Homeowner to chop down 20-metre tree to beat council policy change

A homeowner in Perth's south is planning to cut down a 20-metre tall Norfolk pine tree in her backyard, citing concerns over a new local council policy aimed at protecting large trees. The tree, which stands at the edge of her property, has been a point of contention among neighbors due to its encroaching roots and leaves.

The homeowner, who has asked to remain anonymous, said she had previously promised the former owners she would keep the tree when she bought the block nearly two decades ago. However, with the City of Melville working on a draft policy to retain trees on private property, she has decided to take action.

"I understand the argument for, and I understand the argument against, but I cannot have a council take away my rights," she said. "Why are we building a massive new layer of red tape to police backyards?"

The draft policy aims to protect medium and large trees where reasonable and practical. Approval would need to be obtained to remove or damage a tree taller than 8 metres, with a tree canopy of more than 6 metres in diameter or a trunk circumference of more than 1.5 metres.

The homeowner said she had no intention of removing the tree previously, but wanted to avoid potential complications if development opportunities arose for future owners.

"If I moved out, I can tell you that it would pass to someone else, so my child, and I don't want to feel like I'm robbing her of a development opportunity," she said.

Western Australian Tree Canopy Advocates community engagement lead Ester Cole said the policy was not radical and did not preclude development.

"This is pretty standard now and the sky hasn't fallen in," she said. "What the council will do when there's a subdivision application is they'll ask, 'is there a way we can keep the mature trees we've got?'"

Local Planning Minister John Carey said the debate on trees was complex, particularly as the state government looks to boost infill with an overhaul of residential design codes.

"Everyone wants to ensure that we increase our tree canopy but at the same time, when local governments are bringing in local planning policies - which I'm not criticising - but I am saying they are complex and it can affect development ... and it can affect someone's choice about what they're doing on their property," he said.

The homeowner plans to pay $10,000 to remove the tree, which she considers a "beast". Perth has the lowest tree canopy among Australian capital cities, with a current canopy cover of 16 per cent. The state government has set a target to increase this to 30 per cent by 2040.