Tree pruning in Dunedin: what's local
The secateurs line
Council's 2015 report on the proposed 2GP said pruning a scheduled tree with anything other than hand-operated pruning shears or secateurs needs consent. Changes had to follow best arboricultural practice and be needed for the tree's health or for safety, sunlight or property.
Light on hill sections
On Dunedin's slopes a tree uphill can shade a whole house. Council's 2015 report listed significant shading of existing homes among the grounds for considering removal of a scheduled tree, so a careful thinning is often the first conversation.
Windy, wet seasons
Dunedin is windier than most of Otago, and Otago Regional Council warns that strong winds can blow down trees. With about 178 rain days a year at the Botanic Gardens, expect some waiting: WorkSafe's code says tree work stops when high winds or wet weather make it dangerous.
Aurora's crews
Aurora's approved tree contractor in Dunedin is Asplundh. If a scheduled tree also gets an Aurora trim notice, tell both Aurora and council before work starts.
Tree pruning in Dunedin: good to know
| Ordinary 230 to 400 V lines | 11kV high voltage lines | |
|---|---|---|
| Growth limit zone | 0.5m | 1.6m |
| Cut-back zone | 1.5m | 2.6m |
| Notice zone | 2.5m | 3.6m |
Trees and power lines in Dunedin
Only qualified, approved utility arborists may trim within 4 metres of a power line, Aurora says. If you get a trim notice and there's no record of an earlier trim, the first one is on Aurora, but not for private service lines or trees planted after the line went in.
Ignoring a notice can bring a fine of up to $10,000, plus $500 for every day it continues. When planting near lines, Aurora suggests species that stay under 4 metres, or 2 metres below the wires. The power lines guide explains notices and disputes.
How tree pruning works in Dunedin
Topping a tree that's blocking the view cuts limbs to stubs and leaves fast, weakly attached regrowth. A reduction, back to side branches, keeps it smaller for longer. The lopping vs pruning guide shows what to ask for.
Tree pruning in Dunedin: what you can do yourself
You can
- Small shoots and twigs you can reach with both feet on the ground, with secateurs or hand shears
- Clearing fallen twigs and leaves from paths and drains
- Photographing a scheduled tree before and after any work, for your records
- Planting low-growing species well clear of lines
Leave to an arborist
- Anything needing a ladder, a climb, a saw on a pole or a chainsaw
- Any pruning of a scheduled tree beyond hand tools, once consent is sorted
- Thinning and reductions on steep or awkward sites
- Anything within 4 metres of a power line (approved utility arborists only)
Hiring an arborist for tree pruning in Dunedin
If the tree might be scheduled, ring the district plan team before booking anything beyond hand pruning. If it isn't, ask for a thinning or reduction with each cut described, and choose a dry week. Anything near a line goes to Aurora first.