Cairns City
Tree removal in Cairns City
Tree removal, pruning and stump grinding for private yards in Cairns City.
Tree work in Cairns City
Figs and the library flying-fox camp
The grounds of the city library hold a nationally important population of spectacled flying-fox, and council has federal approval to relocate that colony. That is council's project under its own approval. Roost trees are never part of a private job, and a contractor working nearby leaves them and the colony undisturbed.
The fig tree at the heritage-listed Cairns City Library site is being kept. Council's plan includes props to help brace certain branches until the fig's own hanging roots can carry the load.
Council's deputy mayor said that once the stress of hundreds of flying foxes roosting in its branches was gone, the old fig recovered quite quickly. Big city figs are tougher than they look, which is worth knowing before deciding one has to go.
Services in Cairns City
Small city yards, big trees
How it works
From the first message to a written quote
The council question is settled before any price, and nothing is booked until you have said yes to a quote in writing.
- 1
Tell us what the tree is doing
Where it stands, what it hangs over and what you would like done about it.
- 2
A contractor comes to see it
A tree contractor who covers your suburb looks at the tree, the access and what is underneath it.
- 3
The council question is answered
Whether it is pruning council lets you do, or a removal that needs approval, is settled before the price.
- 4
You get it in writing
Scope, timber, stump and date on one page, and nothing is booked until you have said yes.
Cairns City questions
Fig roots under paths and pipes
Can fig roots really reach that far?
They can. Council said the weeping fig at St John's Anglican Church affected footpaths and driveways up to 48m away, along with stormwater and NBN services. A fig is a poor choice beside a small city house.
Who decides about the council trees out front?
Council does. Residents are not permitted to modify, prune or remove public trees or vegetation unless council has issued a permit, so that request goes to council first.
Does a tall private tree need approval?
It may. CairnsPlan treats a private tree greater than 7.5m in height as significant, measured from natural ground to the top of the crown, so its removal is checked against the scheme first.
