Frequently Asked Questions

I want to prune or remove a tree on my land. What do I do?

If the tree is less than 10m in height, less than 10m in canopy diameter, and less than 1.5m in trunk circumference at 1m above ground, you do not require a Council permit to remove/prune a tree unless it is growing on the site of a heritage item. However, if in doubt, or if the tree reaches or exceeds the size measurements above, an application form should be completed and sent to Council and an appointment for an inspection arranged with Council's Tree Preservation Officer. If approved, a permit will be sent to you after the tree inspection takes place. The inspection and permit is free. For more information, go to Permits for Pruning & Removal.

A neighbour's tree is overhanging/causing damage to my property. What can I do? 

If the tree is not protected by North Sydney Council's Tree Preservation Order (please refer to the measurements above), you can cut the tree branches back to the property boundary line, however this may not necessarily be attractive or good for the tree. If the tree reaches or exceeds the measurements listed above, you need to complete a Tree Preservation Order application form. Where it says 'Owner's consent' on the application form, the owner of the property where the tree is growing has to sign and provide his/her details. The owner's permission to prune trees on their side of the boundary line is absolutely necessary. If the owner agrees to the tree work suggested, but does not want to pay for it, the matter must then be agreed between the customer and the owner of the tree. If the owner of the property where the tree is growing does not sign the application form, Council can give permission to prune the overhanging branches up to the common boundary line only. In both situations Council cannot intervene in disputes. The dispute must be resolved before Council can give permission. For more information on dispute resolution, go to Disputes between Neighbours, or seek mediation through the Community Justice Centre.

Who pays for work on private trees?

Council is not in the legal position to determine who has to pay for proposed tree work. This is a matter for the two parties concerned to agree upon. For more information on dispute resolution, go to Disputes between Neighbours, or seek mediation through the Community Justice Centre.

I would like a street tree planted outside of my property. What do I do?

Please contact Council if you would like a street tree planted outside your property. We will inspect the proposed planting site to ensure it is suitable and if so, will schedule planting of a new tree. As a rule, Council generally won't plant in summer unless the resident has made a commitment to assist with watering.  Consistent street tree species have a strong aesthetic effect, and are conducive to efficient maintenance, therefore the new tree will generally be chosen to match the rest of the street. Because Council is ultimately responsible (and potentially liable) for all trees on public land, residents are not encouraged to plant their own trees on public land. For more information, go to Planting on Public Land.

The adjacent public tree drops debris onto my property. What can I do?

Council, and common sense, acknowledges that trees drop leaves, bark, sticks, flowers, fruit and sap as part of their normal life cycle and that these issues will not constitute justification for excessive tree pruning or removal. At the request of property owners, Council will prune to meet target clearances. Unless there is an immediate hazard, all such pruning will be carried out as part of the cyclical area maintenance program which takes approximately 18 months per cycle. Where the Council team is not scheduled to be in the vicinity for many months, the property owner may request a permit to carry out the work at their own expense (with appropriate conditions).

Tree Roots are in my pipes. What should I do?

In the first instance, have the pipes cleared to ensure there is no environmental spillage. Tree roots don't invade pipes unless they are leaking, and water is seeping into the soil. Tree roots will always seek water sources. Most old sewer pipes (usually clay pipes) are at least 50 years old and start leaking at some point in time. At this stage roots start to penetrate pipes. This problem can be resolved by the replacement of old clay pipes with modern PVC pipes. Pipe maintenance is a part of property maintenance and should take place when pipes begin to leak. It must be remembered that removing the tree does not fix the hole in the pipe and other vegetation is likely to capitalise on the opportunity for moisture and nutrients. To consider any claims relating to roots in pipes, Council requires the property owner to submit a detailed plumber's report that includes, as a minimum, the following information:

• map showing all trees and location of pipes and blockage
• type of pipes and approximate age, condition and depth
• proposed remedial action and evidence of costs.

Council may also request proof (by way of root analysis) that the roots causing a blockage are from a public tree.

A tree is blocking scenic or water views. What can I do?

Most tree species can be pruned by a professional so that filtered views are maintained through thinning of the tree canopy. This is called cosmetic pruning. Council policy with regard to cosmetic pruning of trees on public land allows residents to apply to the Tree Preservation Officer to carry out such work at their own expense. Permission may be granted where such work will not compromise the health, safety or integrity of the tree or adversely affect amenity. This work must be done by a qualified arborist under Council supervision with all costs to be borne by the applicant. A copy of Council's letter of consent/permit must be displayed in a prominent location on or near the tree for the duration of the work. If the tree is on public land or if it is large enough to require a permit (10m tall, 10m wide or trunk circumference of 1.5m) contact Council to arrange an appointment with the Tree Preservation Officer. Please note: Council does not allow cosmetic pruning of trees located in land zoned as Bushland.  

A tree is overshadowing the house and no sunlight penetrates. What can I do?

Most tree species can be pruned by a professional so that filtered sunlight can penetrate through thinning of the tree canopy. This is called cosmetic pruning. Conditions are as described above in relation to pruning for a view.

A tree is obstructing the footpath.

Branches overhanging public footpaths and roadways from private property should be pruned back to the property boundary to a height of 2.4m (8ft). To notify Council of locations where property owners are not maintaining this clearance please phone (02) 9936 8100 with the exact property address. Council will then send out a notice to the owner of the property requesting that pruning be carried out. 

Neighbours have planted large trees that will overshadow/block views from our property. What can I do? 

There are no rules and regulations that can force a property owner not to plant big trees. This is a matter for neighbours to negotiate and agree upon. However, the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Amendment Bill 2010 gives the Land and Environment Court jurisdiction to hear disputes about high hedges that severely obstruct sunlight to a window of a dwelling on adjoining land or views from such a dwelling.

In some areas trees can be cut down if they are growing less than 3m away from a building. Does this rule exist in North Sydney?

No, each tree close to a building will be assessed individually. North Sydney Council's Tree Preservation Officer will make a decision based on the type of tree, the type of building and factual evidence to prove that a tree is causing structural damage.

Who can prune or remove trees once a permit has been issued?

There is no legal requirement to engage a qualified professional to prune your trees however unlike a bad haircut that will grow out in a few weeks, a bad pruning job can leave long term structural defects in your tree. North Sydney Council strongly recommends you use a qualified arborist and may make this a condition of consent if the tree is visually significant, is located on public land or is on land not owned by the applicant. A list of qualified arborists can be obtained from Arboriculture Australia.

What is a suitable replacement tree?

Council strongly recommends that you plant the largest growing and longest-lived species of tree possible for the given growing conditions and site constraints taking into consideration such issues as soils, climate, physical access, existing vegetation, scenic views and solar access. If Council has not recommended or set a particular species condition on your removal permit, or if your tree did not require a permit, we suggest you consider using locally indigenous trees to provide wildlife habitat and linkages between our fragmented bushland remnants. For a list of locally indigenous trees, see our Native Plant List.