Explanation on Tree Removal in Sydney: Rules to Follow to Avoid Fines

Did you know as long as you have a permit from the government, it’s perfectly okay for you to prune (trim) your neighbour’s tree(s) without their permission? Not that we recommend you bung on a blue with your neighbours, but if you’re interested in what you have to undergo for a tree removal in Sydney, read on! We also include the procedure or paperwork that needs to be completed for tree trimming and cutting in Sydney (on your property).Why would you want to prune/trim your neighbour’s tree?Say you want to trim some branches of a neighbour’s tree that’s overhanging your residential property. It’s a good idea to let them know that you’re applying to the City of Sydney for permission to do just that. Because the City of Sydney will let them know this anyway, and it’s a considerate thing for you to do. Then, your neighbour has 14 days to respond before the government decides on whether to accept or reject your application. By the way, you can’t apply for permission to remove your neighbour’s tree. Because the City of Sydney won’t allow you to uproot someone else’s property (the tree) merely because you asked it and paid $90. If it makes any sense, you can’t remove a tree on someone else’s property without their consent.If the city approves your application and gives you a permit to trim a tree that originates on your neighbour’s property, it’ll only be for the section of the tree that’s on your property. Meaning, you or the contractor (that’s us) can’t walk onto your neighbour’s lawn or garden and start trimming their tree without their permission (that’s pretty obvious).Process of tree removals in Sydney, NSW

• Check to see if the tree is a heritage tree or protected under the development control plan. If the tree falls in the former category, you’ll need development consent to prune or remove it. If the tree falls under the latter category, you will require a permit to remove it, etc. There are certain trees that are exempt from both categories and don’t require development consent or a permit. You can check if the tree you want removed is exempt or not here.
• Apply for pruning/trimming or removing a tree on your property (residential or commercial) or pruning a tree that originates on your neighbour’s property but is overhanging yours. Why? Because the NSW government protects trees and the urban forest. There is a $90 application fee to apply for trimming or removing a tree on your property, and the application takes 28 days to process. An arboricultural assessment report is usually part of the application and explains the tree’s condition and the environment that it is existing in.

Just remember that the government won’t contact you to confirm they’ve received your application unless you request it from them. They also won’t allow you to prune trees on other people’s properties just because the branches are overhanging the property line. This is because such acts can damage the tree, a living organism.

• Note that if you’re applying for development consent, then the current application fee is $129, while the notification fee is $550. Here, an arboricultural impact assessment report is the main tree report and focuses on how a tree may be affected by development works.

What if you trim or cut a tree without approval?If the tree is one that doesn’t require a permit or consent by the government to trim, cut, or remove then there is no issue. However, if it is a heritage tree or one that requires development consent then (depending on the seriousness of the act) there is a maximum penalty of $500,000 for individuals. For companies, there is a maximum penalty of $2 million for breaking the law.Choosing an arborist and whyIt’s recommended that you choose an arborist to seek advice on tree health and maintenance carefully. This is because you can inflict irreparable damage on a tree otherwise. If you apply for tree trimming, cutting or removal, on your property, the application will require a tree report written by an arborist. Qualified consultant arborists are usually members of professional organisations that require professional development and thus provide the latest advice.How much does a consulting arborist cost?Consulting arborists charge fees for tree reports on tree management issues in the same way as landscape architects and engineers do: by the hour. If the City of Sydney requests more information, the arborist should provide it free of charge. Otherwise, they will charge more for assessing new or revised arboricultural reports, or root mapping and reporting. Looking for tree removal specialists? We offer both gardening and landscaping services to all our customers: residential, commercial, and body corporate. We can trim, cut, or remove trees in your green space and add water features to create a sense of calm. Whichever service you're looking for, Sydney Garden Maintenance and Landscaping can help you achieve your goals. We aim to add value to every property we work on. For residential, commercial, or strata gardening services, or more, call Sydney Garden Maintenance and Landscaping on 02 9417 0014 to book a consultation, or fill out a form on our website, and we’ll get back to you.

Sydney Garden Maintenance & Landscaping Is a full-service Garden Maintenance & Landscaping company servicing residential, strata & commercial clients across Sydney and surrounding areas.