Do You Need Council Approval to Remove a Tree?
When it comes to removing a tree on your private property within Australia, it’s best to assume that you do need the permission of your local council.
The specific tree protection laws and their requirements vary between councils. Despite this variety, most municipalities across the country require residents to apply for a permit before they can carry out any significant tree works.
While some councils allow exemptions: for example, specific tree species or trees below a certain height or trunk diameter, but these rules vary. In general, it’s safest to assume you need a permit unless your local council clearly states otherwise. Removing a tree without permission can result in hefty fines or legal action. This means it’s essential to understand the regulations in your local area before you start sawing.
This article will cover:
- Reasons to remove a tree (with council permission!)
- Consequences for violating tree protection laws
- The tree removal application process
- The role of an arborist in council applications
Why Does the Council Need to Approve Tree Removals?
Trees offer benefits beyond your property: they filter air, reduce heat, support local ecosystems, and improve neighbourhood aesthetics. That’s why councils regulate their removal. Without oversight, widespread tree loss could damage the environment, lower property values and take decades to undo.
Reasons to Remove a Tree
Acquiring council approval to remove a tree on your property can be a fairly straightforward process, as long as you have a good (and approved) reason. Approved reasons differ between states, cities, and local municipalities, but a good rule of thumb is that local councils will generally approve applications to remove trees that are fallen, dead, dangerous, or pose a fire hazard.
In addition to these examples, trees that are within 3 metres of your house or pool, trees that are smaller than 3 metres and trees preventing the construction of a boundary fence will generally be approved by the council for removal.
On the flip side, there are a number of common reasons that councils will not accept as sufficient justification for the removing trees. Aesthetic reasons like the obstruction of a view or the dropping of leaves are almost always rejected outright. So too are applications to remove trees that are on protected tree lists. This includes trees that have been deemed ‘significant’ for their age, size, species, location, or cultural significance.
The Process to Apply for a Permit
Step 1 in the process is to check whether you need a permit to carry out your planned tree works on your property. To do this you can visit our guides to local council regulations which provide a handy walkthrough of everything you need to apply for tree works permission from your council. If your location is not covered in our guides, tell us so that we can improve our service and talk you through the process. Alternatively, you can go to the website for your local council to find out all the rules and regulations relevant to the trees at your home or business.
Step 2 is to collect all the information required by your council. The specific details needed for this will differ but can be found on the council website. Most rules will require that you answer questions about the tree size, location, condition, tree species, and fire zones, and determine whether there are any relevant restrictions like vegetation overlays or the significant tree registry. Most tree removal applications will also need to be accompanied by a Pro Arborist Report to verify the accuracy of the information and provide more in-depth analysis of the tree and the proposed tree works.
Note: hiring a qualified arborist can help to streamline the process. Not only can they provide a Pro Arborist Report, but they can also assist in collecting the rest of the required data while offering valuable experience in dealing with council applications.
Step 3 is to submit your completed form along with the Pro Arborist Report and the stated processing fee. Waiting times for these applications vary from a couple of days to a couple of weeks, so make sure you do not schedule your tree works until you have received confirmation of council consent.
Step 4 is to book in the tree works for your property once you have received the approval from your city council.
When is Approval Not Required?
In some cases, you may not need council permission, but always check local rules first. Approval is generally not required if the tree:
- is already dead or has fallen
- poses an immediate safety risk
- is a noxious species (as defined by your council)
- is under a certain height or trunk diameter
- is in a designated fire hazard zone
Tree Permit FAQs
How much does a tree removal permit cost?
Each jurisdiction has its own local laws, rules and regulations. Some parts of the state will have high fees for this type of permit as a means of discouraging the removal of trees. Trees within reach of protected zones can incur additional costs. Permit fees vary depending on your local council’s regulations. Some councils charge no fee at all, while others may charge per tree or per application. On average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $200, but this range can vary significantly.
How much does tree removal cost?
Qualified arborists will charge different rates depending on your area and the size, species, and condition of the tree. Be sure to engage a properly certified professional, as many councils require a formal arborist report as part of the permit process. As a rough guide, removing a medium-sized tree in Australia usually costs between $500 and $1,500. Larger or more complex jobs, such as those involving difficult access or proximity to buildings, can cost significantly more. This doesn’t include any planning or permit fees.
Do you need planning permission for tree pruning?
As with cutting down a tree, this will depend on the local rules for your area or state. As with all tree works jobs, you should first check whether you need official approval before you commence. Tree protection law often requires approval for home tree works if the proposed job will remove a significant portion of the tree.
What happens if I cut down a tree without permission?
Cutting down trees at your home or business without permission is against the law. Violating local tree protection rules can result in a heavy fine and potential legal action.
