Trees can uproot your plans

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Strict limitations on building near trees, and on removing trees, can easily stitch up your renovation or rebuild dreams.

In the ACT there are two potential types of trees that you need to be aware of on your block:

1. Registered trees are trees identified for their cultural, heritage, aesthetic, or scientific value. They aren’t very common, but you can check if there are any near you at this list .

2. Regulated trees are much more common. A regulated tree is determined by size, and only needs to meet one of the following criteria: 12 metres or more tall; total trunk circumference greater than 1.5 metres at 1 metre above ground level; 12 metres or more in crown width.

If you wish to remove a regulated tree, or do any groundworks within the ‘Tree Protection Zone’, you’ll have to seek approval, and provide a ‘Tree Management Plan’ for construction works. The ‘Tree Protection Zone’ is defined as an area 4 metres from the trunk, or 2 metres outside the canopy of the tree.

Light House Architecture and Science