Fairfield City Council's vision is for a clean, green Fairfield City. Trees provide the "green" for our City. Trees make the place more attractive, they provide shade and privacy, reduce air pollution and bring birds into the area.

Council has several programs to increase the number of trees in the City. The planting of trees has changed the appearance of the City over the past ten years, as the City has become more green.

Approximately 50,000 trees are planted annually by Council and residents. The majority are small plants, known as tube stock, planted as part of the Creek Care, Flood Mitigation and Stormwater Programs.

More than 1,000 advanced trees are planted as street trees annually.

Trees are also planted as part of the Parks Improvement Program.

Many residents are planting trees and plants on the footpath. If you decide to do this please contact Andy Chin on 9725 0701 about the Fabulous Fairfield program which gives residents the opportunity to receive rewards for this kind of work.

Community Planting Days are also held. Keep on eye on the Events/What's On section of this website for details or phone 9725 0394.

Council is currently developing a Landscape Development Control Plan which will set new standards.

Details and locations of historic trees that have been listed as heritage items can be found in Schedule 4 of the Fairfield Local Environmental Plan. 

Generally trees must not be removed without Council approval.

Where do I find information on trees and shrubs native to Fairfield City? or suggestions for exotic trees/shrubs to plant in my garden?

Council has compiled a handy list for both trees and shrubs that are both native to Fairfield City and also suggestions of exotic plants that can be used in your garden.

To download a list containing information about trees, click here.

To download a list containing information about shrubs, click here.
 

Tree Preservation Order

Council operates under a Tree Preservation Order or TPO. The purpose of the TPO is to protect, conserve and improve the environment of our City by ensuring that no trees are wilfully injured, removed or destroyed without the prior approval of Council.

What does this mean?
If you want to cut down or trim a tree first you need to get approval from Council. Permission will only be granted for the removal of trees if they are diseased, dead, dying, unhealthy and will become dangerous or if causing structural damage.

Does the Tree Preservation Order apply to all trees?
Yes, the Tree Preservation Order applies to all trees over 4 metres tall in the City of Fairfield (excluding trees declared as noxious such as Rhus). You can be prosecuted if you damage or remove a tree without applying first to Council and penalties can be substantial. In February 2002 a local magistrate handed down a $4,000 fine for damaging just one tree.

How much is the application?
The cost of an application is only $50.00.

How do I make an application?
Download the form below and mail or bring it into Council.

Downloads
Application to Prune or Remove a Tree

What else can you do if you have a large tree on your property?
Some of the problems with large trees are a result of poor maintenance. Sometimes damage is done to tree roots during construction. It's also important when planting trees to plant the right sort of tree in the right location and trees need to be looked after.