Why some trees are protected
Some trees are protected under the district plans, because they are considered to be significant, historic, or important for enriching the area or preventing erosion.
They can be referred to as:
- listed
- notable
- scheduled.
Your tree may also be protected:
- as part of a condition on a resource consent
- by a covenant or consent notice on the title
- because it is subject to a general tree protection rule within a 'rural environment'.
No class or species of tree has automatic protection, excluding the Hauraki Gulf islands where a number of vegetation rules apply.
Resource consents for protected trees
If a tree on your property is protected, you will need a resource consent to remove it, prune it, or carry out construction work near it.
It's best to check with us before you start any work on or near a tree, so we can provide up-to-date information on all the rules which may apply.
To check the rules that apply to a tree on your property, contact us and ask to speak to a planner.