How it works
Do you need council approval to remove a tree?
Often, yes. In NSW, councils control tree removal and pruning on private land through their Development Control Plans (DCPs), made under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021. Each council sets its own rules about which trees are protected, so a tree that can be removed freely in one suburb may need a permit in the next.
If the tree is part of building work, its removal is normally dealt with in your development approval. Outside development, you apply to the council for a tree permit. Where a property is bushfire prone, the NSW 10/50 vegetation clearing rules may also apply.
Council tree information
Tree application forms and rules for the councils we work in most often. Links open the council's own website, where you will find the current tree application form.
- Sutherland Shire CouncilSutherland Shire suburbs
- Inner West CouncilBalmain to Tempe
- Willoughby City CouncilChatswood and surrounds
- City of RydeRyde and surrounds
- Lane Cove CouncilLower North Shore
- Ku-ring-gai CouncilUpper North Shore
- Hornsby Shire CouncilHornsby district
- Mosman CouncilMosman
- Northern Beaches CouncilIncludes the former Pittwater Council area
- City of ParramattaParramatta and surrounds
- The Hills Shire CouncilThe Hills District
- Blacktown City CouncilBlacktown and surrounds
- Liverpool City CouncilIncludes Sandy Point
More information: NSW Rural Fire Service: 10/50 vegetation clearing. General information only, not legal advice. Council rules change, so always confirm with your council.