There are many reasons a property owner may wish to remove a tree. Regardless of the reason, there are regulations for tree removal in the Eastern Suburbs that must be followed under penalty of law. The approval process requires the filing of a tree removal applications with the local council, which will then review and either approve or deny the request. If approved, the property owner will receive a permit to proceed.

Prices for Tree Removal Application

Pricing for tree removal applications varies depending on location.

Randwick City Council’s tree permit application works with minor tree works on private trees located in Heritage Conservation Areas or listed in the Council’s Significant Tree Register. It is advisable to check for exceptions to conditions before beginning the application process. Cost for inspection of one tree is $76 and $28 for each additional tree.

Waverly Council has a straightforward process. Pruning, cutting down, lopping, topping, ringbarking, removing, or the wilful destruction of any tree is prohibited unless meeting one of four criteria set aside by the council.

Waverly Council forbids the pruning, removal, or alteration of any street trees. The application fee is $77 for a single tree and $31 for each additional tree.

Woollahra Municipal Council’s tree works application applies to private property trees that need to be pruned or removed. The processing fee is $77.50 for the first tree and $28.50 for each additional tree.

Identifying Protected Trees

Trees on public property, heritage trees, and significant trees are protected by law from pruning or removal as part of the Sydney Development Control Plan of 2012 (Section 3). Trees included in the heritage list require development consent before removal or pruning is considered. Each area keeps a list of its heritage trees.

Significant trees are protected for several reasons, including:

• Horticultural value, especially for trees that are old and considered venerable or are rare or an outstanding example of a species

• Social value, including a strategic location or identification as a landmark – This includes trees with a connected spiritual or religious significance.

• Trees with historic value, including those planted as part of a ceremony or meaningful association with a person, event, group, or institution

• Aesthetic value, unusual features, or the enhancement of the surrounding environment

Trees designated as significant include the Queensland firewheel tree, the Moreton Bay fig, and the Washington palm.

Removing or Pruning Without Council Approval

Some species do not require prior approval before removal or pruning. All trees classified as noxious are included in this category, including:

• Hackberry

• Citrus

• Narrow-leaved privet

• Broad-leaved privet

• Oleander

• Wild or African Olive

• Willows

• Cocos palm

• Rhus

Before removing or pruning any of these trees, notify the local council and take before and after photographic evidence.

Certain Species Can Be Removed Without Permission

Certain tree species can be removed without prior permission from the council, as long as the tree is less than 10 metres tall and not listed on the significant tree registry. They include the Camphor laurel, Chinese nettle, American nettle, coral tree, and liquidambar, as well as:

• Tree of heaven

• All species of bamboo

• All varieties of citrus

• Cotoneaster

• Rubber tree

• Wild honey locust

• Norfolk Island hibiscus

• Privet

• White cedar

• Mulberry

• Banana

• African Olive

• Non-cultivators

• Willow

• Umbrella

• Cocos palm

Unsure of whether it's safe to prune or remove that tree on your property? Consult with a professional tree removal service such as Wolf Trees and Gardens to guide you through the process.