Council manages roadside vegetation for safety and drainage purposes. Find answers about tree trimming, nature strip planting, and slashing schedules.
Can I plant in the rural road reserve?
Planting in the road reserve is not permitted due to potential future development needs and maintenance requirements. Please refer to Council’s Nature Strip and Road Reserve Policy.
Can I plant in my urban nature strip?
Some planting is permitted. Please refer to Council’s Nature Strip and Road Reserve Policy for details.
When will roadside slashing be done?
Council operates two roadside slashers on a continuous basis on municipal roads throughout the valley. Our aim in slashing is to improve public safety and maintain drainage. Council tries to ensure all areas are maintained regularly and efficiently, with priority shifting around major events like the Huon Show and Cygnet Folk Festival. Spring and early summer are challenging times due to the rate of vegetation growth and Council receives many enquiries at this time. Unfortunately, we are not able to jump from place to place to respond to individual requests. If you have specific concerns, please contact us with details.
How does the council handle tree maintenance?
Trees are trimmed or felled only if necessary for safety. Requests for tree inspections are prioritised based on the risk to road users, people and property. If you have concerns, please provide photographs of the entire tree, including its surroundings, to support your request. You can lodge your enquiry via Council’s website or send an email to hvc@huonvalley.tas.gov.au.
Council relies on the protection from liability under section 21(4) of the Local Government (Highways) Act 1982 and considers the principles of the Civil Liability Act 2002. Each claim made against the Council is considered on its own merits. If you have concerns, please contact us for more information.
How does the council handle tree maintenance on nature strips?
Council does not maintain nature strips which front private properties. This is the responsibility of the property owner. Residents are not permitted to plant trees in the nature strips/road reservations without prior approval from Council. Trees are trimmed or felled on the roadside by Council only if necessary for safety.
Council has limited resources for tree works and received many requests from the public. Tree works are prioritised and we are unable to trim or fell a tree unless it is a significant risk to road users, pedestrians or property.
How does the council handle roadkill?
Council does not routinely collect roadkill but responds to reports when it poses a hazard to road users. If you notice roadkill causing a hazard, please report it to the Council. We aim to address such issues promptly to ensure road safety.
How does the council handle dust suppression on roads?
Dust suppression is not an effective solution for public roads. Huon Valley Council has trialled several different products and found the effect was minimally effective and short-lasting. Effective solutions include reducing speed limits and applying sheeting gravel with less clay fines. Sealing roads is cost-prohibitive and not planned in the short to medium term.