Notable Trees
 In recognition of the valuable contribution that trees make to the city, the Palmerston North City Council, amongst other things, strongly supports the protection and conservation of important trees and bush areas. To this end the City Council has identified a number of trees and areas of indigenous bush that are notable in Palmerston North. These trees are listed in the District Plan - "Schedule of Notable Trees" and require Council permission before any of the trees can be felled or any major trimming or maintenance work is undertaken. The listing of trees in the District Plan is a form of recognition of the outstanding values that the tree provides to our City. Where trees have been included on the schedule, the Council will attach a plaque or "tag" to the tree to indicate that the tree has "protected" status.
What makes a tree Notable?
A notable tree is one that clearly demonstrates one or more of the following characteristics:
- Historical or Cultural Value (associated with an historical event or person)
- Botanical Value (the size and shape of the tree, how rare the species is, indigenous status and age of the tree)
- Visual Amenity value (contribution to the landscape and public accessibility)
Incentives Strategy
 Palmerston North City Council has a notable trees incentive strategy that assists property owners who have notable trees on their property to care for their trees.Currently this work extends to:
- Providing free advice through clinics held twice a year
- Payment of fees where a resource consent is required
- Contributing toward the ongoing maintenance costs of the tree
How do I protect my tree?
If you have a tree that you consider is outstanding and would like the City Council to consider listing it as a notable tree in the District Plan (which will mean the tree is protected) write to the Strategic Planning Unit at the City Council outlining the following information:
- The address of the tree/s
- A rough map indicating where on the property the tree/s is located
- who owns the property the tree/s are located on
- An identification of the type (species) of the tree/s
- An identification of why you consider the tree/s should be protected
When you send the letter and information to the City Council we will reply to let you know when the tree/s will be assessed. The assessment method used by the Council is called STEM (Standard Tree Evaluation Method). If your tree meets the Stem criteria then the tree/s will be included in the District Plan at a later stage and become a protected notable tree.
Further Information
If you would like further information about notable trees or how to protect a tree write to PNCC at:
City Future Unit
Palmerston North City Council
Private Bag 11034
Palmerston North
Or ring: 06 356 8199
Email: info@pncc.govt.nz
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