Many property owners make the mistake of underestimating what’s involved in properly preparing a site for a new build. Clearing trees in Queensland involves navigating local and state rules and regulations. These rules and regulations are designed to protect native vegetation and wildlife habitats and promote community enjoyment. This process can sometimes be more complex than you might expect. Here are several factors to consider before getting started.

Do Your Homework

Before any clearing can commence, you need to do some research. Find out exactly what type of vegetation is on your property. Also determine whether it is protected and if a permit is required to carry out clearing. Property reports and vegetation maps are offered for most properties by the Queensland government free of charge. This will provide you with all of the information you need as well as whether clearing is permitted or restricted.

It’s important to note that clearing trees to make way for a new build isn’t always automatically allowed. A number of factors are taken into account including the scale, type, size and location of the vegetation on your land. Depending on the specifics of your project, in some cases you may need to obtain development approval, an Operational Works permit, a vegetation clearing notification or local council permit.

This is often the case if you have protected trees on your property or you are carrying out what is considered large scale or high risk clearing. In the Brisbane City Council region, protected vegetation is regulated under the Natural Assets Law 2003 and you may need a permit even on private property.

It is your responsibility to check local council maps and planning codes before having any clearing work carried out. If you don’t want to organise this yourself, some Arborists can handle the entire process end-to-end. From gaining the requisite permits to removal and clean up, you can leave it to the professionals. Be clear what you need and what your expectations are.

Clearing trees without the appropriate permits can result in hefty fines, legal disputes and long delays. Therefore doing your due diligence is a must.

Hire An Arborist

Once you have all of the required information and have obtained any relevant permits, it’s time to choose an Arborist to remove your trees. Attempting to remove trees yourself is not advisable. Tree work can be highly dangerous and not worth the risk to do it yourself to save a few dollars. In fact, doing it yourself could cost a whole lot more than the cost of hiring a professional if things go wrong and you end up putting a tree through your neighbour’s roof.  Safely removing a tree requires skill, knowledge and experience as well as the appropriate tools and equipment.

Make sure you hire a fully insured, qualified Arborist, ideally with experience in clearing and removing trees. Ensure your Arborist has a clear plan for the work to be done, provides you with a fully comprehensive quote and timeline for the job to be completed so that your project isn’t delayed.

The Tree Removal Process

Your chosen Arborist will carry out a full site assessment and decide on the best course of action. They’ll then safely remove the trees without damaging the property or any other trees. Once the tree or trees have safely been removed, the stumps will need to be removed with a stump grinder or excavator. Make sure this step is also included in your quote and timelines. Once all of the work is complete, your Arborist should leave the site clear and clean and ready for the next step in the process.

Take the hassle out of your next project. Speak to the team at Aussie Tree Solutions about our professional tree consulting and tree clearing services. Whether your job is big or small, we’ve got you covered. From tree pruning and tree removals to stump grinding, mulch and consulting arborist services, whatever your tree needs – we’ll get to the root of it!