Question: Can the strata council decide to remove a large tree from common property, or is a vote of all owners needed?
We have several large trees in our strata scheme, and the strata council wants to remove one. Can they make that decision alone, or are these trees common property, meaning a vote of all owners is needed?
Answer: Obtain a quote from a qualified arborist and present this, along with the council’s recommendation, to all owners.
The council is responsible for managing common property on behalf of all owners. Where a tree is on common property, the council may arrange its removal as part of routine maintenance, particularly if the tree is dead or dying or poses a safety risk.
If the tree is healthy, the reason for removal becomes more important. In such cases, consulting with all owners is recommended to avoid disputes, especially where the reasons are aesthetic or relate to overhanging branches.
Cost is also a key factor, as tree removal can be expensive. High costs may require approval at an AGM or via circular resolution.
A practical approach is to obtain a quote from a qualified arborist and present this, along with the council’s recommendation, to all owners. If the matter is not urgent, it can be included in the AGM budget for consideration.
This post appears in Strata News #793.
SVN | Strata
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E: info@svnperth.com.au
P: 08 9427 7955
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