Significant tree community nominations

IMPORTANT UPDATE

The Kingston community loves trees. In response to our call to nominate significant trees across the city, we received over 200 nominations of trees on private and public land that have special significance.

The next step in the process is to have the nominated trees independently assessed. The assessment looks at the tree’s health, structure and significance and helps determine whether it should be recommended for inclusion on Kingston's Register of Significant Trees.

We are in the process of contacting property owners to arrange these assessments.

Background

In 2020 we commenced the process of identifying all the significant trees across our city. Key to this was seeking nominations from our community.

Unfortunately, this process was interrupted by the pandemic. But now, on the back of our Urban Forest Strategy being adopted we are ready to revisit this very important subject.

It's important to note that all previous nominations will be included with the results of this new round of consultation.

Significant tree nominations

Do you have or are aware of a significant tree within the City of Kingston that you want to let us know about?

The City of Kingston Register of Significant Trees identifies exotic, native and indigenous trees on private and public land that have special significance.

Trees that are listed on the register are protected by the Kingston Planning Scheme.

A permit is required to prune, remove or carry out works on or near any tree listed within the register.

What will Council do with my nomination?

The nomination is the first step of a longer process to update the register.

The current Register was introduced in 2007 which identifies trees as significant in accordance with the criteria specified by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria). Nominations received will help us expand and update the current register.

An important part of our work will be engaging with those members of the community who may have significant trees on their properties once we have evaluated the community nominations.

What makes a tree significant?

Nominated trees will be assessed against the below criteria:

Scientific:

• Horticultural or genetic value
• Important source of seed or propagating stock
• Particularly resistant to disease or exposure
• Species or variety that is rare or of a very localised distribution
• Remnant native vegetation
• Outstanding for its size
• An outstanding example of the species.

Social:

• Unique location or context
• Contribution to landscape
• Associated with Aboriginal activities
• Important landmark
• Spiritual and religious associations
• Contemporary association with the community.

Historic:

• Forms part of an historic park, garden or town
• Commemorative plantings
• Associated with an important event
• Associated with an important person, group or institution.

Aesthetic:

• A really great looking tree
• Exhibits curious growth form or unusual physical features
• Is a better than an average example of its species, or a tree in its location.