In most Sydney suburbs you need council tree removal approval before you cut down or heavily prune a tree above your council’s size limit or on its protected list. The biggest mistake is hiring a lopper first and asking questions later, because unapproved clearing can lead to heavy fines and orders to replant.
This guide explains how a tree removal permit works, what to check for councils such as Hornsby, Parramatta and Brisbane, what it costs, and when to call an arborist. It sits under our pruning guide.
Key points
- Rules differ by council and state, so check your local council’s tree preservation or tree permit page before any cutting.
- Dead, diseased or dangerous trees often still need evidence, such as an arborist report, before approval or an exemption is granted.
- Work near power lines, above head height or on large trees is for a qualified arborist, never a weekend job.
- Sydney tree removal typically costs about $290 to $17,250 depending on size (October 2026), plus any report or permit fees.
Council tree removal: do you need a permit?
Usually yes if the tree is large, on a protected species list or in a heritage or environmental area. The exact thresholds are set by each council, so look them up rather than guessing.
| Situation | Approval likely? | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Large tree in a residential backyard | Often yes | Check your council’s size and species rules, then apply before cutting. |
| Street tree or nature strip tree | Almost always yes | Contact council; the tree belongs to the council, not you. |
| Tree in a heritage or conservation area | Often yes | Check the heritage listing and any planning overlay. |
| Dead or dangerous tree | Evidence usually required | Get an arborist report and photos, and ask council about exemptions. |
| Small, non-protected tree | Sometimes no | Confirm in writing or on council’s online tool before you cut. |
| Tree near power lines | Specialist work | Contact your network operator and a qualified arborist. |
Tree removal permit: how to apply
- Find your council’s tree management or tree permit page, and read the rules for your zoning, species and tree size.
- Photograph the tree from several angles, including the trunk base, canopy and any defects such as cracks or dead limbs.
- Book an arborist for a written report if the tree is large, sick or close to the house, because councils often ask for one.
- Complete the online or paper application, attach the report and photos, and pay any fee the council charges.
- Wait for the written decision, and do not cut anything until you have approval in hand.
- Follow every condition on the approval, such as the work window, replacement planting or tree protection.
- Use a licensed, insured arborist to carry out the work, and keep the approval letter on site.
Council tree removal rules by council
Each council runs its own system, so use this list as a starting point and confirm on the council’s website.
| Council | State | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Hornsby | NSW | Tree preservation rules, bushland and heritage areas, and its online application process. |
| Parramatta | NSW | Development control plan tree provisions and any heritage controls. |
| Blacktown | NSW | Tree preservation provisions and protected species lists. |
| Penrith | NSW | Vegetation rules for residential zones and bushland edges. |
| Ryde | NSW | Tree preservation policy and requirements for supporting reports. |
| Bayside | NSW | Tree management rules, including coastal and heritage constraints. |
| Sutherland Shire | NSW | Tree management rules and application forms for private land. |
| Wollongong, Newcastle, Central Coast | NSW | Local tree preservation provisions, coastal and bushfire overlays. |
| Brisbane City | Qld | Local law protections for significant and protected trees. |
| Moreton Bay Regional | Qld | Local law and planning scheme vegetation rules. |
| Whitehorse and Knox | Vic | Planning overlays such as vegetation protection and significant landscape overlays. |
How NSW rules work
In NSW, councils set tree rules for most residential land under state planning policy and their local development control plans.
- Councils usually protect trees by size, species and location, and regulate removal and major pruning in non-rural areas.
- Applications may need an arborist report, plans or photos, and councils may attach replacement planting conditions.
- Different rules can apply to bushfire-prone land, so ask your council or the Rural Fire Service before clearing.
- Unauthorised removal can lead to penalties and orders to replant, so keep approvals and receipts.
- Strata schemes often need owners corporation consent as well as council approval.
- Check the council page for the exact tree list, as it can differ even between neighbouring suburbs.
Council tree removal for dead or dangerous trees
An unsafe tree is stressful, but you still need the right process. After storms, we see the same pattern, with large limbs hanging over roofs.
- Call your council or the SES if a tree is an immediate danger to people or property, and stay clear.
- Ask a qualified arborist to assess the tree and provide a report you can lodge with council.
- Keep photos and dates of damage, because councils and insurers may request them.
- Do not climb or use a chainsaw above head height yourself, as falls and kickback are common causes of serious injury.
- Check that any dead tree is not habitat or heritage listed before removal.
- Ask council whether emergency work needs after-the-fact notification.
Neighbour and street trees
- Never cut or poison a street tree, because it belongs to the council and carries serious penalties.
- Talk to your neighbour first if a tree overhangs your property, then check your council’s rules before any cutting.
- In NSW, the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 lets you apply to the Land and Environment Court if talks fail.
- Do not trim branches that touch power lines; contact your network operator instead.
- Keep roots and branches away from pipes and boundaries to avoid future disputes.
- Look at cherry blossom trees, maple trees and flowering gums for smaller replacement options.
Council tree removal cost in Sydney
Prices below include GST and are Sydney metro rates for October 2026. Permit and arborist report fees are extra. See our tree removal cost guide for detail.
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small tree removal (under 5 m) | $290 | $575 | $920 |
| Medium tree removal (5–10 m) | $920 | $1,725 | $2,875 |
| Large tree removal (10–20 m) | $2,300 | $4,025 | $5,750 |
| Extra-large tree removal (20 m+) | $5,200 | $7,450 | $17,250 |
| Tree pruning (per tree) | $230 | $520 | $1,375 |
| Stump grinding, small (under 30 cm) | $170 | $230 | $345 |
| Stump grinding, large (60 cm+) | $460 | $690 | $1,025 |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Cutting first and asking later, which can lead to fines and orders to replant.
- Assuming a small tree is exempt, when species or location may still make it protected.
- Relying on a verbal “no problem” from a contractor instead of a written council approval.
- Hiring an uninsured operator, who leaves you liable if something falls on a house or fence.
- Pruning too hard to avoid a permit, because heavy cuts can count as removal.
- Ignoring conditions on the approval, such as replacement planting or timing windows.
FAQ: council tree removal
Do I need a tree removal permit in Sydney?
Often yes for large or protected trees, and always for street trees. Rules differ by council, so check your council’s tree page or call before cutting. Dead or dangerous trees usually need an arborist report. If unsure, get written confirmation first.
How much does council tree removal cost?
Sydney tree removal typically costs about $290 to $920 for small trees and up to $17,250 for very large ones (October 2026). Permit fees and arborist reports add to the total, so ask your council what applies.
Can I remove a dangerous tree without approval?
Not automatically. Some councils allow urgent work, but expect to show evidence such as an arborist report or photos. Call council or the SES if there is an immediate risk, and keep records of the hazard.
Who can remove a tree for me?
Use a qualified, insured arborist for anything large, above head height or near power lines. Ask for a written quote and check it includes green waste removal. Keep your council approval on site for the day of work.
Getting tree work done in Sydney
We can prune, remove and clear trees once you have the right approval, and we will give you an itemised quote first. Book tree pruning in Sydney, or see our guides to dwarf crepe myrtle and pruning roses.
