Trees

Managing trees

Trees are a highly valued asset and significantly contribute to the amenity of towns across the Alpine Shire. Many of our towns are renowned for their trees, particularly for the displays of colour during autumn. Inspections and maintenance of trees are undertaken on both a planned and reactive basis depending on the requirements of individual and stands of trees. 

Like any other asset, trees need to be managed effectively to maximise their benefits and minimise adverse effects.

Council's Tree Management Plan 2021 provides principles and describes process for addressing:

• Tree management
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Tree inspections and assessments
• Tree selection and planting
• Tree removal
• Tree protection
• Infrastructure protection
• Electric line clearance
• Tree maintenance

For more details regarding tree protection, please refer to Council's Tree Protection Guide.

Any works that may impact Council-managed trees require the establishment of a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ). The necessity for a TPZ will be outlined as a condition in an Occupation of and/or Works on Council Land Permit, which must be obtained before conducting any works or occupation of Council-managed land.

Collection of firewood

You must apply for a permit to collect firewood for free on Council-managed land. Once complete, email your permit to info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au. 

Find more information about collecting firewood by visiting Forest Fire Management Victoria.

Managing Chestnut Blight

Chestnut blight is a disease of chestnut and oak trees that is present in Victoria. It is caused by a fungus (Cryphonectria Parasitica) that grows underneath the bark, resulting in degraded or dead tissue (cankers) that slowly develop and surround the infected trunk, stem or branch. Once a tree is infected, the prognosis is bleak – the tree will eventually die.

In Australia, chestnut blight primarily infects chestnut and oak trees. These are referred to as 'host' trees.

Chestnut blight poses a significant risk to Australia’s chestnut industry, approximately 70 per cent of which is produced in Victoria. Once present, the disease can remain dormant for many years before symptoms become visible, making it very difficult to detect and eradicate.

The Industry Biosecurity Officer (Chestnuts Australia Incorporated) can provide support to chestnut growers across Australia regarding surveillance, suspected detections and management of chestnut blight. Growers are encouraged to contact the Industry Biosecurity Officer for further advice.

All chestnut growers are asked to remain vigilant and survey their chestnut and oak trees every three months for signs of this devastating disease.

If you suspect that you have found chestnut blight, report it immediately to:

• The Industry Biosecurity Officer (Chestnuts Australia Incorporated) at ibo@chestnutsaustralia.com.au (if you are located within Victoria), or
• The Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 (if you are located outside Victoria).

Learn more by visiting Agriculture Victoria.