10/50 Tree rule

Everything you need to know about the NSW 10/50 Fire Tree & Vegetation Clearing Scheme

Bushfires in Australia are frequent events during the hotter months of the year, due to Australia’s mostly hot, dry climate. In southeast Australia, bushfires tend to be most common and most severe during summer and autumn (December–March). The NSW Rural Fire Service has introduced the 10/50 Fire Tree & Vegetation clearing scheme to keep us safe!

A well prepared home is more likely to survive a bush fire. You can reduce the fire risk around your home by clearing out anything that could fuel a fire, this includes trees, however we believe not all trees close to your house need to be removed. As qualified Arborists we can advise you on ways to best prepare your trees for bush fires.

The 1050 Vegetation Clearing/ Fire Scheme was introduced after the devastating fires of 2013. The 10/50 Fire scheme gives people living near the bush an additional way of being better prepared for bush fires.

The 10/50 Fire scheme allows people in a designated area to:

– Clear trees on their property within 10 metres of a home, without seeking approval from council. Trees on slopes greater than 18 degrees are not included to help prevent erosion. Council permission is required if so

– Clear underlying vegetation such as shrubs (but not trees) on their property within 50 metres of a home, without seeking approval from council

(Some conditions apply in regards to tree removal and tree pruning in the 10/50 Fire Vegetation Scheme, please contact us for more information)

Check to see if you are in the 1050 Vegetation Clearing Scheme

Tips On Keeping Your House & Family Safe From Bush Fires

• Clean leaves from gutters, roofs and downpipes regularly, and fit quality metal leaf guards.
• Mow your grass regularly, both in the front and back yards.
• Install fine steel wire mesh screens on all windows, doors, vents and weepholes.
• Fit metal NOT plastic fly screens on windows and doors.
• Enclose open areas under your decks and floors.
• Seal all gaps in external roof and wall cladding.
• When installing LPG cylinders around your home, make sure that pressure relief valves face outwards so that flame is not directed towards the house.
• Keep your backyard tidy, free from any build up of flammable material.
• Relocate any flammable items away from your home including woodpiles, paper, boxes, crates, hanging baskets and garden furniture.
• Remove excess ground fuels and other combustible material.
• Do not deposit tree loppings, grass clippings and other materials that could aid a fire on your property, or on council reserves or bushland.
• Ensure your garden hoses are long enough to reach the perimeter boundary of your property.
• Plant trees and shrubs that are less likely to ignite due to their lower oil content.
• Trim low lying branches two metres from the ground surrounding your home.
• If you have a swimming pool, have a Static Water Supply sign placed on your front fence. Contact your local fire station for information.
• Consider purchasing a portable pump to use from your swimming pool or water tank.
• On Total Fire Ban days obey regulations regarding barbecues and open fires.
• Ensure ALL members of the family know where the community evacuation area is.
• If there is a Community Fire Unit nearby, consider becoming a member.
• Make sure that if there is a fire hydrant outside your home it is easily located and not obstructed.

Give us a call on 1800 RENNIE for free advice on the 10/50 scheme and preparing your home against fires