How to Keep Eltham Evergreen
The importance of tree canopy to
Nillumbik in general and Urban areas like Eltham
If you ask people why they came to Nillumbik and in particular, to Eltham, they say the leafy trees or the environment and the open spaces.
Trees are a crucial and valued feature of our existing neighbourhoods and public open spaces.
The tree canopy is appealing and also practical in a period of climate change. Canopy trees especially shade our houses and roads making them cooler, and mitigate the heat island effect of urban life.
But the tree canopy is under threat both in rural areas by land clearing and in urban areas with subdivision leading to the removal of tree cover. What we see and enjoy now will not be available for our grandchildren to see and enjoy – this is sad. Their quality of life will be less, as trees give practical benefits as well as mental health and emotional benefits.
Nillumbik Council produced a document in 2024 following public consultation
which provides a 15-year framework for strategic action, focused on growing Nillumbik’s urban canopy on both Council land and on private land.
It includes targets of:
- Overall average urban canopy cover of 40 per cent.
- An increase in canopy in areas experiencing higher urban heat island effect with minimum urban canopy cover of 25 per cent in every suburb and township.
However, achieving this is really up to us, the current residents and the developers who provide housing for new residents. It is one thing to say that trees are valued but many then add ‘but not on my property!’
Council offers residents the opportunity to apply for street trees to be planted outside their homes in the nature strips – do take this opportunity and then maintain them by watering them. It is also possible to apply to council for permission to plant out your nature strip.
https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Residents/Roads-drains-and-paths/Nature-strips
Do I need a permit to lop or remove a tree?
Trees are protected by planning controls, local laws and restrictions registered on the title of the land. Trees may be protected because of their heritage, or their environmental or landscape significance. If you want to remove or lop a tree or vegetation you may require a permit.
How to contact council for a permit or to report possible illegal tree works.
You need to contact Council to see if you need a permit or, if you see or hear trees being removed or lopped, you can call Council to see if a permit as been granted for this action. The best way to find out if you need a permit or consent to remove or lop a tree, or ask if an address has a permit for action, is to talk to Planning Services on (03) 9433 3343.