Trees on your property

Council’s commitment to maintaining our tree canopy and supporting the well-being of our community and natural environment means, if you wish to prune or remove a tree, in most cases you will need to apply for a permit.

If a permit is required, your application will be assessed by one of Council’s qualified arborists.

Where a permit may be required

A permit from Council is required to clear vegetation and prune or remove a tree if:

  • The tree has any of the following dimensions:
    • A height exceeding 4 metres.
    • A trunk girth (circumference) exceeding 600 millimetres measured at 1.4 metres above ground level.
    • A crown spread exceeding 3 metres.
  • The tree is a locally native species that is representative of the original vegetation of the area.
  • The vegetation is within a defined wildlife corridor or has known wildlife habitat value.
  • The tree is visually prominent from the street or surrounding properties and makes a positive contribution to the visual character of the locality.

Where a permit may not be required

Some circumstances where a permit may not be required include:

  • Selective pruning for up to a total of 10% of an individual tree’s crown over a 5 year period.
  • Any vegetation declared a weed under the Biosecurity Act 2015. A list of weeds can be found in Schedule 3 Weeds of the Biodiversity Regulation 2017.
  • Pruning or removal of recognised horticultural varieties of fruit trees grown for fruit production.
  • Clearing of vegetation or removal of trees lawfully conducted in accordance within the bushfire 10/50 vegetation clearing rules.
  • Removal of deadwood.

Residents are advised to keep records of any pruning works carried out in order to prove the works were exempt should it be needed. 

More information on which plants and trees you can prune, remove or transplant and any exemptions that may apply please review Part G – Vegetation Management of Willoughby Development Control Plan (WDCP). If you require further assistance or information, please contact Council on 9777 1000. 

Applying for a permit

To apply for a permit, for pruning or tree removal on private property, please complete our application form, fees apply.

Please note:

  • Property owner’s consent is required on all applications.
  • Where an application for tree removal is approved, replacement planting is required at a ratio of 3:1.  
  • All approved Vegetation Management Applications must be displayed on the front boundary of the property 72 hours prior to and during the course of the works being undertaken.
  • Applications to clear vegetation will be displayed on Council’s website for public comment.
  • Applications can be viewed on Council’s website using the DA Tracker.

In general, Council will not approve pruning or removing of trees:

  • Where the tree is deemed healthy and stable by Council’s qualified arborists.
  • For cosmetic reasons, to enhance views or improve lighting on private property.
  • To reduce bird droppings or the natural shedding of leaves, fruit and bark.
  • For sewer or stormwater issues, where other viable solutions exist.
  • Where tree branches overhang property boundaries.
  • Due to the presence of insects (including caterpillars and moths).

Vegetation Management Applications (VMA) were previously called Tree Vegetation Permit Applications (TVPA).

Apply for a permit

Tree reports

Arborist reports are a requirement with applications to clear vegetation as part of a Development Application but are optional when submitting a Vegetation Management Application (VMA/TVPA). An arborist report may also be required with a request for a review of a determination of a VMA.

Arboriculture reports will only be accepted when prepared by a Consultant Arborist with a minimum qualification of Level 5 under the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF Level 5). The company preparing the report shall also not be financially affiliated or have a business relationship with a tree removal/pruning company. All reports must be prepared in accordance with the guidelines established within Australian Standard AS 4373 (2007) Pruning of Amenity Trees and AS 4970 (2009) Protection of Trees on Development Sites.

Further information is available in the Vegetation Management Guidelines

Tree Offset Planting Scheme

Tree removal applications and replanting requirements

Willoughby is renowned for its natural features, including its established tree canopy. Council wishes to protect and encourage these highly valued characteristics.

Changes in lifestyle mean that some residents no longer have the space or desire for large trees on their property. This has resulted in an increase in tree removal requests and reduction in the tree canopy.

To ensure our green future, Council established a replanting ratio for trees removed of 3:1 and developed the Tree Offset Planting Scheme for replanting of trees on public land.

Tree Offset Planting Scheme

When you submit an application requesting to remove a tree/s, you will need to confirm your understanding of the requirement to plant replacement trees at a ratio of 3:1.

Access to the Tree Offset Planting Scheme will be offered, where it has been determined by Council’s assessing officer, that there is insufficient space on your property for the planting of all required replacement trees and the application for tree removal has merit.

Where this is the case, you will be required to make a payment to Council for the planting of the required number of replacement trees on Council land.

Upon receipt of payment of the required fees, Council will provide you with your permit and you will be able to commence your tree removal works.

By working with the community to protect trees and support the long term management of our environment we can ensure a green future for Willoughby.

Tree Offset Planting Scheme fees

The Tree Offset Planting Scheme fee applies to each required replacement tree unable to be planted on the subject site. The fee covers the planting and ongoing maintenance of each tree agreed to be planted by Council, on Council land on behalf of the applicant.

For current fees, please refer to Council's Fees and charges.

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