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Commercial & CivilReady to chop down that tree in your backyard? Before you break ground, it’s important to know how to get council approval to remove a tree legally.
This is an essential step in most cases of tree removal on private property in Australia. While there are some exceptions, you could face serious fines and potentially even a lawsuit if you get rid of a tree without a permit – even if it’s on your land.
That said, tree protection regulations and requirements vary depending on the Local Government Area, so make sure to understand the specific laws for your neighbourhood ahead of any arboreal works!
Here, our simple guide explains how to get council approval to remove a tree. We share step-by-step instructions and frequently asked questions, including information like common reasons to cut down a tree and the penalties for breaking tree protection laws.
Yes, you almost always need council approval to remove a tree. For example, the Newcastle area has stringent legislation when it comes to tree removal, with nearly every case requiring local council approval. Failing to do this can bring significant fines (more on this below!).
Every local council has its own Tree Preservation Order (TPO), which details the regulations and guidelines for maintaining and removing trees. They also outline information on what you can do without council approval, including rules relating to tree size, proximity to primary dwellings, and the maximum percentage that may be removed during tree pruning.
Additionally, if your property is near bushland, it’s worth checking the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Entitlement Area. This Scheme allows property owners with land in designated areas to remove certain trees and plants without having to seek permission from the local council or Land Services Office first.
At Agility Trees, our certified arborists can help you navigate these complexities by including council requirements as part of the initial quote for tree removal services. In the meantime, please visit your local city council’s website for more information.
First things first, confirm whether or not you need local council approval to remove your tree. Most likely, the answer will be yes. However, to double check, please visit the website for your local council and read up on the rules and regulations for trees in your area.
After consulting your local council’s website, gather all required information for your tree removal application. Key details tend to concern things like tree species, size, condition, location and proximity to fire zones. Additionally, you’ll need to know whether it is included on the Significant Tree Register.
Lastly, don’t forget that most tree removal applications need to be submitted alongside a Level 5 Arborist Report to verify the information provided. This analysis also gives an in-depth insight into the tree’s current status and what you would like to do with it.
This report must be completed by an experienced and certified arborist, who can help you to gather the remaining information required and offer advice on tree removal applications.
Now that you have everything you need to apply for tree removal, submit your completed Private Tree Removal Application form and Level 5 Arborist Report to your local council and pay the processing fee. In Newcastle NSW, the rates at the time of writing are:
Processing for these applications tends to take anywhere from days to weeks. Therefore, it’s best to wait until you have received council approval before scheduling any tree removal services.
Once you’ve secured council approval, it’s time to arrange for a qualified arborist to remove the tree for you. This will ensure the tree is taken care of safely and effectively. At Agility Trees, we can provide you with a free quote for tree removal services – simply give us a call on (02) 4058 3149 or submit an online enquiry!
Acquiring council approval can be a smooth, stress-free process – provided you have a valid reason to remove the tree in question. Although each local council has its own criteria for cutting down trees, most will approve applications for dangerous, fallen or dead trees. Additionally, you may be able to obtain permission to remove trees within three metres of a pool or building, trees under three metres tall, and trees that are blocking a boundary fence.
On the other hand, councils generally don’t accept aesthetic reasons like an obstructed view or too many leaf droppings. Significant trees, which are protected for their species, size, location, age or cultural importance, are also protected in most areas.
Whether or not you can remove a tree on your property line depends on the rules and regulations of your local council. For instance, some local councils allow the removal of trees within a specified distance of your property line if you’re planning to build or repair a fence.
Note that neighbours tend to split the cost of tree removal if the trunk straddles both properties. However, this isn’t a legal obligation so you will need to reach an informal agreement if you’d like to share this expense.
There are considerable financial penalties for removing a tree without council approval. These fines can be imposed on both the tree professional and the property owner.
Starting at around $3,000, some tree removal fines can double according to the severity of the offence. To avoid any losses, make sure to secure council approval before cutting down a tree on your property.
Now that you know how to get council approval to remove a tree, it’s time to apply for a permit and call in the qualified arborists at Agility Trees! We provide safe, efficient and professional tree removal services across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock and Port Stephens. Call our team on (02) 4058 3149 to learn how we can help you to secure council approval and remove your tree.
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