Owners of scheduled trees on the North Shore are now entitled to a council rebate to help cover tree maintenance costs.

In recognising the community benefits of these special trees, the council’s Strategy and Finance Committee recently allocated $50,000 to a one year trial to financially assist protected tree owners.

The pilot scheme, which will be administered on a first -come, first-served basis, will reimburse scheduled tree owners 50% of the costs for agreed maintenance up to the value of $2,500.

The scheme sees scheduled tree owners supplying council with a quote for the works through the tree consenting process. Council arborists then perform an assessment to ensure the quote is feasible for the work that is being suggested. On receipt of an invoice, the council will then supply a rebate.

Strategy and Finance Committee Chair and Councillor Grant Gillon, says with the loss of general tree protection in January 2012, there is a greater reliance on the scheduling technique for protecting important trees on the North Shore.

“The council recognises that such trees are an important part of our community, and their ongoing protection is vital.

“Council is keen on introducing this scheme so owners of scheduled trees can be assisted in the often arduous but very necessary task of maintaining the health and look of these trees,” says Councillor Gillon.

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