About the Significant Tree Register

A tree may be designated significant if it meets two or more of the following categories and/or characteristics. In the case of trees with Aboriginal cultural significance, or documented European Heritage significance, additional criteria will not need to be met in order to qualify for listing.

Category: Outstanding Visual or Aesthetic Significance

1. Exhibits curious growth form or unusual physical features;
2. Trees that are outstanding for their height, trunk diameter or canopy spread;
3. Trees that occur in a very prominent location or context;
4. Trees that contribute significantly to the landscape in which they grow;
5. Trees that exemplify an important and valued taste or landscape style.

Category: Botanic or Scientific Significance

1. Species or variety that is rare or a has very localised distribution; 
2. Horticultural or genetic value;
3. Important source of seed or propagating stock;
4. Remnant native vegetation that predates European development of an area;
5. An outstanding example of a species;
6. Trees that demonstrate a likelihood of producing information that will help the wider understanding of natural or cultural history by virtue of its use as a research site, teaching site, type locality or benchmark site.

Category: Significant Ecological Value

1. Rare, threatened or locally uncommon species or ecological community;
2. Remnant native vegetation that predates European development of an area;
3. Trees that make a significant contribution to the integrity of an ecological community;
4. Trees which provide a significant habitat element for rare, threatened or locally uncommon or common native species (for example hollows, fissures, feed trees).

Category: Historic, Cultural or Commemorative Significance

1. Forms part of an historic park, garden or town;
2. Commemorative plantings;
3. Associated with an important event;
4. Associated with an important person, group or institution.
5. Has heritage significance and is part of a Heritage Item or Heritage Conservation Area indicated in Schedule 5 of Wollondilly Local Environmental Plan 2011;
6. Trees that form part of an historic landholding/estate.

Category: Social Significance

1. Unique location or context;
2. Associated with Aboriginal activities;
3. Important landmark; 
4. Spiritual and religious associations;
5. Trees that are important to the local community and/or are important to a community's sense of place.

The process is anticipated to include 5 steps:

Step 1: A tree may be nominated by a community member; Council staff member based on observation, operational processes or on the request of a reference group; or an external agency or consultant. Nomination forms will be available on Council’s website.

Step 2: The nomination is entered into Council’s system for action.

Step 3: The tree is inspected.

Step 4: A technical assessment is undertaken by a three-person internal panel with representatives from Council’s Environmental Services, Open Space and Strategic Planning teams. External advice may be sought to assist in assessing some of the criteria.

Step 5: The tree is added to the register if the panel agrees it meets the criteria.

Once designated, the tree is added to Council’s Significant Tree Register. 

Where significant trees are located on Council land, it is Council's responsibility to ensure the protection of these trees, including monitoring, pruning, and maintaining. 

On private land, the owner would be expected to maintain and preserve a listed tree; noting that the owner’s consent would have been sought prior to adding a privately owned tree to the Significant Tree Register if the initial nomination was not made by them.

Not yet; we anticipate the nomination process to list a tree on the Significant Tree Register will open after the Tree Management Policy is finalised. 

A Significant Tree Register is key for identifying and maintaining the existing significant trees that cannot be easily replaced or offset.