Notable Trees
Consultation has concluded
Help us find and protect the special trees across our city
Lower Hutt has more than 140 notable trees on public and private land that are cared for and protected by Council through our District Plan.
From the Phoenix palms at Hutt Hospital to the Eastbourne Kauri commemorating fallen World War I soldiers, these trees are part of the history and identity of our communities.
We’re reviewing the list as part of updating the District Plan and want to know if there are any more trees we should be considering.
The significance of a notable tree may be linked to its visual features, its connection to our local heritage, or the botanical value the tree brings to our local landscape.
If you know of a special tree that’s not yet on the register, let us know by 13 March 2024.
An arborist will review and assess all nominations against the STEM criteria. If our arborist requires a site visit to finalise a STEM assessment, we’ll contact the property owner for permission. Trees that meet the requirements will only be added to the register with the owner’s agreement.
A notable tree may have any of these characteristics:
- It acts as a significant landmark or is visually prominent in the community
- It is large, healthy, of good form and an attractive addition to the area
- It is of a significant age and in good health
- It is locally meaningful in some way, as a connection to heritage or cultural values, and
- It is a rare example of its kind
Where to find notable trees
What it means to have a notable tree on your property
- The property owner must give permission before a tree can be added to the register. We talk with property owners as part of the assessment process
- Council assists financially with trimming and maintenance for the health of the tree
- A notable tree can only be removed or significantly trimmed when it is a threat to life or property, and permission must first be sought from Council
How we assess notable trees
- Nominations are assessed by our qualified arborist against the Standard Tree Evaluation Method (STEM).
- STEM is a method used by Councils across the country to determine whether a tree is notable.
- Trees are scored on several criteria, including their form, age, health, stature, historic value and scientific value.
- If a tree scores 120 or higher in the STEM assessment the tree can be considered further for protection in the District Plan. A lower score of 100 is set for trees that are indigenous to Lower Hutt.
Nominate a tree on the map
The green dots on the map are the existing notable trees in Te Awakairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt.
You can nominate a tree with the plus button 
to drop a pin onto the map. You'll be asked to give a few details about the tree and why you think it's notable, and can submit a photo if you'd like.
After you've nominated a tree by clicking 'submit' on a pin, you can drag and drop another pin if there are multiple trees you'd like to nominate.
A notable tree may have any of these characteristics:
- It acts as a significant landmark or is visually prominent in the community
- It is large, healthy, of good form and an attractive addition to the area
- It is of a significant age and in good health
- It is locally meaningful in some way, as a connection to heritage or cultural values, and
- It is a rare example of its kind
What it means to have a notable tree on your property:
- The property owner must give permission before a tree can be added to the register. We talk with property owners as part of the assessment process
- Council assists financially with trimming and maintenance for the health of the tree
- A notable tree can only be removed or significantly trimmed when it is a threat to life or property, and permission must first be sought from Council
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