Townsville Back to Basics: Tree Safety Edition

Keeping Townsville’s trees safe, healthy and well maintained starts with early identification and reporting of potential hazards. Trees that are damaged, declining or poorly positioned can pose risks to people, property and public infrastructure if left unmanaged.

This “Back to Basics – Tree Edition” reminder highlights the types of tree issues that should be reported to help prioritise timely inspection and maintenance across the city.

Trees That Should Be Reported

Community members are encouraged to report trees that are:

• Fallen or storm-damaged
• Dead or clearly declining
• Branches touching the ground, vehicles or buildings
• Growth blocking traffic signs or driver visibility
• Snapped limbs or hazardous deadwood
• Obstructing footpath clearances
• Damaged or vandalised

Early reporting allows risks to be assessed before they escalate into safety incidents.

Why Early Reporting Matters

Prompt reporting of tree issues:

• Helps keep the community safe
• Protects healthy trees through timely intervention
• Assists Council in prioritising maintenance and inspections
• Reduces the likelihood of emergency responses after failures

Proactive identification supports better outcomes for both public safety and urban tree management.

How to Report a Tree Issue in Townsville

Tree concerns within Townsville can be reported through the following channels:

Working Together for Safer Urban Trees

See a problem? Say something. By reporting tree hazards early, the community plays an important role in keeping Townsville’s trees safe, healthy and thriving.