Notable Trees

What are notable trees?

Notable trees are those which make a distinctive contribution to a community’s identity – they may have great visual features, act as a landmark or connect a community to their local heritage. Notable trees should be those that set examples as the ‘jewels in the crown’ in our green leafy neighbourhoods.

Where are notable trees found?

Generally, notable trees are in urban areas and are visually prominent in the community; they’re able to be seen clearly from the street, or are in the street itself. Trees and groups of trees within the Regional Parks in the City are already protected through management plans. 

What makes a notable tree?

A notable tree should be at least several of the following:

• It acts as a significant landmark or is visually prominent in the community
• Is large, healthy and of good form and high amenity value
• Is significantly older than other trees and in good health
• Be locally meaningful in some way; it is a connection to our heritage or cultural values, and
• Is a rare example of its kind.

How are notable trees assessed?

Nominations will be assessed by our qualified arborist against the Standard Tree Evaluation Method (STEM). STEM is a method used by Councils across the country to determine whether a tree is notable. Trees are scored on several criteria, including their form, age, health, stature, historic value and scientific value. If a tree scores 120 or higher in the STEM assessment the tree can be considered further for protection in the District Plan.

What is the notable tree register?

The register is a list within the District Plan of specifically identified trees or groups of trees that Council has officially assessed and agreed are of notable value. The register recognises the amenity and heritage values of the City’s significant trees and encourages the retention of these values where appropriate through policies and rules in the District Plan.

Currently, we have more than 140 notable trees registered in Lower Hutt. The trees are listed in the Tree Chapter of our District Plan.

What it means to have a notable tree on your property

Notable trees that are scheduled in the District Plan have special rules that protect the tree from being cut down or harmed. The trimming and maintenance of notable trees is provided for under the District Plan but the removal of Notable Trees is not permitted and can only be undertaken where the tree is a threat to life and property.

Permission must be given by the property owner before a tree can be added to the register. We talk with property owners as part of the assessment process.

Currently, council acts as the guardian of all notable trees and assists financially with their maintenance.

What happens after the nomination process?

Following the nomination process, our arborist will review and assess all nominations against the STEM criteria. If our arborist requires a site visit to finalise a STEM assessment for a tree on your property, we will contact you. Our arborist will not enter your property without explicit permission.

After assessments have been finalised, council will contact you if a tree on your property has been assessed to meet the criteria to be considered notable. Council will seek approval from landowners before any new STEM assessments are finalised and new trees are listed in the District Plan.