Trees on private land

Tree works that need consent

Before removing, pruning or proposing a development within five metres of a tree, residents and contractors should contact us to determine whether they need to obtain a Tree Management Permit or a Development Consent.

Development Consent or a Tree Management Permit is required for the pruning or removal of :

  • any tree or vegetation on public land, regardless of size
  • any tree or vegetation with a height exceeding 5 metres, or a crown width exceeding 5 metres, or a trunk circumference exceeding 500 millimetres measured at ground level
  • any tree that’s identified as a biosecurity risk under the NSW Biosecurity Act, 2015 and is greater than 10 metres in height
  • any of the following species of trees or vegetation on land identified as a heritage item under cl.5.10 of NSLEP 2013, regardless of size:
    • Bangalow palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana sp.)
    • European nettle or hackberry (Celtis sp.)
    • Indian coral tree (Eryrthina x sykesii)
    • Kentia palms (Howea forsteriana sp.)
    • Privet species (Ligustrum sp.)
    • Willow trees (Salix sp.)

If you have confirmed that you do not need to obtain a Development Consent, you will need to complete the following online form to request a Tree Management Permit:

Tree Removal or Pruning on Private Land Application

If the application is approved, a Tree Management Permit will be sent to the applicant. Inspections and permits are free of charge.

For tree works that require a Development Consent, you can find more information in our Trees and Development section.

 

Contact Council

Our Customer Service Centre operates from 9am to 5pm. Our Council Rangers are on duty and contactable seven days a week from 5.30am to midnight.

Address: Customer Service Centre, 200 Miller Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060

Telephone: (02) 9936 8100

Pruning or removing trees once a permit has been issued

All trees protected by the Tree & Vegetation Management Policy must be pruned or removed by a qualified arborist. A list of qualified arborists can be obtained from Arboriculture Australia.

Find an arborist

Tree management plans and policies

We have key plans, policies and strategies that direct our management of trees on public and private land.

View our tree policies