Do I have to get Council’s approval to remove or prune a tree?
How do I apply to remove or prune a tree?
How long will my application take to be inspected?
Will Council staff make an appointment with me?
How will I be told of Council’s decision?
Can I prune my neighbour’s tree?
Should I lop or top a tree?
Do I have to get Council’s approval to remove or prune a tree?
Yes, if your tree is protected under the Tree and Bushland Preservation Order. Exempted trees are listed in the order. Please read this order to find out whether or not you need to make an application.
How do I apply to remove or prune a tree?
You can apply by writing or sending in an application form to Council. There is a processing fee unless you are a pensioner which must be received with the form (please see Fees and Charges). The property owner or their authorised agent must sign the application.
The application must include the following details:
- Your name and contact details.
- Whether or not you own the tree
- Where the tree is located
- The reason for your request
- Any other relevant information
How long will my application take to be inspected?
It usually takes between ten to fifteen days to have you’re application assessed. Bad weather or busy workloads may result in a longer wait. They are inspected in the order in which they were received.
Will Council staff make an appointment with me?
If you specifically request a meeting on site, one can be arranged. Council may also contact you if there is difficulty accessing the site or more information is needed. Otherwise Council assumes that all necessary information was sent in on the application, and will not make an appointment to inspect.
How will I be told of Council’s decision?
You will receive a written response consisting either of a permit issued at the time of inspection, or a letter explaining otherwise.
Can I prune my neighbour’s tree?
If the tree is protected by the Tree and Bushland Preservation Order you will need to ask the owner for their permission. If they agree you may lodge an application as long as they sign it or provide a letter of support. If they do not agree to your request, that is a matter for the Community Justice Centre. Council does not mediate in these matters. Please note that new tree dispute laws recently came into force; please visit the Land and Environment Court for details.
If the tree is not protected under the Tree and Bushland Preservation Order, then under Common Law you can prune the tree provided that:
- You inform the owner of the tree before carrying out the pruning.
- You return all branches and fruit to the owner.
- You do not unnecessarily damage the tree in the process.
- You do not trespass onto your neighbour’s property.
Should I lop or top a tree?
You should never lop a tree except in emergency situations.
Lopping creates problems such as
- Increased pest and disease
- Poorly attached regrowth that can fall without warning
- Death to part of the root system, or an increase in feeder root growth
- Increased cost and frequency of maintenance
- Reduction in the tree’s lifespan
- Decreased sunlight as the remaining branches produce extra leaves
- Loss of the tree’s attractiveness and natural shape.
Most applications to lop or top all or part of a tree will be refused for these reasons, especially when there are other options.