. It aims to manage trees to meet community aspirations, manage service requests, and provide clear direction for decision making while maintaining consistency in the approaches taken by QLDC and our contractors. 

QLDC Tree Policy [2024] (PDF, 5.62MB)

Request to remove, prune or plant a Council tree

The QLDC Tree Policy covers how trees are managed on council land and the decision-making process for removal.  

If you want to remove, prune or plant a Council tree, the first step is to submit a tree removal or maintenance request via our customer services by emailing: services@qldc.govt.nz

Please provide the following: location of the tree, a picture of the tree and an explanation of your issue or concern. We will then review and investigate your request. 

Considering the important role trees play in our urban environment, tree removal will generally be a last resort, and we will always look for alternatives. Where removal is approved the Tree Policy requires replacement planting.  

On Council land, we can remove trees as part of the tree maintenance programs if the tree is: 

  • Dying and unlikely to recover 

  • Dead or structurally unsound 

  • Causing significant damage to buildings, services, or property or pose a safety risk to the public.  

We don't remove trees for the following reasons (unless approved under the Tree Policy):

  • There is a safe and practical means for tree retention. 

  • To minimise obstruction of views or commercial signage. 

  • To reduce leaf or fruit litter and other debris. 

  • To reduce shading. 

  • For contributing to allergenic or irritant responses (unless approved under section 4.10 of the policy).  

If a tree is protected in the District Plan or is within Arrowtown’s historic zone then resource consent might be required. Check our Trees in the District Plan webpage to see if a tree is protected.

If removal is supported under the Tree Policy and you have been directed by the council upon initial investigation, or you wish to pursue removal, please use the Application for Tree Works form to supply the information required to inform decisions.  

Working around Council trees

When it comes to trees, what’s below ground is as important as what is above ground. Our procedure for working around trees offers guidance to protect the health and stability of council trees.

Any work around council trees must follow the Tree Policy and these guidelines.  

Tree Maintenance & Safety

All trees in the district undergo routine inspections and maintenance. This includes trees on roads, tracks and trails and reserves. If any concerns are identified we will manage these, for example we may prune a tree, or monitor through more regular inspections.  

Potentially dangerous tree removals

Council takes public safety seriously. If a tree poses an unacceptable risk, we will undertake the necessary maintenance which may require removal. Trees are a living infrastructure that progress through a natural lifecycle from saplings to decline and death. Always be vigilant around all trees in high winds.  

Spotted a Council tree requiring work?

If you have spotted a Council tree requiring work, please reach out to us via 03 441 0499 or email:

services@qldc.govt.nz 

Alternatively, you can use the Snap Send Solve App. 

Planting

Council proudly undertakes seasonal tree planting initiatives across the district to enhance our natural landscapes and promote sustainability. We plant an average of 300-400 street and reserve trees annually.  

Individuals and groups can apply to plant trees on streets and in reserves. If you wish to plant, please see the section on ‘Request to remove, prune or plant a tree’. 

Council has planting guides that direct what trees, shrubs and ground cover plants can be planted on Council reserves. These outline preferred species choices and recommended locations to ensure healthy growth and lasting environmental benefits for our community. These direct Council and developers on appropriate planting for the district.  

Overhanging vegetation

Overhanging trees and bushes can be a real nuisance. The FAQs below explain the rules and how to go about having overhanging vegetation removed. 

  • If the tree is planted on private property and is overhanging the street or footpath 

  • If the tree is planted on Council property including roads and reserves 

  • If the tree is planted on private property and is overhanging a neighbour’s property 

More information about Council trees

Check out the QLDC tree maps if you'd like to learn more about the species and age of a tree on your street. 

How can I get involved or find out more about our trees?