{
 "publisher": "Above All Tree Services Pty Ltd",
 "url": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/",
 "licence": "Free to reuse with attribution and a link.",
 "note": "Plain-English summaries checked against each council's own documents on the date given. Not legal advice; confirm with the council.",
 "councils": [
  {
   "slug": "sutherland-shire",
   "name": "Sutherland Shire Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/sutherland-shire/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/living-here/trees/trees-on-private-property",
   "phone": "02 9710 0333",
   "permitNeededFor": "Trunk 100 mm or more across at 500 mm high, any bushland vegetation, or anything within 4 m of a creek",
   "summary": "In Sutherland Shire you need a council tree permit before you prune or remove any tree whose trunk is 100 mm or more in diameter at 500 mm above the ground, any bushland vegetation of any size, or any tree or vegetation within 4 m of a creek. Exceptions are the species on council's exempt list, minor pruning (no more than 10% of the canopy in 12 months), clearing branches that overhang a roof, storm-damaged limbs and genuinely imminent dangers. The permit costs $213 in 2026/27 ($90 for pensioners), council's own arborist inspects, and an approved removal normally comes with a condition to plant two replacement trees.",
   "thresholds": {
    "trunk": "diameter of 100 mm or more measured at 500 mm above ground level (single or multi-trunked)",
    "canopy": "pruning more than 10% of the canopy in any 12-month period needs a permit",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "within 3 m of a dwelling or swimming pool council will permit removal, but an application must still be lodged and approved (measured at 500 mm above ground from the outer wall or slab edge to the trunk; does not apply to decks, garages, outbuildings, fences or ancillary structures)",
    "watercourse": "any tree or riparian vegetation within 4 m of a creek or watercourse is protected regardless of size",
    "bushland": "bushland vegetation (remnant native vegetation, including mangroves) is protected at any size"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Queensland silver wattle (Acacia podalyriifolia)",
    "Golden wreath wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Bunya bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii)",
    "Clumping bamboo (Arundinaria spp.)",
    "Sawara cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera spp.)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)",
    "Citrus — cumquat, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange (Citrus spp., edible species)",
    "Brunnings golden cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa var. brunniana)",
    "Pencil pine or Italian cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)",
    "Leyland cypress and cultivars (Cupressocyparis leylandii)",
    "Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Silky oak (Grevillea robusta)",
    "Large-leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum)",
    "Small-leaf privet (Ligustrum sinense)",
    "Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua)",
    "Black mulberry (Morus nigra)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata)",
    "Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis)",
    "Fishpole bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)",
    "Black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra)",
    "Radiata or Monterey pine (Pinus radiata)",
    "Apple, crab apple, nashi, pear, quince (Pome spp., edible species; listed as 'Pomme spp')",
    "Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')",
    "Apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach, plum (Prunus spp.)",
    "Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Plus the weed and priority-weed lists in clause 4.3, including lantana, bamboo (Bambusa spp.), willows (Salix spp. except Salix babylonica, S. reichardtii and S. calendron), Athel tree (Tamarix aphylla), cassia (Senna pendula var. glabrata), ochna, crested wattle (Paraserianthes lophantha), castor oil plant and rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree pruning and removal application (general, without TRAQ report) — also the fee for a Review of Determination",
     "amount": "$213.00",
     "note": "2026/27 fee, no GST, non-refundable. Council's schedule does not say whether this is per tree or per application."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree pruning and removal application — pensioner",
     "amount": "$90.00",
     "note": "2026/27. Pensioners lodge a hard-copy form with a copy of their pension card."
    },
    {
     "item": "Application accompanied by a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) report",
     "amount": "$45.50",
     "note": "2026/27; $19.00 for pensioners. The TRAQ report must be by an independent, TRAQ-licensed arborist (AQF level 4 or higher per the permit page)."
    },
    {
     "item": "Offset tree replacement fee (where on-site planting is not feasible), per tree",
     "amount": "$595.00 (300 mm pot) to $3,728.00 (400 L)",
     "note": "Incl. GST: 300 mm $595; 45 L $1,066; 100 L $1,259; 200 L $2,139; 400 L $3,728. Covers supply, planting and maintenance to council specification."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Normally determined within 28 business days from when a completed application is received and payment made (council web page). The application form says a decision is confirmed in writing within a maximum of 28 days from lodgement. Permits are valid for two years.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Engadine",
    "Yarrawarrah",
    "Barden Ridge",
    "Loftus",
    "Woronora Heights",
    "Lucas Heights",
    "Heathcote",
    "Sutherland",
    "Woronora",
    "Bangor",
    "Grays Point",
    "Waterfall",
    "Kirrawee",
    "Menai",
    "Gymea Bay",
    "Bonnet Bay",
    "Gymea",
    "Jannali",
    "Illawong",
    "Kareela",
    "Como",
    "Yowie Bay",
    "Alfords Point",
    "Miranda",
    "Oyster Bay",
    "Lilli Pilli",
    "Sylvania",
    "Caringbah South",
    "Sandy Point",
    "Port Hacking",
    "Sylvania Waters",
    "Dolans Bay",
    "Kangaroo Point",
    "Maianbar",
    "Caringbah",
    "Burraneer",
    "Taren Point",
    "Woolooware",
    "Cronulla",
    "Bundeena",
    "Greenhills Beach",
    "Kurnell"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on private land — Sutherland Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/living-here/trees/trees-on-private-property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Sutherland Shire DCP 2015 Chapter 39 Natural Resource Management (Amendment 9, PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0038/99695/39-Natural-Resource-Management-Am-9.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Permit Application to prune/remove tree on private property (Jan 2024, PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0031/77719/Feb-2024-Tree-Pruning-and-Removal-Application-Form-2.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Permit application Owner's Consent form v1 2025 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/109171/Tree-Approval-application-Owners-Consent-form.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Exempt Tree Works — SEPP Exemption, Imminent Risk to Human Life or Property form (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/24648/SEPP-EXEMPT-IMMINENT-RISK-TO-LIFE-PROPERTY.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees fees and charges 2026-2027 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/122014/15.-2027-Trees-Fees-and-Charges.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fees and charges for the year ending 30 June 2027",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/your-council/rates-and-council-fees/fees-and-charges-2027"
    },
    {
     "title": "Arborist reports — Sutherland Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/living-here/trees/trees-on-private-property/arborist-reports"
    },
    {
     "title": "Urban Tree and Bushland Policy and Schedules (Nov 2021, admin update 1/12/25, PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/4411/Urban-Tree-and-Bushland-Policy-and-Schedules-ADOPTED-NOV-2021-_-Admin-Update-made-1_12_25.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree vandalism — Sutherland Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/living-here/trees/vandalism"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on Council land — Sutherland Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/living-here/trees/trees-on-council-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Greenweb Program — Sutherland Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/living-here/trees/greenweb-program"
    },
    {
     "title": "Street tree planting — Sutherland Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/living-here/trees/street-tree-planting"
    },
    {
     "title": "Heritage property and item information — Sutherland Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-build/building-considerations/heritage-property-and-item-information"
    },
    {
     "title": "Shire Maps — Sutherland Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-build/shire-maps"
    },
    {
     "title": "Talk to us (phone, address, hours) — Sutherland Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au/your-council/contact-us/talk-to-us"
    },
    {
     "title": "State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 — Chapter 2",
     "url": "https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/epi-2021-0722"
    },
    {
     "title": "10/50 Vegetation Clearing — NSW Rural Fire Service",
     "url": "https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/1050-vegetation-clearing"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "liverpool",
   "name": "Liverpool City Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/liverpool/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees",
   "phone": "1300 362 170",
   "permitNeededFor": "Over 3.5 m tall, 4 m spread or 400 mm trunk at 1 m (council’s 2024 guidelines give different figures; check first)",
   "summary": "In Liverpool you need Council approval before you prune or remove a protected tree on private land. A tree counts as protected once it passes Council's size definition, unless it is on the exempt species list. Dead trees, trees in imminent danger of failing, and very minor pruning within set limits don't need approval, but take photos first. Heritage sites and bushland with threatened species need extra checks.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "more than 3.5 m (Trees page and DCP 2008 Part 1); the 2024 Technical Guidelines say more than 5 m",
    "trunk": "diameter more than 400 mm at 1 m above ground (Trees page and DCP); the 2024 Guidelines say at least 140 mm at 1.4 m",
    "canopy": "spread more than 4 m (both documents)"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Edible fruit trees such as citrus, Prunus, avocado, apple, persimmon and quince (only when under 10 m tall; not including Syzygium or Acmena)",
    "Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana)",
    "Western Australian golden wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster glaucophyllus)",
    "Chinese hackberry (Celtis sinensis)",
    "Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)",
    "Leighton green cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii)",
    "Golden cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa 'Brunniana')",
    "Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra)",
    "Cockscomb coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Rubber trees (Ficus elastica and hybrids)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos, not including recognised hybrids)",
    "Silky oak (Grevillea robusta)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonii)",
    "Large-leaved privet (Ligustrum lucidum)",
    "Small-leaved privet (Ligustrum sinense)",
    "African boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum)",
    "White cedar (Melia azedarach, only when under 10 m tall)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata)",
    "Prickly pear (Opuntia spp.)",
    "Parkinsonia (Parkinsonia aculeata)",
    "Poplars (Populus spp.)",
    "Mesquite (Prosopis spp.)",
    "Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia, not including recognised hybrids)",
    "Willows (Salix spp.)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Dwarf umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola)",
    "Queen palm / cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Athel pine (Tamarix aphylla)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)",
    "Karroo acacia (Vachellia karroo)",
    "Prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree Removal Permit (including pruning)",
     "amount": "$56.60",
     "note": "2026-27 fee, no GST"
    },
    {
     "item": "Each additional tree on the same permit",
     "amount": "$22.70",
     "note": "2026-27 fee. The older application form mentions a pensioner / Health Care Card waiver of the admin fee, but the 2026-27 schedule doesn't list a concession."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Not stated on Council's current pages.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Holsworthy",
    "Pleasure Point",
    "Voyager Point",
    "Hammondville",
    "Wattle Grove",
    "Moorebank",
    "Casula",
    "Chipping Norton",
    "Lurnea",
    "Liverpool",
    "Edmondson Park",
    "Warwick Farm",
    "Prestons",
    "Cartwright",
    "Ashcroft",
    "Sadleir",
    "Miller",
    "Horningsea Park",
    "Carnes Hill",
    "Heckenberg",
    "Hoxton Park",
    "Busby",
    "Hinchinbrook",
    "Len Waters Estate",
    "West Hoxton",
    "Green Valley",
    "Middleton Grange",
    "Elizabeth Hills",
    "Austral",
    "Cecil Hills",
    "Rossmore",
    "Cecil Park",
    "Bradfield",
    "Greendale"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees - Liverpool City Council",
     "url": "https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees (Fees, Forms, Policies and Enforcement) - Liverpool City Council",
     "url": "https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/council/Fees-Forms-Policies-and-Enforcement/enforcement/trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Technical Guidelines (adopted 10 December 2024)",
     "url": "https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/289811/043024.2025-Adopted-LCC-Tree-Management-Technical-Guidelines-10-December-2024.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Policy (adopted 10 December 2024)",
     "url": "https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/trim/kapish-api/document?id=398162.2025"
    },
    {
     "title": "Liverpool Development Control Plan 2008 Part 1 (Section 2 Tree Preservation)",
     "url": "https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/trim/documents?RecordNumber=290103.2016"
    },
    {
     "title": "Prune or Remove a Tree on a Private Property Application Form",
     "url": "https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/trim/documents?RecordNumber=026055.2014"
    },
    {
     "title": "Revenue Pricing Policy Fees and Charges FY 2026-2027",
     "url": "https://www.liverpool.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/292998/ADOPTED-FY-2026-2027-Fees-and-Charges.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "georges-river",
   "name": "Georges River Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/georges-river/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees-and-Bushland/Tree-Management",
   "phone": "02 9330 6400",
   "permitNeededFor": "3 m or taller, trunk 100 mm or more at ground level, or 3 m branch spread",
   "summary": "In Georges River, any work on a private tree that is 3 m or taller, has a trunk 100 mm or more across at ground level, or has a branch spread of 3 m or more needs council approval first, unless it is on the council's exempt list. Exempt work includes removing deadwood, trimming hedges, fruit trees (not natives like lilly pilly or macadamia) and a published list of weed and undesirable species. Otherwise you lodge a tree permit application with a fee from $195 (half price for pensioners); council aims to decide within 18 weeks.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "3 m or more",
    "trunk": "diameter 100 mm or more, measured at ground level",
    "canopy": "branch spread 3 m or more"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Bamboo (Bambusa spp)",
    "Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Black mulberry (Morus nigra)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), only when under 6 m tall",
    "Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis), only when under 6 m tall",
    "Chinese hackberry (Celtis sinensis), only when under 6 m tall",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Common willow (Salix babylonica)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp)",
    "Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Cockspur coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli)",
    "Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp), excluding native rosella (Hibiscus heterophyllus) and cottonwood hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonii)",
    "Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "Broad-leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum)",
    "Narrow-leaf privet (Ligustrum sinense)",
    "Running bamboo (Phyllostachys spp)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron spp)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Silky oak (Grevillea robusta), only when under 6 m tall",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Wild olive / African olive (Olea europaea subsp cuspidata)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree management inspection (private land) — 1 to 3 trees",
     "amount": "$195.00",
     "note": "Per application, 2026/27 schedule. Pensioner discount 50%."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree management inspection (private land) — 4 to 6 trees",
     "amount": "$285.00",
     "note": "Per application. Pensioner discount 50%."
    },
    {
     "item": "Each additional tree over 6",
     "amount": "$30.50",
     "note": "Per tree, on top of the 4–6 tree fee."
    },
    {
     "item": "Review of a private tree decision — Stage 1",
     "amount": "$115.00",
     "note": "Must be lodged within 6 months, with new information."
    },
    {
     "item": "Review of a private tree decision — Stage 2 (internal panel)",
     "amount": "$205.00"
    },
    {
     "item": "Offset fee instead of replacement planting (only if council offers it)",
     "amount": "$1,060.90 / $2,121.80 / $3,182.70",
     "note": "Per replacement tree, for low / medium / high significance trees. Applicants cannot choose this option."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council aims to assess the application and issue a permit within 18 weeks. Delays happen if officers cannot get access or the information is incomplete.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Lugarno",
    "Oatley",
    "Peakhurst Heights",
    "Connells Point",
    "Kyle Bay",
    "Peakhurst",
    "Mortdale",
    "Blakehurst",
    "Hurstville Grove",
    "South Hurstville",
    "Carss Park",
    "Penshurst",
    "Kogarah Bay",
    "Allawah",
    "Hurstville",
    "Beverley Park",
    "Beverly Hills",
    "Carlton"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Tree Management — Georges River Council (FAQs)",
     "url": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees-and-Bushland/Tree-Management"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Pruning and Removal Guidelines — Georges River Council",
     "url": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees-and-Bushland/Tree-Management/Tree-Pruning-and-Removal-Guidelines"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Policy 2024 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/StGeorge/files/6e/6ee4676e-7be5-4955-97c2-30379e95ed03.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Application to Prune or Remove Tree(s) on Private Property (PDF form)",
     "url": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/getmedia/65003c76-6488-4519-84a4-680c75a65da3/Tree-Pruning-and-Removal-Application.aspx"
    },
    {
     "title": "Exempt Tree Works Form (online)",
     "url": "https://onlineforms.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/RunForm.aspx?formId=3807"
    },
    {
     "title": "Schedule of Fees and Charges 2026/27 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/StGeorge/media/Documents/Council/Publications/Fees-and-Charges-FY2026-2027.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Prosecutions — Georges River Council",
     "url": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees-and-Bushland/Tree-Management/Tree-Prosecutions"
    },
    {
     "title": "Resolving Tree Disputes — Georges River Council",
     "url": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees-and-Biodiversity/Tree-Management/Resolving-Tree-Disputes"
    },
    {
     "title": "Street Tree Management — Georges River Council",
     "url": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees-and-Bushland/Tree-Management/Street-Tree-Management"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Planting (replacement trees) — Georges River Council",
     "url": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees-and-Bushland/Tree-Management/Tree-Planting"
    },
    {
     "title": "Significant Tree Register — Georges River Council",
     "url": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees-and-Bushland/Tree-Management/Significant-Tree-Register"
    },
    {
     "title": "Bushland (bushfire prone land) — Georges River Council",
     "url": "https://www.georgesriver.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees-and-Bushland/Bushland"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "canterbury-bankstown",
   "name": "City of Canterbury Bankstown",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/canterbury-bankstown/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-garden-and-home/pruning-and-removing-trees/private-trees",
   "phone": "02 9707 9000",
   "permitNeededFor": "5 m or taller (any size on heritage, biodiversity-mapped or foreshore land)",
   "summary": "In Canterbury-Bankstown, a private tree generally needs a council permit only if it is 5 m or taller, and trees within 3 m of the wall of your house, fruit trees and a long list of exempt species can be removed without asking. You can also prune up to 10% of a native tree's crown (20% for an exotic) each year without a permit. Stricter rules apply on heritage sites, the foreshore area and Biodiversity Map land, and one set of rules now covers both the former Canterbury and former Bankstown council areas.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "5 m or more (any size in the foreshore area, on heritage sites, Biodiversity Map land, mangroves and listed threatened species)",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "exempt within 3 m of the external wall of an approved dwelling, measured to the centre of the trunk at 1.4 m above ground (not secondary dwellings, garages, sheds or verandahs)"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana)",
    "Queensland silver wattle (Acacia podalyriifolia)",
    "Golden wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Bamboo (Bambusa spp)",
    "Hackberry (Celtis sinensis)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), less than 10 m in height",
    "Lemon (Citrus limon cvs)",
    "Mandarin (Citrus reticulata cvs)",
    "Orange (Citrus sinensis cvs)",
    "Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi cvs)",
    "Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)",
    "Common coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Narrow-leafed peppermint (Eucalyptus nicholii)",
    "Willow gum (Eucalyptus scoparia)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica and cvs)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Broad-leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum)",
    "Narrow-leaf privet (Ligustrum sinense)",
    "Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua)",
    "Apple (Malus domestica and cvs)",
    "Mango (Mangifera indica)",
    "Mulberry (Morus spp)",
    "Banana (Musa spp)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp africana)",
    "Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis), with a trunk less than 4 m in height",
    "Rhizomatous bamboo (Phyllostachys spp)",
    "Radiata pine (Pinus radiata)",
    "Poplars (Populus spp)",
    "Cherry (Prunus avium / P. cerasus and cvs)",
    "Peach (Prunus persica and cvs)",
    "Plum (Prunus spp and cvs)",
    "Apricot (Prunus spp and cvs)",
    "European pear (Pyrus communis and cvs)",
    "Robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia and cvs)",
    "Willow (Salix spp)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Broad-leaf pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)",
    "Leyland cypress (X Cupressocyparis leylandii and cvs)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree permit application — 1 to 10 trees",
     "amount": "$115.00",
     "note": "Non-refundable (2026/27 form). Pensioner fee $57.50. Fees are not refunded if the tree turns out to be exempt."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree permit application — 11 to 15 trees",
     "amount": "$173.50",
     "note": "Pensioner fee $87.50."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree permit application — 16 or more trees",
     "amount": "$215.00",
     "note": "Pensioner fee $108.50."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Not stated. Council notes that special access arrangements or on-site appointments may delay processing.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Picnic Point",
    "Revesby Heights",
    "Padstow Heights",
    "East Hills",
    "Panania",
    "Padstow",
    "Revesby",
    "Riverwood",
    "Milperra",
    "Narwee",
    "Punchbowl",
    "Condell Park",
    "Roselands",
    "Kingsgrove",
    "Bankstown",
    "Wiley Park",
    "Mount Lewis",
    "Lakemba",
    "Georges Hall",
    "Clemton Park",
    "Belmore",
    "Yagoona",
    "Bass Hill",
    "Campsie",
    "Greenacre",
    "Earlwood",
    "Lansdowne",
    "Belfield",
    "Birrong",
    "Chullora",
    "Canterbury",
    "Potts Hill",
    "Sefton",
    "Hurlstone Park",
    "Villawood",
    "Chester Hill",
    "Ashbury"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Private trees — City of Canterbury Bankstown",
     "url": "https://www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-garden-and-home/pruning-and-removing-trees/private-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree management order — City of Canterbury Bankstown",
     "url": "https://www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/your-council/policies-and-codes/tree-management-order"
    },
    {
     "title": "Canterbury-Bankstown DCP 2023 Chapter 2.3 Tree Management (Amended August 2024, PDF)",
     "url": "https://webdocs.bankstown.nsw.gov.au/api/publish?documentPath=aHR0cDovL2lzaGFyZS9zaXRlcy9QbGFubmluZy9TUC9EQ1AgQW1lbmRtZW50cy9EQ1AgLSBXZWJzaXRlIERvY3VtZW50cyAtIEN1cnJlbnQgdmVyc2lvbnMgb24gQ291bmNpbCdzIHdlYnNpdGUvMjAyNC4wOC4wNiAtIERDUCAyMDIzIC0gQU1FTkRNRU5UIDQgLSBDaGFwdGVyIDIuMyAtIFRyZWUgTWFuYWdlbWVudC5wZGY=&title=2024.08.06%20-%20DCP%202023%20-%20AMENDMENT%204%20-%20Chapter%202.3%20-%20Tree%20Management.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Application to Prune or Remove a Tree on Private Property 2026/2027 (PDF form)",
     "url": "https://cbcity-webdocs.azurewebsites.net/api/publish?documentPath=aHR0cHM6Ly9jYmNpdHkuc2hhcmVwb2ludC5jb20vc2l0ZXMvQ09NTVNQVUIvUVB1bHNlIFB1YmxpYyBXZWJzaXRlIERvY3VtZW50cy9UcmVlIE1hbmFnZW1lbnQgRm9ybXMgKGV4IFFwdWxzZSkvQXBwbGljYXRpb24gdG8gUHJ1bmUgb3IgUmVtb3ZlIGEgVHJlZSBvbiBQcml2YXRlIFByb3BlcnR5LnBkZg==&title=Application%20to%20Prune%20or%20Remove%20a%20Tree%20on%20Private%20Property.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Application to Prune or Remove a Tree on Private Property — online form page",
     "url": "https://www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/your-council/forms/application-to-prune-or-remove-tree-private-property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Public trees — City of Canterbury Bankstown",
     "url": "https://www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-garden-and-home/trees/public-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Hefty fine for illegally removing protected trees (media release, 29 Oct 2025)",
     "url": "https://www.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/your-council/media-centre/hefty-fine-illegally-removing-protected-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Earlwood Tree Replacement — Have Your Say Canterbury Bankstown",
     "url": "https://haveyoursay.cbcity.nsw.gov.au/tree-planting-earlwood"
    },
    {
     "title": "Canterbury Bankstown / Georges River Bush Fire Risk Management Plan — NSW RFS (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/274733/Canterbury-Bankstown-Georges-River-BFRMP-approved-by-BFCC.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "wollongong",
   "name": "Wollongong City Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/wollongong/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-and-your-property/tree-management-rules",
   "phone": "02 4227 7111",
   "permitNeededFor": "5 m or taller, or trunk 300 mm or more across at ground level",
   "summary": "In Wollongong you need a Tree Permit from Council before you prune or remove a tree on your land that is 5 metres or taller, or has a trunk 30 cm or more across at ground level, unless the species is on Council's Exempt Trees list. Pruning branches more than 10 cm in diameter, pruning large roots, and removing dead or dying trees also need a permit. If the tree work is part of building a house, extension, pool or similar, it is approved through the Development Application instead.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "5 m or more (DCP E17 definition of a declared tree)",
    "trunk": "diameter 30 cm (300 mm) or more, measured at ground level",
    "canopy": "pruning branches more than 10 cm in diameter needs a permit"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "African fern pine / Yellowwood (Afrocarpus falcatus, syn. Nageia falcatus)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata)",
    "Alder (Alnus species)",
    "Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)",
    "Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis)",
    "China doll (Radermachera sinica)",
    "Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera, syn. Sapium sebiferum)",
    "Cocos or Queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster species)",
    "Domestic fruit trees",
    "Golden cypress pine (Cupressus macrocarpa 'Brunniana')",
    "Goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum)",
    "Liquidambar (Liquidambar species)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus / Itchy pod tree (Lagunaria patersonii)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "Peppercorn / Pepper tree (Schinus areira)",
    "Poplar (Populus species)",
    "Privet (Ligustrum species)",
    "Radiata pine (Pinus radiata)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Silky oak (Grevillea robusta)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Willow (Salix species)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree Permit application — 1 to 2 trees",
     "amount": "$114.00",
     "note": "incl. GST (no GST applies), from Council's fees table on the Apply for a Tree Permit page"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Permit application — each additional tree (trees 3 to 10)",
     "amount": "$52.00",
     "note": "per additional tree"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Permit — pensioner rate",
     "amount": "50% of the application fee",
     "note": "subject to Council confirming pensioner rebate eligibility; not available to strata applications"
    },
    {
     "item": "Review of a Tree Permit determination",
     "amount": "50% of the application fee",
     "note": "request within three months of the date on the permit"
    },
    {
     "item": "Replacement tree planted by Council on public land",
     "amount": "$150.00",
     "note": "optional, if you cannot plant the replacement tree on your own property"
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Usually processed within 28 days (the rules page says around 28 working days). Permits are valid for one year and cannot be extended.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Lilyvale",
    "Helensburgh",
    "Otford",
    "Stanwell Tops",
    "Stanwell Park",
    "Darkes Forest",
    "Coalcliff",
    "Clifton",
    "Scarborough",
    "Maddens Plains",
    "Wombarra",
    "Coledale",
    "Austinmer",
    "Thirroul"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Rules — City of Wollongong",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-and-your-property/tree-management-rules"
    },
    {
     "title": "Exempt Trees — City of Wollongong",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-and-your-property/tree-management-rules/exempt-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Apply for a Tree Permit (steps and fees) — City of Wollongong",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-and-your-property/apply-for-a-tree-permit"
    },
    {
     "title": "Ask a Question About Tree Permits (FAQs) — City of Wollongong",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-and-your-property/tree-faqs"
    },
    {
     "title": "Dangerous Trees — City of Wollongong",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-and-your-property/tree-management-rules/dangerous-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Issues with Neighbours' Trees — City of Wollongong",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-and-your-property/tree-management-rules/issues-with-neighbours-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees in Front of Your House — City of Wollongong",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-and-your-property/tree-management-rules/trees-in-front-of-your-house"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees and Development — City of Wollongong",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-and-your-property/tree-management-rules/trees-and-development"
    },
    {
     "title": "Plant a New or Replacement Tree — City of Wollongong",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/residents/trees-and-your-property/plant-a-tree"
    },
    {
     "title": "Wollongong DCP 2009 Chapter E17 Preservation and Management of Trees and Vegetation (in force 1 July 2023)",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/8983/Wollongong-DCP-2009-Chapter-E17-Tree-and-Vegetation-Management-In-force-1-July-2023.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Council Policy (adopted 15 December 2025)",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/193267/Tree-Management.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Managing Trees in Wollongong — A Customer Guide (in force 1 July 2023)",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/193269/Managing-Trees-in-Wollongong-Guide.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Development on Bush Fire Prone Land — City of Wollongong",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-build/development-planning-rules/development-on-bush-fire-prone-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Grow Local Illawarra Native Garden Guide — Wollongong City Council",
     "url": "https://wollongong.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0015/42063/Grow-Local-Illawarra-Natives-Garden-Guide.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "campbelltown",
   "name": "Campbelltown City Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/campbelltown/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/Local-Environment/Trees/Tree-Management",
   "phone": "02 4645 4000",
   "permitNeededFor": "Over 3 m tall, 500 mm trunk circumference at ground level, or 4 m crown spread",
   "summary": "In Campbelltown, a tree on private land taller than 3 m, with a trunk circumference of 500 mm or more at ground level, or a crown spread of 4 m or more usually needs a Council permit before you prune or remove it. There are exemptions: listed weed species (with an arborist report to Council first), trees within 3 m of a house or other building, and limited pruning. Trees that are dead, dying or dangerous need a Council declaration before removal. Stricter rules apply to \"declared vegetation\" such as heritage, koala habitat, threatened species and endangered ecological communities.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "more than 3 m",
    "trunk": "outside circumference of at least 500 mm at ground level",
    "canopy": "branch and foliage crown spread of at least 4 m",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "exempt if within 3 m of a Class 1 to 9 building (foundation wall to centre of trunk); declared trees only, and not sheds, pools, driveways or garden structures"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Any fruit trees that are not native vegetation",
    "Any tree listed on the Greater Sydney Strategic Weed Management Plan",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata)",
    "Bamboo (Bambuseae spp.)",
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)",
    "China doll (Radermachera sinica)",
    "Cocos palm / queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)",
    "Firethorn (Pyracantha spp.)",
    "Giant reed (Arundo donax)",
    "Golden cypress pine (Cupressus macrocarpa 'Brunniana')",
    "Golden wreath wattle / orange wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata)",
    "Hackberry (Celtis australis)",
    "Kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum)",
    "Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)",
    "Mulberry (Morus spp.)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus / itchy pod tree (Lagunaria patersonia)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "Privet (Ligustrum spp.)",
    "Poplars (Populus spp.)",
    "Prunus (Prunus spp.)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera spp.)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree permit (DCP pathway)",
     "amount": "$188.00",
     "note": "2026-27, each"
    },
    {
     "item": "Vegetation permit (400 m2 or less, or 4 trees)",
     "amount": "$188.00",
     "note": "2026-27"
    },
    {
     "item": "Vegetation permit (more than 400 m2 or 4 trees)",
     "amount": "$179.00",
     "note": "2026-27, plus $36.00 per additional tree and per 100 m2 of non-tree vegetation"
    },
    {
     "item": "Private Tree Prune or Removal (4 or less)",
     "amount": "$183.00",
     "note": "2026-27, per group incl. GST. $225 for 5 to 15 trees, POA for 16 or more, $224 for an urgent 48-hour response"
    },
    {
     "item": "Dead, dying or dangerous tree assessment",
     "amount": "$179.00",
     "note": "2026-27, up to 4 trees (also $179 for 5 to 10 trees), plus $36.00 per tree over 4 (up to 10)"
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council inspects and notifies the applicant of the outcome within 10 business days, and urgent applications are prioritised. The guides say Council aims to decide dangerous-tree declarations within 3 days and dead or dying declarations within 14 days.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Long Point",
    "Minto Heights",
    "Kentlyn",
    "Macquarie Fields",
    "Glenfield",
    "Ingleburn",
    "Ruse",
    "Minto",
    "Macquarie Links",
    "Leumeah",
    "Airds",
    "Bow Bowing",
    "Bardia",
    "Woodbine",
    "St Andrews",
    "Campbelltown",
    "Bradbury",
    "Raby",
    "Claymore",
    "Eagle Vale",
    "St Helens Park",
    "Denham Court",
    "Blair Athol",
    "Wedderburn",
    "Varroville",
    "Eschol Park",
    "Ambarvale",
    "Englorie Park",
    "Blairmount",
    "Kearns",
    "Rosemeadow",
    "Glen Alpine",
    "Gilead",
    "Menangle Park"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Tree Management - Campbelltown City Council",
     "url": "https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/Local-Environment/Trees/Tree-Management"
    },
    {
     "title": "Guide to Clearing Trees on Private Land - Declared Trees (Version 1.2)",
     "url": "https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/local-environment/documents/declaredtreesguidetoclearingtrees.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Guide to Clearing Trees on Private Land - Declared Vegetation, Biodiversity (Version 1.2)",
     "url": "https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/local-environment/documents/biodiversitydeclaredvegetationclearingtrees.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Guide to Clearing Trees on Private Land - Declared Vegetation, Heritage (Version 1.2)",
     "url": "https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/local-environment/documents/heritagedeclaredvegetationguide.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Exempt Tree Species List (effective 26 May 2020)",
     "url": "https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/local-environment/documents/exempttreespecieslist.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Campbelltown (Sustainable City) DCP 2015 Part 11 Vegetation and Wildlife Management (Amendment No 8)",
     "url": "https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/local-environment/documents/volume-1-scdcp-2015-part-11-vegetation-and-wildlife-management-may-2020-amendment-no-8.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Adopted Fees and Charges 2026-27",
     "url": "https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/10/council-and-councillors/documents/fees-and-charges-2026-27.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Native Gardening Guide (species)",
     "url": "https://www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/local-environment/documents/nativegardeningguide_latestreduced.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "bayside",
   "name": "Bayside Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/bayside/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees",
   "phone": "1300 581 299",
   "permitNeededFor": "Taller than 3 m, or trunk wider than 300 mm",
   "summary": "In Bayside you need a council permit before you prune or remove a tree on your property unless it is no higher than 3 m and its trunk is no more than 300 mm wide, it is a fruit tree, or it is on the DCP's exempt species list. Permit applications can be lodged online or at a service centre, with a fee of $125.50 for 1–3 trees. One set of rules (Bayside DCP 2022) now applies across both the former Rockdale and former Botany Bay council areas.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "higher than 3 m needs a permit",
    "trunk": "wider than 300 mm at 1.4 m above ground needs a permit (Trees page says 1 m)"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Bamboo (Bambusa spp, Phyllostachys spp and others)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), only trees under 5 m high",
    "Lemon, orange, mandarin (Citrus spp)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli), only trees under 5 m high",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Mulberry (Morus alba)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp cuspidata)",
    "European olive (Olea europaea)",
    "Peach, plum, apricot, cherry (Prunus spp), fruiting species only, not ornamental or sterile varieties",
    "Pear (Pyrus spp), fruiting species only, not ornamental or sterile varieties",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Queen palm / cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana), only palms less than 5 m"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree inspection — 1 to 3 trees",
     "amount": "$125.50",
     "note": "Non-refundable, paid at lodgement (2026/27 form). Card payments incur a 0.5% service fee."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree inspection — 4 to 10 trees",
     "amount": "$254.00"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree inspection — more than 10 trees",
     "amount": "$412 admin fee plus a quoted cost",
     "note": "An AQF5 arborist tree plan with numbered trees is required; council issues a quote before assessment."
    },
    {
     "item": "Review of Tree Management Officer determination",
     "amount": "$288.50",
     "note": "Reviewed by council's Manager of Parks & Open Space; must include new information."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Not stated on council's pages.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Sans Souci",
    "Sandringham",
    "Dolls Point",
    "Ramsgate",
    "Ramsgate Beach",
    "Kogarah",
    "Bexley",
    "Monterey",
    "Bexley North",
    "Rockdale",
    "Brighton-le-Sands",
    "Bardwell Park",
    "Banksia",
    "Bardwell Valley",
    "Arncliffe",
    "Kyeemagh",
    "Turrella",
    "Wolli Creek",
    "Mascot",
    "Botany",
    "Banksmeadow",
    "Hillsdale",
    "Eastlakes",
    "Eastgardens",
    "Pagewood",
    "Daceyville"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees — Bayside Council",
     "url": "https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Pruning or Removing a Tree on Private Property Application — Bayside Council",
     "url": "https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/pruning-or-removing-tree-private-property-application"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Pruning or Removal Guidelines — Bayside Council",
     "url": "https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/tree-pruning-or-removal-guidelines"
    },
    {
     "title": "2026–2027 Tree Consent for Removal or Pruning Application form (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-06/2026-2027%20Tree%20Consent%20for%20%20Removal%20or%20Pruning%20Application.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Bayside Development Control Plan 2022 — Amendment 2 (PDF), Section 3.8",
     "url": "https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-04/Bayside%20Development%20Control%20Plan%202022%20-%20Amendment%202.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Bayside DCP 2022 Appendices (PDF) — Appendix 3 Exempt Tree Species List",
     "url": "https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-04/bayside_dcp_2022_appendices.PDF"
    },
    {
     "title": "Bayside Landscape Technical Specification (PDF) — plant lists",
     "url": "https://www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-04/landscape_technical_specification_0.PDF"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "fairfield",
   "name": "Fairfield City Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/fairfield/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/Services/Tree-Removal-Pruning",
   "phone": "02 9725 0222",
   "permitNeededFor": "Over 4 m tall, 3 m spread, or trunk over 75 mm at 1 m (much smaller on riparian land)",
   "summary": "In Fairfield you need a Tree Work Permit from Council to cut down, top, lop, prune, ringbark or remove any tree more than 4 metres tall, or with a branch spread of more than 3 metres, or a trunk more than 75 mm across at 1 metre above the ground. Species on Council's 'undesirable' tree schedule can be removed without a permit, but only after a qualified arborist or horticulturalist has identified the tree in writing. Council generally only approves removal when a tree is dead, dying, dangerous or causing serious structural damage.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "more than 4 m (more than 1 m on mapped riparian land)",
    "trunk": "diameter more than 75 mm measured 1 m above ground (more than 20 mm on mapped riparian land)",
    "canopy": "branch spread more than 3 m (more than 0.5 m on mapped riparian land)",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "trees within 3 m of an approved, existing house (trunk centre to external wall) are exempt"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata)",
    "European olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea)",
    "Athel pine (Tamarix aphylla)",
    "Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Black cherry (Prunus serotina)",
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Brazilian cherry (Eugenia uniflora)",
    "Broad-leaf pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)",
    "Cherry guava (Psidium cattleianum)",
    "Chinese celtis (Celtis sinensis)",
    "European hackberry (Celtis australis)",
    "Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia)",
    "Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii) and Cockspur coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli)",
    "Cotton palm / California fan palm (Washingtonia filifera)",
    "Foxglove tree / Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa)",
    "Golden rain tree (Koelreuteria elegans)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Murraya / Orange jessamine (Murraya paniculata)",
    "Osage orange (Maclura pomifera)",
    "Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera)",
    "Patula pine (Pinus patula) and Radiata pine (Pinus radiata)",
    "Phoenix palm / Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis)",
    "Privet — broad-leaf, narrow-leaf and European (Ligustrum lucidum, L. sinense, L. vulgare)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)",
    "Tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Willows (Salix species)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree Work Permit — 1 to 2 trees",
     "amount": "$97",
     "note": "pensioner $48.50; fees valid to 30 June 2027; maximum two trees per application form"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Work Permit — 3 to 4 trees",
     "amount": "$194",
     "note": "pensioner $97"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Work Permit — 5 to 6 trees",
     "amount": "$291",
     "note": "pensioner $145.50"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Work Permit — 7 to 8 trees",
     "amount": "$388",
     "note": "pensioner $194"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Work Permit — 9 to 10 trees",
     "amount": "$485",
     "note": "pensioner $242.50"
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council decides within 28 days of receiving the application (SEPP s 2.11). If the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme is triggered, the Native Vegetation Panel has 90 days. Approvals are valid for six months from the date of inspection (extensions can be requested).",
   "suburbs": [
    "Lansvale",
    "Cabramatta",
    "Mount Pritchard",
    "Carramar",
    "Canley Vale",
    "Cabramatta West",
    "Fairfield East",
    "Canley Heights",
    "Bonnyrigg",
    "Fairfield",
    "Old Guildford",
    "St Johns Park",
    "Fairfield Heights",
    "Fairfield West",
    "Wakeley",
    "Bonnyrigg Heights",
    "Greenfield Park",
    "Edensor Park",
    "Prairiewood",
    "Smithfield",
    "Bossley Park",
    "Abbotsbury",
    "Wetherill Park",
    "Horsley Park"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Tree Removal & Pruning — Fairfield City Council",
     "url": "https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/Services/Tree-Removal-Pruning"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Removal/Pruning Form — Fairfield City Council",
     "url": "https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/Online-Forms/Tree-RemovalPruning-Form"
    },
    {
     "title": "Application — Tree Work Permit (QMF-OS-080, effective June 2026)",
     "url": "https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/6/documents/services/tree-management/qmf-os-080-application-tree-work-permit-updated-annually-for-website-and-customer-service-centre.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management and Tree Work Permits information sheet (QMI-OS-080)",
     "url": "https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/3/documents/services/tree-management/tree_qmi-os-080-twp_pdf.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Exempt Trees List — A guide for residents and landowners (QMI-OS-086, April 2023)",
     "url": "https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/documents/services/tree-management/qmi-os-086-tree-removal-pruning-page-exempt-trees-list-a-guide-for-residents-apr-2023-pdf.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Matters — Preservation of Trees (QMF-PG-035)",
     "url": "https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/documents/services/tree_matters___preservation_of_trees.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fairfield CityWide Development Control Plan 2024, Amendment No. 2 (Chapter 3A and Appendix F)",
     "url": "https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/6/documents/plan_build/development-control-and-structure-plans/fairfield-city-wide-dcp-2024-amendment-no.2.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Development Control and Structure Plans — Fairfield City Council",
     "url": "https://www.fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au/Planning-and-Building/Developments-and-Buildings/Development-Control-and-Structure-Plans"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "strathfield",
   "name": "Strathfield Municipal Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/strathfield/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Environmental/Trees/Tree-Pruning-and-Removal",
   "phone": "02 9748 9999",
   "permitNeededFor": "4 m or taller, or trunk girth over 500 mm at 1 m",
   "summary": "In Strathfield you need council's written consent to prune or remove any tree 4 m or taller, or with a girth (trunk circumference) over 0.5 m measured 1 m above the ground — and even to do works within 5 m of a tree's base. Most private trees go through a Tree Management Application, but heritage items, Heritage Conservation Areas and trees on the Significant Tree Register need a Development Application. Council says plainly that there is no \"10% rule\" or distance-from-house exemption in Strathfield.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "4 m or more",
    "trunk": "girth (circumference) greater than 0.5 m, measured 1 m above ground",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "no distance-from-building exemption — council states none applies; works within 5 m of a tree's base also need consent"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Evergreen alder (Alnus jorullensis)",
    "Papaya (Carica papaya)",
    "River she-oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana)",
    "Celtis / hackberry (Celtis spp.)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)",
    "Citrus (all varieties)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)",
    "Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Edible fig (Ficus carica)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Silky oak (Grevillea robusta)",
    "Privet (Ligustrum spp.)",
    "Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua)",
    "Apple tree (Malus domestica)",
    "Mango (Mangifera indica)",
    "Broad-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia)",
    "Mulberry (Morus spp.)",
    "Banana (Musa spp.)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata)",
    "Stone fruit trees (Prunus spp.)",
    "Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia, not cultivars)",
    "Willows (Salix spp.)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffianum)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree Management Application — remove/prune 1–5 trees",
     "amount": "$149",
     "note": "Per tree (2026/27). Example: 3 trees = 3 x the per-tree fee. Payable at lodgement, non-refundable."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Management Application — remove/prune 6–10 trees",
     "amount": "$219.50",
     "note": "Per tree (2026/27)"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Management Application — remove/prune 11–20 trees",
     "amount": "$287.50",
     "note": "Per tree (2026/27)"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Management Application — remove/prune more than 20 trees",
     "amount": "$426",
     "note": "Per tree (2026/27)"
    },
    {
     "item": "Request for review of tree permit determination — private tree",
     "amount": "$691",
     "note": "Per application (2026/27)"
    },
    {
     "item": "Extension of approved tree work",
     "amount": "$64.50",
     "note": "Permits expire after one year"
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Not stated. Council notes delays if site access needs to be arranged; neighbour-tree applications include a 14-day neighbour comment period, and tree DAs are notified to adjoining properties for at least 14 days.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Strathfield South",
    "Strathfield",
    "Homebush West",
    "Homebush"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Tree Pruning and Removal — Strathfield Council",
     "url": "https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Environmental/Trees/Tree-Pruning-and-Removal"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees FAQs — Strathfield Council",
     "url": "https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Environmental/Trees/Trees-FAQs"
    },
    {
     "title": "Part O – Tree Management, Strathfield Consolidated DCP 2005 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/develop/part-o-tree-management-updated-1.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Exempt species — Appendix 2 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/environmental/trees-exempt-species.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Application form (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/6/council/forms/tree-management-application-form-july-2026.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fees and Charges 2026–27 (Tree Removal/Pruning, p. 29)",
     "url": "https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/3/council/plans-and-strategies/fees-and-charges-fy2026-27-140726.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Street Trees — Strathfield Council",
     "url": "https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Environmental/Trees/Street-Trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Significant Tree Register — Strathfield Council",
     "url": "https://www.strathfield.nsw.gov.au/Environmental/Trees/Significant-Tree-Register"
    },
    {
     "title": "NSW Planning Portal bush fire prone land layer (queried against LGA boundary)",
     "url": "https://mapprod3.environment.nsw.gov.au/arcgis/rest/services/ePlanning/Planning_Portal_Hazard/MapServer/229"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "cumberland",
   "name": "Cumberland City Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/cumberland/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/tree-management",
   "phone": "02 8757 9000",
   "permitNeededFor": "4 m or taller",
   "summary": "In Cumberland you need a permit from Council before removing or pruning any woody tree 4 metres or taller, unless the species is on the DCP's exempt list, the tree is completely dead, or it is very close to your house. Small pruning jobs (branches up to 150 mm, no more than 5% of the live crown a year) are exempt if done to the Australian Standard. Since 5 November 2021 one set of rules (Cumberland DCP 2021) applies to the former Auburn, Holroyd and Parramatta parts of the city.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "4 m or more (woody perennial plant, ground level to highest live foliage) — Council's web page says 'over 3.6 metres'",
    "canopy": "exempt pruning limited to 5% of live crown per calendar year and branches up to 150 mm diameter",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "any tree under 2 m from the external walls of an approved house is exempt; Liquidambar and Ficus under 5 m (Ficus also under 3 m from a boundary)"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana)",
    "Green wattle (Acacia decurrens)",
    "W.A. gold wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Crested wattle (Albizia lophantha)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Evergreen alder (Alnus jorullensis)",
    "Bamboo (Bambusa species)",
    "Green cestrum (Cestrum parqui)",
    "Hackberry (Celtis species)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster species)",
    "Fruiting persimmons (Diospyros species)",
    "Loquats (Eriobotrya species)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina species)",
    "Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia)",
    "Privet (Ligustrum species)",
    "Apples (Malus species)",
    "White cedar (Melia azedarach)",
    "Mulberry (Morus species)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "African olive (Olea africana)",
    "Edible olives (Olea species)",
    "Poplar (Populus species)",
    "Peaches, plums, apricots etc. (Prunus species)",
    "Pyracantha (Pyracantha species)",
    "Edible pears (Pyrus species)",
    "Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis)",
    "Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Willows (Salix species)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)",
    "Sweet thorn (Vachellia karroo)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree Works Application — first tree",
     "amount": "$92.00",
     "note": "2025/2026 fees and charges shown on the application form (last revised 30/06/2025)"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Works Application — each additional tree",
     "amount": "$25.50",
     "note": "per additional tree"
    }
   ],
   "processing": "No processing time is stated on Council's current tree page or form.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Regents Park",
    "Berala",
    "Lidcombe",
    "Yennora",
    "South Granville",
    "Guildford",
    "Auburn",
    "Guildford West",
    "Woodpark",
    "Granville",
    "Merrylands",
    "Merrylands West",
    "Holroyd",
    "Mays Hill",
    "South Wentworthville",
    "Greystanes",
    "Pemulwuy",
    "Wentworthville",
    "Pendle Hill",
    "Girraween"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Tree management — Cumberland City Council",
     "url": "https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/tree-management"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Works Application form (last revised 30/06/2025)",
     "url": "https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/tree-approval-application-2025.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Cumberland DCP 2021 Part G — Miscellaneous Development Controls (Part G7 Tree Management and Landscaping)",
     "url": "https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/cumberland-dcp-part-g-miscellaneous-development-controls-2021%29.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Development Control Plans (DCP) — Cumberland City Council",
     "url": "https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/build/development-control-plans-dcp"
    },
    {
     "title": "Cumberland DCP 2021 Cover and List of Amendments",
     "url": "https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/Cumberland%20DCP%202021%20Cover%20and%20List%20of%20Amendments%20-%20Updated.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Species List (Urban Tree Strategy 2020)",
     "url": "https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/tree-species-list_0.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Application Process — former Holroyd area only (superseded guidance)",
     "url": "https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/tree-application-process.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Auburn DCP 2010 — Tree Preservation (repealed for new applications)",
     "url": "https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/Tree-Preservation.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "burwood",
   "name": "Burwood Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/burwood/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.burwood.nsw.gov.au/For-Residents/Our-Environment/Trees",
   "phone": "02 9911 9911",
   "permitNeededFor": "4 m or taller, trunk 150 mm at 1.4 m, or crown 2 m or more",
   "summary": "In Burwood you need a Tree Permit (or a Development Application) before pruning or removing a \"protected tree\" — any tree 4 m or taller, with a trunk of 150 mm diameter at 1.4 m, or with a crown spread of 2 m or more. Heritage items and Heritage Conservation Areas need a DA. A short list of exempt species and minor works (dead branches, under 10% pruning away from buildings) don't need approval. Permits cost $133.50 for 1–5 trees and are free for pensioners.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "4 m or more above existing ground level",
    "trunk": "150 mm diameter at 1.4 m above ground",
    "canopy": "crown spread of 2 m or more"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Bamboo (all species)",
    "Privet (Ligustrum species)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera species)",
    "Willow (Salix species)",
    "Poplar (Populus, all species)",
    "Robinia (all species)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffianum)",
    "Mulberry (Morus species)",
    "Banana (Musa species)",
    "Citrus (all species)",
    "Fruit trees, or trees harbouring fruit fly, except Australian native trees",
    "Any tree declared a priority weed for Greater Sydney (Burwood) — see NSW WeedWise"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree permit application — 1 to 5 trees",
     "amount": "$133.50",
     "note": "2026/27, no GST"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree permit application — 6 to 10 trees",
     "amount": "$199",
     "note": "2026/27"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree permit application — 11 to 20 trees",
     "amount": "$264",
     "note": "2026/27"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree permit application — more than 20 trees",
     "amount": "$397",
     "note": "2026/27"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree permit application — pensioners and not-for-profits",
     "amount": "No fee",
     "note": "With a valid Pensioner Concession Card, or proof of non-profit status"
    },
    {
     "item": "Request for review of a tree permit decision — private tree",
     "amount": "$651",
     "note": "$326 for pensioners"
    },
    {
     "item": "Development application — pruning or removal of a tree, heritage items and HCAs",
     "amount": "$110",
     "note": "Per application; $46 for pensioners (statutory)"
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Not stated on council's tree page or in the DCP.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Croydon Park",
    "Enfield",
    "Burwood Heights",
    "Burwood",
    "Croydon"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees — Burwood Council",
     "url": "https://www.burwood.nsw.gov.au/For-Residents/Our-Environment/Trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Burwood Development Control Plan (full PDF, Section 6.1 pp. 331–341)",
     "url": "https://www.burwood.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/9/planning-and-building/burwood-development-control-plan-dcp.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Burwood Development Control Plan page",
     "url": "https://www.burwood.nsw.gov.au/Planning-Building/Burwood-Development-Control-Plan"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Permit Application Form 2025/2026 (online)",
     "url": "https://au.openforms.com/Form/948d9021-ea7a-4da2-b644-1bdfdf5fcab3"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fees & Charges 2026–2027 (Tree Management p. 28; tree DA fee p. 13)",
     "url": "https://participate.burwood.nsw.gov.au/download_file/2216/963"
    },
    {
     "title": "NSW Planning Portal bush fire prone land layer (queried against LGA boundary)",
     "url": "https://mapprod3.environment.nsw.gov.au/arcgis/rest/services/ePlanning/Planning_Portal_Hazard/MapServer/229"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "inner-west",
   "name": "Inner West Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/inner-west/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/trees-your-property-and-your-neighbours/trees-your-property-pruning-or-removing",
   "phone": "02 9392 5000",
   "permitNeededFor": "4 m or taller, trunk over 150 mm at 1.4 m, or canopy 2 m or more",
   "summary": "In the Inner West you need council approval to remove or prune a \"prescribed tree\" — any tree 4 m or taller, a shorter tree with a trunk over 150 mm across at 1.4 m, a tree with a canopy spread of 2 m or more, or a palm or tree fern with 4 m or more of clear trunk. Most trees need a Tree Works Permit lodged through council's online portal, but if the property is heritage listed, in a Heritage Conservation Area, or the tree is on the heritage trees list, you need a Development Application instead. Dead trees still need approval.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "4 m or more above existing ground level (palms and tree ferns: 4 m or more of clear stem)",
    "trunk": "more than 150 mm diameter at 1.4 m (DBH) for trees under 4 m",
    "canopy": "canopy spread of 2 m or more",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "tree centre within 1 m of the wall of a residential dwelling on the same lot is exempt (not in heritage areas)"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Evergreen alder (Alnus jorrullensis)",
    "Bamboo species (Bambusa spp., Phyllostachys spp.)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia)",
    "Broad-leaved privet (Ligustrum lucidum)",
    "Small-leaved privet (Ligustrum sinense)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "False acacia / black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Willow (Salix spp.)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffianum)",
    "Athel tree (Tamarix aphylla)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)",
    "Any species on the NSW DPI priority weeds list for Greater Sydney (Inner West) — see NSW WeedWise"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Application to prune or remove trees — value of works less than $5,000",
     "amount": "$148.82",
     "note": "2026/27 fee, no GST"
    },
    {
     "item": "Application to prune or remove trees — value of works greater than $5,000",
     "amount": "$228.42",
     "note": "2026/27 fee, no GST"
    },
    {
     "item": "Notification of tree applications and DAs for tree removal (where required)",
     "amount": "$236.60",
     "note": "2026/27 fee, only charged where notification is required"
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council says applications with complete documentation are generally finalised within 28 days, but in 2026 it warns of a 6–8 week turnaround because of high demand. The clock stops while council waits for extra information.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Tempe",
    "Marrickville",
    "Dulwich Hill",
    "Sydenham",
    "Ashfield",
    "Summer Hill",
    "Lewisham",
    "St Peters",
    "Petersham",
    "Enmore",
    "Stanmore",
    "Newtown",
    "Haberfield",
    "Leichhardt",
    "Annandale",
    "Lilyfield",
    "Rozelle",
    "Balmain",
    "Balmain East",
    "Birchgrove"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on your property – pruning or removing — Inner West Council",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/trees-your-property-and-your-neighbours/trees-your-property-pruning-or-removing"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on private land – FAQs — Inner West Council",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/live/information-for-residents/trees/trees-on-private-land-frequently-asked-questions"
    },
    {
     "title": "Inner West Tree Management DCP (effective 1 April 2023) PDF",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-02/Tree%20Management%20DCP%202023%20adopted%20-%20effective%201%20April%202023.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Marrickville DCP 2011 page (Amendment No. 16 note)",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/development-controls-lep-and-dcp/marrickville-development-control-plan-dcp"
    },
    {
     "title": "Development control plan (DCP) — former LGAs",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/plans-policies-and-controls/development-control-plan-dcp"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fees & Charges Schedule 2026-27 (Tree Management, p. 11–12)",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-06/Fees%20%26%20Charges%20Schedule%202026-27.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree works application form (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-02/Prune%20or%20Remove%20a%20Tree%20on%20Private%20Land.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Heritage trees list (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-01/Inner%20West%20Council_Heritage%20Trees%20List_%20March%202020.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Neighbour's trees – pruning or removing — Inner West Council",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/private-trees/neighbours-trees-pruning-or-removing"
    },
    {
     "title": "Illegal pruning, removal or damage of trees — Inner West Council",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/trees/illegal-pruning-removal-or-damage-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Public trees — Inner West Council",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/trees/public-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Urban forest — Inner West Council",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/trees/urban-forest"
    },
    {
     "title": "Street Tree Strategy – Ashfield – Part C (species)",
     "url": "https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-02/Street%20Tree%20Strategy%20-%20Ashfield%20-%20Part%20C%20-%20Technical%20guidelines%20details%20and%20specifications.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "NSW Planning Portal bush fire prone land layer (queried against LGA boundary)",
     "url": "https://mapprod3.environment.nsw.gov.au/arcgis/rest/services/ePlanning/Planning_Portal_Hazard/MapServer/229"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "camden",
   "name": "Camden Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/camden/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/private-trees",
   "phone": "13 22 63",
   "permitNeededFor": "3 m or taller, trunk 100 mm across at 1 m, or 3 m branch span",
   "summary": "In Camden, you need a Council permit to prune or remove a tree on private land that is 3 m or taller, has a trunk circumference of 300 mm (about 100 mm diameter) or more at 1 m, or has a branch span of 3 m or more. You apply online through the NSW Planning Portal. A permit to remove usually comes with a condition to plant up to four replacement trees. Five named weed species, hedges and small-branch pruning (up to 50 mm) are exempt. Dead or dangerous trees need a Tree Exemption Form.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "3 m or more",
    "trunk": "circumference of 300 mm (100 mm diameter) or more at 1 m above natural ground",
    "canopy": "branch span of 3 m or more"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Privet (Ligustrum sp.)",
    "African olive (Olea africana)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Chinese celtis (Celtis sinensis)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree removal permit / DA assessment, 1 to 10 trees",
     "amount": "$154.00",
     "note": "2026-27; pensioner $79.50. 11 or more trees $302.00 (pensioner $154.00). An extra fee applies if neighbours must be notified."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree pruning permit / DA assessment, 1 to 10 trees",
     "amount": "$79.50",
     "note": "2026-27; pensioner $37.50. 11 or more trees $154.00 (pensioner $79.50)."
    },
    {
     "item": "Pre-DA / permit site inspection of trees and vegetation, 1 to 10 trees",
     "amount": "$79.50",
     "note": "2026-27; pensioner $37.50. 11 or more trees $154.00."
    },
    {
     "item": "Residential offset planting (per tree)",
     "amount": "$397.00",
     "note": "2026-27, where Council plants offset trees in the public domain"
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council assesses within 28 days once the information is complete and fees are paid. If you haven't been notified after 28 days (excluding time waiting on further information), the application is deemed refused, although Council may still decide it later.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Currans Hill",
    "Gregory Hills",
    "Gledswood Hills",
    "Mount Annan",
    "Leppington",
    "Smeaton Grange",
    "Catherine Field",
    "Narellan Vale",
    "Narellan",
    "Harrington Park",
    "Oran Park",
    "Spring Farm",
    "Elderslie",
    "Kirkham",
    "Camden South",
    "Barker",
    "Camden",
    "Cobbitty",
    "Bringelly",
    "Ellis Lane",
    "Grasmere",
    "Bickley Vale"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Private Trees - Camden Council",
     "url": "https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/private-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Camden DCP 2019 Part 2.4 Trees and Vegetation",
     "url": "https://dcp.camden.nsw.gov.au/general-land-use-controls/trees-and-vegetation/"
    },
    {
     "title": "Public Trees - Camden Council",
     "url": "https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/public-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Urban Forest Forms and Applications - Camden Council",
     "url": "https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/urban-forest-forms-and-applications-2"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Exemption Form - Camden Council",
     "url": "https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/payments-and-forms/forms-a-z/tree-exemption-form-draft-2"
    },
    {
     "title": "Adopted 2026-27 Fees and Charges Schedule",
     "url": "https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/assets/pdfs/Payments-and-Forms/Adopted-2026-27-Fees-and-Charges-Schedule-v3.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Urban Forest Strategy - Camden Council",
     "url": "https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/urban-forest-strategy"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree and Landscape Species List (Appendix 1, Tree Management Policy)",
     "url": "https://www.camden.nsw.gov.au/assets/pdfs/Environment/Trees/Tree-and-Landscape-Species-List-Appendix-1-Tree-Management-Policy.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "randwick",
   "name": "Randwick City Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/randwick/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability/trees/removing-and-pruning-trees/trees-on-private-property",
   "phone": "1300 722 542",
   "permitNeededFor": "5 m or taller, 4 m canopy, or 400 mm trunk circumference at 1 m",
   "summary": "In Randwick you need council approval before you prune or remove most trees on private land: any tree 5 m or taller, with a canopy 4 m or wider, or with a trunk above the size set in the DCP, plus any hollow-bearing tree. Most jobs need a Tree Permit ($212 for up to 3 trees); trees in a heritage conservation area, on a heritage item or on the Significant Tree Register need a Development Application for Tree Works instead. A short list of weed species, dead trees and trees posing an imminent risk are exempt, but you must keep evidence.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "5 m or more",
    "canopy": "canopy width 4 m or more",
    "trunk": "circumference 400 mm or more at 1 m above ground (DCP B5, 27 July 2026); council's web page still says 1 m",
    "roots": "severing roots greater than 50 mm needs a permit"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Golden wreath wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Evergreen alder (Alnus jorullensis)",
    "Bamboo species (Bambusa spp.)",
    "Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)",
    "Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis x leylandii)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina spp.)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia)",
    "Large-leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "Ochna (Ochna serrulata)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana)",
    "Poplars (Populus spp.)",
    "Willows (Salix spp.)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree permit application (Tree Assessment Application) — pruning or removal of up to 3 trees",
     "amount": "$212",
     "note": "Per application, 2026-27. $52 per additional tree over three. Standard processing 20 working days."
    },
    {
     "item": "Fast-track determination — up to 3 trees",
     "amount": "$537",
     "note": "Per application, 5 working days; $52 each additional tree."
    },
    {
     "item": "Development Application for tree work (heritage conservation area or heritage item)",
     "amount": "$151 per tree",
     "note": "2026-27 fee schedule; other DA assessment fees may also apply."
    },
    {
     "item": "Review of determination (tree permit)",
     "amount": "$88",
     "note": "Per application."
    },
    {
     "item": "Pensioner rebate",
     "amount": "50% off",
     "note": "Properties receiving a Pensioner Rebate on the rates are entitled to 50% off tree assessment charges."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "About four weeks (20 working days) for a standard tree permit, or 5 working days if you pay the fast-track fee. Neighbour notification can add time. A consent is valid for 12 months.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Phillip Bay",
    "La Perouse",
    "Matraville",
    "Chifley",
    "Little Bay",
    "Malabar",
    "Maroubra",
    "Kingsford",
    "Kensington",
    "Randwick",
    "South Coogee",
    "Coogee",
    "Centennial Park",
    "Clovelly"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Removing & pruning trees — Randwick City Council",
     "url": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability/trees/removing-and-pruning-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on private property — Randwick City Council",
     "url": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability/trees/removing-and-pruning-trees/trees-on-private-property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Randwick DCP Part B5 Preservation of trees and vegetation (27 July 2026)",
     "url": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/442243/B5-Preservation-of-trees-and-vegetation-Randwick-DCP-Stage-2_Final.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Development Control Plan (DCP) — Randwick City Council",
     "url": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/planning-and-building/planning/development-control-plan-dcp"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Permit Application form 2026-27",
     "url": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/23150/Tree-Permit-Application-Form.PDF"
    },
    {
     "title": "Engineering Services and Domestic Waste fees and charges 2026-27",
     "url": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/345469/Engineering-Services-and-Domestic-Waste.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on public land — Randwick City Council",
     "url": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability/trees/removing-and-pruning-trees/trees-on-public-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees and neighbours — Randwick City Council",
     "url": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability/trees/trees-and-neighbours"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree vandalism — Randwick City Council",
     "url": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability/trees/tree-vandalism"
    },
    {
     "title": "Significant Tree Register — Randwick City Council",
     "url": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability/trees/significant-tree-register"
    },
    {
     "title": "Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub — Randwick City Council",
     "url": "https://www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/environment-and-sustainability/bushland/biodiversity-in-randwick/eastern-suburbs-banksia-scrub"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "canada-bay",
   "name": "City of Canada Bay Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/canada-bay/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/residents/your-home/trees",
   "phone": "02 9911 6555",
   "permitNeededFor": "5 m or taller, trunk over 300 mm at ground level, or canopy over 4 m",
   "summary": "In Canada Bay you need a council permit to prune or remove a \"protected tree\" — any tree (living or dead) 5 m or taller, a shorter tree with a trunk over 300 mm across at ground level, a tree with a canopy spread over 4 m, or any native palm, cycad or mangrove regardless of size. If the property is a heritage item or in a Heritage Conservation Area you need a Development Application instead. Light pruning (up to 10% of the canopy a year by an AQF Level 3 arborist), dead-branch removal and listed weed species are exempt, except on heritage land.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "5 m or more above existing ground level",
    "trunk": "more than 300 mm diameter at ground level (for trees under 5 m)",
    "canopy": "canopy spread over 4 m",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "only for camphor laurel or liquidambar: exempt if the trunk's outside edge is within 3 m of a single storey dwelling"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Evergreen alder (Alnus jorullensis)",
    "Bamboo (Bambusa species)",
    "Running/rhizomatous bamboo (Phyllostachys species)",
    "Common coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Cock's comb coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli)",
    "Green cestrum (Cestrum parqui)",
    "Privet (Ligustrum species)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata)",
    "Prickly pear (Opuntia species)",
    "Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera species)",
    "Cassia (Senna pendula)",
    "Queen/cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffianum)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron species)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) or liquidambar (Liquidambar species) whose trunk's outside edge is within 3 m of a single storey dwelling (not a garage, carport or shed)",
    "Only if under 8 m tall and under 30 cm basal diameter: evergreen alder, hackberry (Celtis species), camphor laurel, rubber tree (Ficus elastica), willow (Salix species)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree permit — residential and strata, up to two trees",
     "amount": "$108",
     "note": "Per tree, dead or alive (2026/27, GST exempt)"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree permit — residential and strata, three trees",
     "amount": "$267",
     "note": "Total for three trees"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree permit — each tree over three",
     "amount": "$32",
     "note": "Per additional tree"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree permit — eligible pensioner (residential non-strata), up to two trees",
     "amount": "$53.50",
     "note": "Per tree; $133 for three trees; $16.30 per tree over three"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree permit — commercial and other properties, up to two trees",
     "amount": "$216",
     "note": "Per tree; $535 for three trees; $63.50 per tree over three"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree permit application appeal (review)",
     "amount": "$295",
     "note": "Council's internal review of a refused permit"
    },
    {
     "item": "Development Application for pruning or removal of a tree — heritage items and properties in an HCA",
     "amount": "$153",
     "note": "Statutory DA fee"
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council says applications may take 25 business days to process after payment of fees; this is an estimate and complex applications may take longer.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Canada Bay",
    "North Strathfield",
    "Five Dock",
    "Concord",
    "Rodd Point",
    "Wareemba",
    "Liberty Grove",
    "Russell Lea",
    "Concord West",
    "Cabarita",
    "Abbotsford",
    "Mortlake",
    "Chiswick",
    "Breakfast Point",
    "Drummoyne",
    "Rhodes"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees — City of Canada Bay",
     "url": "https://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/residents/your-home/trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "City of Canada Bay DCP Part B General Controls (B6 Trees and Urban Ecology), version 26/06/2025",
     "url": "https://canadabay.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/CANADABAY/API/CMIS/PUB/content/?id=folder-7719476&streamId=streampdf-7719476"
    },
    {
     "title": "City of Canada Bay DCP Part L Definitions (protected tree)",
     "url": "https://canadabay.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/CANADABAY/API/CMIS/PUB/content/?id=folder-7719486&streamId=streampdf-7719486"
    },
    {
     "title": "Planning controls (LEP & DCP) — City of Canada Bay",
     "url": "https://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/development/plans-policies-and-controls/planning-controls-LEP-DCP"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Pruning and Removal Permit Application form (online)",
     "url": "https://cityofcanadabay.snapforms.com.au/form/tree-pruning-and-removal-permit-application-form"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fees and Charges 2026-2027 (Tree management, p. 78)",
     "url": "https://canadabay.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/CANADABAY/API/CMIS/PUB/content/?id=folder-8972489&streamId=streampdf-8972489"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fact sheet — Pruning or Removal of Trees (version 18/07/2025)",
     "url": "https://canadabay.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/CANADABAY/API/CMIS/PUB/content/?id=folder-1974822&streamId=streampdf-1974822"
    },
    {
     "title": "Private Tree Management Manual (September 2019, version 09/11/2023)",
     "url": "https://canadabay.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/CANADABAY/API/CMIS/PUB/content/?id=folder-6589421&streamId=streampdf-6589421"
    },
    {
     "title": "Forms & factsheets — City of Canada Bay",
     "url": "https://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/council/about-council/forms-and-factsheets"
    },
    {
     "title": "NSW Planning Portal bush fire prone land layer (queried against LGA boundary)",
     "url": "https://mapprod3.environment.nsw.gov.au/arcgis/rest/services/ePlanning/Planning_Portal_Hazard/MapServer/229"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "city-of-sydney",
   "name": "City of Sydney",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/city-of-sydney/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/property-tree-maintenance/apply-prune-remove-tree",
   "phone": "02 9265 9333",
   "permitNeededFor": "5 m or taller, canopy over 5 m, or trunk over 300 mm at ground level",
   "summary": "In the City of Sydney you need a permit (or development consent) to prune or remove a tree that is 5 m or taller, has a canopy spread over 5 m, has a trunk more than 300 mm across at ground level, or is on the Register of Significant Trees. Heritage-listed trees generally need a Development Application. Some weed species are exempt, and light pruning within strict limits (no more than 5% of the canopy) is allowed without a permit. The application fee is $98.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "5 m or more",
    "trunk": "more than 300 mm diameter measured at ground level",
    "canopy": "canopy spread over 5 m"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Bamboo (all species and cultivars)",
    "Citrus (all varieties)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Wild honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos, not cultivars)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia)",
    "Privet (Ligustrum spp.)",
    "White cedar (Melia azedarach)",
    "Mulberry (Morus spp.)",
    "Banana (Musa spp.)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea var. africana)",
    "False acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia, not cultivars)",
    "Willow (Salix babylonica)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffianum)",
    "Under 10 m tall only: camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)",
    "Under 10 m tall only: Chinese hackberry / nettle tree (Celtis sinensis)",
    "Under 10 m tall only: American nettle tree (Celtis occidentalis)",
    "Under 10 m tall only: coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Under 10 m tall only: liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Prune/remove tree on private land application",
     "amount": "$98",
     "note": "Including GST. Not refunded if the works turn out to be exempt. Assessment starts only after payment."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council aims to assess applications within 28 days of payment. If you have not been notified after 28 days (not counting time waiting on further information), the application is deemed refused, although council may still decide it later.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Rosebery",
    "Alexandria",
    "Erskineville",
    "Beaconsfield",
    "Camperdown",
    "Zetland",
    "Eveleigh",
    "Forest Lodge",
    "Darlington",
    "Waterloo",
    "Redfern",
    "Chippendale",
    "Glebe",
    "Ultimo",
    "Moore Park",
    "Haymarket",
    "Surry Hills",
    "Pyrmont",
    "Darlinghurst",
    "Barangaroo",
    "Sydney",
    "Woolloomooloo",
    "Millers Point",
    "Rushcutters Bay",
    "The Rocks",
    "Elizabeth Bay",
    "Dawes Point",
    "Potts Point"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Apply to prune or remove a tree — City of Sydney",
     "url": "https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/property-tree-maintenance/apply-prune-remove-tree"
    },
    {
     "title": "Exemptions for pruning and removing trees — City of Sydney (published 13 May 2026)",
     "url": "https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/guides/exemptions-for-pruning-and-removing-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Sydney DCP 2012: Tree management controls (Section 3.5.3) PDF",
     "url": "https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/-/media/corporate/files/2020-07-migrated/files_s-3/sydney-dcp-tree-management-controls.pdf?download=true"
    },
    {
     "title": "Prune/Remove Tree on Private Land Application form (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/-/media/corporate/files/apply-to-prune-or-remove-a-tree/application-to-prune-or-remove-a-tree-on-private-land-20240719.pdf?download=true"
    },
    {
     "title": "Heritage tree list (December 2025) PDF",
     "url": "https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/-/media/corporate/files/services/property-tree-maintenance/apply-prune-remove-tree/heritage-tree-list-december-2025.pdf?download=true"
    },
    {
     "title": "Register of Significant Trees — City of Sydney",
     "url": "https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/lists-maps-inventories/register-significant-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees and neighbours — City of Sydney",
     "url": "https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/guides/trees-and-neighbours"
    },
    {
     "title": "Report a tree issue — City of Sydney",
     "url": "https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/report-issue/report-tree-issue"
    },
    {
     "title": "Sydney street trees — City of Sydney",
     "url": "https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/public-health-safety-programs/sydney-street-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Street Tree Master Plan 2011 Part B — Tree species selection",
     "url": "https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/-/media/corporate/files/2020-07-migrated/files_s-2/stmp2011-150501-partb.pdf?download=true"
    },
    {
     "title": "NSW Planning Portal bush fire prone land layer (queried against LGA boundary)",
     "url": "https://mapprod3.environment.nsw.gov.au/arcgis/rest/services/ePlanning/Planning_Portal_Hazard/MapServer/229"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "wollondilly",
   "name": "Wollondilly Shire Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/wollondilly/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/environment-biodiversity-and-sustainability/tree-management/trees-on-private-property",
   "phone": "02 4677 1100",
   "permitNeededFor": "Over 3 m tall, 450 mm trunk circumference at 1 m, or 3 m branch span",
   "summary": "In Wollondilly, a tree on private land taller than 3 m, with a 450 mm trunk circumference at 1 m, or with a branch span over 3 m needs a Tree Management permit (or a development application) before removal, unless an exemption applies. Exemptions include trees within 3 m of your house or main driveway, a list of about 36 weed species, amenity pruning to the Australian Standard, and 10/50 bushfire clearing. On rural-zoned (RU) land, native vegetation clearing is handled by Local Land Services, not Council.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "more than 3 m",
    "trunk": "circumference of 450 mm at 1 m above ground level",
    "canopy": "branch span of more than 3 m",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "exempt within 3 m of a lawfully constructed dwelling or primary access driveway (measured from the outside of the trunk)"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "African olive (Olea europaea)",
    "Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp., Bambusa spp.)",
    "Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora, under 20 m tall only)",
    "Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis)",
    "Cassia (Senna pendula)",
    "Chinese celtis (Celtis sinensis)",
    "Cocos palm / queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)",
    "Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera)",
    "Evergreen alder (Alnus jorullensis)",
    "Evergreen ash (Fraxinus griffithii)",
    "Golden wreath wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Ice cream bean (Inga edulis)",
    "Leighton's green pine (Cupressocyparis x leylandii)",
    "Privet (Ligustrum spp.)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "Peppercorn (Schinus spp.)",
    "Radiata pine (Pinus radiata, under 20 m tall only)",
    "Poplar (Populus spp., under 20 m tall only)",
    "Queensland silver wattle (Acacia podalyriifolia)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Silky oak (Grevillea robusta)",
    "Slash pine (Pinus elliottii) - listed in the DCP only",
    "Sweet pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum)",
    "Tree lucerne / tagasaste (Chamaecytisus palmensis)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Wild tobacco tree (Solanum mauritianum)",
    "Willow (Salix spp.)",
    "Yellow bells (Tecoma stans)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree/vegetation removal/pruning inspection fee, up to 5 trees or 100 m2 of vegetation (Tier 1)",
     "amount": "$124.00",
     "note": "2026-27 schedule, no GST. The Tier 1 form itself still shows $120.00."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree/vegetation removal/pruning inspection fee, 6 or more trees or more than 100 m2 (Tier 2)",
     "amount": "$231.50",
     "note": "2026-27 schedule, no GST. The Tier 2 form itself still shows $224.50."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree removal ancillary to development requiring consent",
     "amount": "DA fees apply",
     "note": "sliding scale"
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council aims to assess within 30 business days, and storms or emergencies can cause delays. Permits are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Appin",
    "Camden Park",
    "Menangle"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on Private Property - Wollondilly Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/environment-biodiversity-and-sustainability/tree-management/trees-on-private-property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Council & Neighbouring Trees - Wollondilly Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/environment-biodiversity-and-sustainability/tree-management/council-and-neighbouring-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Vegetation & Bushfire - Wollondilly Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/environment-biodiversity-and-sustainability/tree-management/vegetation-and-bushfire"
    },
    {
     "title": "Wollondilly DCP 2016 Volume 1 General (updated 31 July 2026), Part 10 Tree Removal",
     "url": "https://wollondilly.cdn.greenhousecreative.au/assets/Documents-NEW/Planning-and-Development/Guidelines-and-Controls/DCP-/WDCP-2016-Volume-1-General-Updated-31-July-2026.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Policy (adopted 17 November 2020)",
     "url": "https://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/assets/Documents-NEW/Lifestyle-and-Environment/Tree-and-Vegetation-Management/Tree-Management-Policy-v2.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree removal exemptions fact sheet",
     "url": "https://www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au/assets/Documents/Resident-Services/Tree-Removal/Tree-removal-exemptions-fact-sheet.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Application Form - Tier 1",
     "url": "https://wollondilly.cdn.greenhousecreative.au/assets/Documents-NEW/Lifestyle-and-Environment/Tree-and-Vegetation-Management/Tree-Management-Application-Form_Tier-1.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Application Form - Tier 2",
     "url": "https://wollondilly.cdn.greenhousecreative.au/assets/Documents-NEW/Lifestyle-and-Environment/Tree-and-Vegetation-Management/Tree-Management-Application-Form_Tier-2.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fees and Charges 2026-27",
     "url": "https://wollondilly.cdn.greenhousecreative.au/assets/Documents-NEW/Council/Corporate-Planning-and-Reporting/Fees-Charges/Updated-Fees_And_Charges_Report-2026_27.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "parramatta",
   "name": "City of Parramatta Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/parramatta/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/trees-on-private-land",
   "phone": "02 9806 5050",
   "permitNeededFor": "5 m or taller (3 m on heritage and special character land, any size on biodiversity land)",
   "summary": "In the City of Parramatta you need a Tree Permit from Council to prune or remove any tree or palm 5 metres or taller, and any tree 3 metres or taller on a heritage item, in a Heritage Conservation Area or in a Special Character Area. Trees on land mapped 'Biodiversity' or in an endangered ecological community are protected whatever their size. Only a short list of weed species, some trees close to houses, pools and sewers, and minor pruning (branches up to 50 mm) are exempt; removing trees on heritage properties needs a Development Application.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "5 m or more (3 m or more on heritage items, in Heritage Conservation Areas and Special Character Areas; any size on 'Biodiversity' land)",
    "trunk": "no trunk-diameter trigger; root pruning over 30 mm diameter counts as tree works",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "poplar, willow, camphor laurel and liquidambar within 5 m of a legally built building, in-ground pool or sewer pipe are exempt; any tree within 10 m of your dwelling if in a mapped 10/50 area"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Hackberry (Celtis sinensis)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)",
    "Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)",
    "Coral trees (Erythrina spp.)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Large-leafed privet (Ligustrum lucidum and cultivars)",
    "Small-leafed privet (Ligustrum sinense)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea var. africana)",
    "Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')",
    "Firethorn (Pyracantha spp.)",
    "Rhus / sumac tree (listed as Rhus toxicodendron)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Cocos / Queen palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree Permit application — 1 tree",
     "amount": "$151.00",
     "note": "2026/2027 financial year"
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Permit application — each additional tree",
     "amount": "$128.00",
     "note": "25% discount on the total fee for Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or DVA Pensioner Concession Card holders; no refund if the inspection finds the works are exempt"
    }
   ],
   "processing": "No processing time is stated on Council's tree pages or form. Council's neighbour page says approved works must be completed within two years of the date of consent.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Newington",
    "Sydney Olympic Park",
    "Clyde",
    "Silverwater",
    "Rosehill",
    "Harris Park",
    "Wentworth Point",
    "Parramatta",
    "Rydalmere",
    "Ermington",
    "Westmead",
    "Dundas",
    "North Parramatta",
    "Oatlands",
    "Telopea",
    "Constitution Hill",
    "Dundas Valley",
    "Toongabbie",
    "Old Toongabbie",
    "Northmead",
    "Winston Hills",
    "North Rocks",
    "Carlingford",
    "Epping"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on Private Land — City of Parramatta",
     "url": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/trees-on-private-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Works Without a Permit — City of Parramatta",
     "url": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/trees-on-private-land/works-that-can-be-done-without-a-Council-tree-permit"
    },
    {
     "title": "Works Requiring Permission — City of Parramatta",
     "url": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/trees-on-private-land/works-that-require-permission-from-council"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Works Approval — Non-Heritage Sites (fees and lodgement)",
     "url": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/trees-on-private-land/tree-works-approval-non-heritage-sites"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Works Approval — Heritage Sites",
     "url": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/trees-on-private-land/tree-works-approval-heritage-sites"
    },
    {
     "title": "Council's tree assessment principles — City of Parramatta",
     "url": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/trees-on-private-land/councils-tree-assessment-principles"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Disputes with Neighbours — City of Parramatta",
     "url": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/trees-on-private-land/tree-disputes-with-neighbours"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees Blocking Sewers & Pipes — City of Parramatta",
     "url": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/trees-on-private-land/trees-blocking-sewers-and-pipes"
    },
    {
     "title": "Public Tree Maintenance — City of Parramatta",
     "url": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/trees-on-public-land/public-tree-maintenance"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Permit Application Form FY2026/2027",
     "url": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/3/environment/trees/tree-permit-application-form-fy2026_2027.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Parramatta DCP 2023 Part 5 Environmental Management (Section 5.3.4 Tree and Vegetation Preservation; Table 5.3.1.1)",
     "url": "https://www.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/development/dcp/dcp-part-5-environmental-management.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "hunters-hill",
   "name": "Hunter's Hill Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/hunters-hill/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees/Trees-on-your-property",
   "phone": "02 9879 9400",
   "permitNeededFor": "4 m or taller, or stem 200 mm or more at 1.4 m",
   "summary": "Hunters Hill protects (\"prescribes\") any tree or plant 4 m or taller, or with a stem 200 mm or more across measured 1.4 m above ground, plus bushland next to Buffalo Creek and Boronia Park reserves, heritage-listed trees and Significant Tree Register trees. Pruning or removing prescribed vegetation needs a tree permit ($115.50 to remove one tree in 2026-27), or a Development Application if the property is a heritage item or in one of the seven heritage conservation areas, or the tree is significant or heritage listed. Dead trees without nesting hollows, small hedge trims, deadwood and a list of weed species are exempt.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "4 m or more",
    "trunk": "stem diameter 200 mm or more, measured 1.4 m above existing ground level",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "exempt clearance pruning of branches under 50 mm to give a maximum 2 m clearance from a roof or external wall"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana)",
    "Mount Morgan wattle (Acacia podalyriifolia)",
    "Golden willow wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) — not exempt if 10 m or taller",
    "Hackberry (Celtis spp.) — not exempt if 10 m or taller",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)",
    "Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)",
    "Coral trees (Erythrina spp.) — not exempt if 10 m or taller",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Silky oak (Grevillea robusta)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia)",
    "Large-leaf privet (Ligustrum lucidum and cultivars)",
    "Small-leaf privet (Ligustrum sinense)",
    "Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua) — not exempt if 10 m or taller",
    "Banana (Musa cavendishii)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata)",
    "Radiata pine (Pinus radiata)",
    "Slash pine (Pinus elliottii)",
    "Poplar (Populus spp.) — not exempt if 10 m or taller",
    "Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Willow (Salix spp.)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Application to remove one tree",
     "amount": "$115.50",
     "note": "2026-27 fee schedule. Second and each subsequent tree $42.00."
    },
    {
     "item": "Application to prune 1–5 trees",
     "amount": "$79.00",
     "note": "2026-27. Pruning 6 or more trees is $89.00."
    },
    {
     "item": "Review of tree & vegetation decision",
     "amount": "$82.50",
     "note": "2026-27."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Development Application",
     "amount": "DA fees apply",
     "note": "Lodged through the NSW Planning Portal; Council advises entering $1.00 as the cost of works if unknown. DA fee amount not separately confirmed."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council's tree pages do not state a processing time.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Henley",
    "Huntleys Cove",
    "Huntleys Point",
    "Hunters Hill",
    "Woolwich"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on your Property — Hunter's Hill Council",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees/Trees-on-your-property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Prescribed Vegetation — Hunter's Hill Council",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees/Trees-on-your-property/Prescribed-Vegetation"
    },
    {
     "title": "Exemptions — Hunter's Hill Council",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees/Trees-on-your-property/Exemptions"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Permits — Hunter's Hill Council",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees/Trees-on-your-property/Tree-Permits"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree DAs — Hunter's Hill Council",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees/Trees-on-your-property/Tree-DAs"
    },
    {
     "title": "Neighbours Trees — Hunter's Hill Council",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees/Trees-on-your-property/Neighbours-Trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Hunters Hill Consolidated DCP 2013 (Chapter 2.3 Trees & Vegetation, pages 14–24)",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/development/planning-controls/hunters-hill-consolidated-development-control-plan-2013.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Hunter's Hill Council Fees & Charges 2026-27",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/council/feesandchargesfy2025.26.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Report tree vandalism — Hunter's Hill Council",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees/Report-tree-vandalism"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on Council land — Hunter's Hill Council",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees/Trees-on-Council-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Street trees — Hunter's Hill Council",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees/Street-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Significant Tree Register — Hunter's Hill Council",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Trees/Significant-Tree-Register"
    },
    {
     "title": "Heritage Areas & Items — Hunter's Hill Council",
     "url": "https://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Development/Heritage/Heritage-Conservation-Areas-and-Items"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "ryde",
   "name": "City of Ryde",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/ryde/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Environment-and-Waste/Trees",
   "phone": "02 9952 8222",
   "permitNeededFor": "4 m or taller, or trunk 150 mm or more at 1.4 m",
   "summary": "In Ryde all trees and vegetation are protected, so you need a Tree Management permit from Council to prune or remove a tree unless it falls under an exemption. The main exemptions are small trees (under 4 m tall or with a trunk under 150 mm at 1.4 m), light pruning (under 10% of the crown in 12 months, branches under 60 mm), trees whose stem is within 3 m of your house, and a list of weed species. Exemptions do not apply to heritage properties, trees on the Significant Tree Register or trees in threatened ecological communities.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "exempt if less than 4 m",
    "trunk": "exempt if trunk diameter less than 150 mm at 1.4 m above ground (breast height)",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "exempt if the stem at ground level is within 3 m of the outside wall of a legally constructed dwelling or outbuilding over 20 m² on the same land",
    "pruning": "less than 10% of the crown in 12 months, branches no more than 60 mm diameter",
    "roots": "root pruning over 30 mm diameter counts as tree works"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Golden Wreath Wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Box Elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Evergreen Alder (Alnus jorulensis)",
    "Cocos Palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana, syn. Arecastrum romanzoffianum)",
    "Rhizomatous Bamboo (Bambusa spp.)",
    "Hackberry (Celtis sinensis)",
    "Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) — less than 10 m only",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp.)",
    "Cockscomb Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli)",
    "Indian Coral Tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)",
    "Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Norfolk Island Hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonii)",
    "Broad-leaf Privet (Ligustrum lucidum)",
    "Narrow-leaf Privet (Ligustrum sinense)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "African Olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana)",
    "Poplars (Populus spp.)",
    "Golden Robinia or Golden Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Willows (Salix spp.)",
    "Umbrella Tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Athel Tree (Tamarix aphylla)",
    "Rhus Tree (Toxicodendron spp.)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Residential (non-strata) — 1 tree",
     "amount": "$94.00",
     "note": "2 trees $188; 3 trees $236; $31 per additional tree above 3. Payable at lodgement."
    },
    {
     "item": "Residential (non-strata) — pensioner",
     "amount": "$47.00 for 1 tree",
     "note": "Per the August 2026 form: $94 for 2 trees, $118 for 3, $15.90 per additional tree. Valid pensioner ID required; not available for strata/commercial."
    },
    {
     "item": "Commercial, strata and other properties — 1 tree",
     "amount": "$187.00",
     "note": "2 trees $374; 3 trees $471; $127 per additional tree above 3. No pensioner discount."
    },
    {
     "item": "Urgency application (imminent risk to life)",
     "amount": "$630.00",
     "note": "In addition to the application fee; determination within 3 working days, subject to availability."
    },
    {
     "item": "Review of a tree determination",
     "amount": "$235.00",
     "note": "50% pensioner discount. Must be requested within 3 months of the determination."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "No standard processing time is published. Urgent applications (imminent risk to life, residential non-strata, site accessible) aim for 3 working days. Applications take longer if a site-access appointment is needed. Permits are valid for 12 months.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Tennyson Point",
    "Putney",
    "Gladesville",
    "Meadowbank",
    "Melrose Park",
    "West Ryde",
    "Denistone West",
    "Ryde",
    "East Ryde",
    "Denistone",
    "Denistone East",
    "Eastwood",
    "North Ryde",
    "Marsfield",
    "Macquarie Park"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees — City of Ryde",
     "url": "https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Environment-and-Waste/Trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Applications and Fees — City of Ryde",
     "url": "https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Environment-and-Waste/Trees/Tree-Applications-and-Fees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Exempt Tree and Vegetation Works — City of Ryde",
     "url": "https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Environment-and-Waste/Trees/Exempt-Tree-and-Vegetation-Works"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Pruning Guide — City of Ryde",
     "url": "https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Environment-and-Waste/Trees/Tree-Pruning-Guide"
    },
    {
     "title": "10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of Practice — City of Ryde",
     "url": "https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Environment-and-Waste/Trees/1050-Vegetation-Clearing-Code-of-Practice"
    },
    {
     "title": "Significant Tree Register — City of Ryde",
     "url": "https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Environment-and-Waste/Trees/Significant-Tree-Register"
    },
    {
     "title": "City of Ryde DCP 2014 Part 9.5 Tree Preservation (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/4/development/dcp/dcp-2014-part-9.5-tree-preservation.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Application form, August 2026 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/18/forms-and-documents/2026-08-tree-management-application.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Development Application Form for Tree Removal on Heritage Properties, July 2026 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/6/forms-and-documents/2026-07-tree-permit-heritage-properties-application-form.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Street Tree Master Plan — City of Ryde (PDF, species)",
     "url": "https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/publications/street-tree-masterplan.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "woollahra",
   "name": "Woollahra Municipal Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/woollahra/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/Services/Trees/Private-Trees",
   "phone": "02 9391 7000",
   "permitNeededFor": "Over 5 m tall, or branch spread over 3 m",
   "summary": "In Woollahra a tree is protected (\"prescribed\") if its branch spread is more than 3 m or it is taller than 5 m, and also if it is on the Significant Tree Register, is a heritage item, or stands on heritage-listed land or in a heritage conservation area. Pruning or removing a prescribed tree needs a Tree Works permit ($114 for one tree in 2026-27), or a Development Application for significant or heritage trees where the work is more than minor. Dead trees, imminently dangerous trees (with an AQF Level 5 arborist's evidence) and a list of weed species are exempt.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "greater than 5 m",
    "canopy": "branch spread (diameter) greater than 3 m, irrespective of height",
    "roots": "root pruning of roots greater than 50 mm diameter",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "exempt pruning of branches up to 50 mm to give a maximum 2 m clearance from a roof or external wall"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) — Group A",
    "Leyland cypress (Cupressocyparis leylandii) — Group A",
    "Coral trees (Erythrina spp.) — Group A",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) — Group A",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) — Group A",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia) — Group A",
    "Banana (Musa cavendishii) — Group A",
    "Privet (Ligustrum spp.) — Group A",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander) — Group A",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana) — Group A",
    "Willow (Salix spp.) — Group A",
    "Running (rhizomatous) bamboo — Group A",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) — Group A",
    "Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) — Group A",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana) — Group A",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) — Group B, only if under 10 m",
    "Hackberry (Celtis spp.) — Group B, only if under 10 m",
    "Poplar (Populus spp.) — Group B, only if under 10 m"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree works application (prune or remove private tree) — 1 tree",
     "amount": "$114",
     "note": "Valid to 30 June 2027. $42 per additional tree. Non-refundable processing fee; card payments incur a processing fee."
    },
    {
     "item": "Review of determination",
     "amount": "50% of the original fee",
     "note": "Must be lodged within 12 months of the original determination, with new information such as an arborist or engineering report."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "About four weeks, including a site inspection and, in most cases, notification of adjoining properties.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Paddington",
    "Woollahra",
    "Edgecliff",
    "Double Bay",
    "Darling Point",
    "Bellevue Hill",
    "Point Piper",
    "Rose Bay",
    "Vaucluse",
    "Watsons Bay"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Private trees — Woollahra Municipal Council",
     "url": "https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/Services/Trees/Private-Trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Woollahra DCP 2015 Chapter E3 Tree Management (amended 14 July 2023)",
     "url": "https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/plans-policies-publications/development-control-plans/chapter-e3-tree-management.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Works application form 2026-27",
     "url": "https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/8/forms/tree-works-fy2026-2027.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Public/Council owned trees — Woollahra Municipal Council",
     "url": "https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/Services/Trees/Public-Trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree management for bushfire protection — Woollahra Municipal Council",
     "url": "https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/Services/Trees/Tree-Management-for-Bushfire-Protection"
    },
    {
     "title": "References, application forms and resources — Woollahra Municipal Council",
     "url": "https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/Services/Trees/Trees-References-And-Resources"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees and bats — Woollahra Municipal Council",
     "url": "https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/Services/Trees/Trees-And-Bats"
    },
    {
     "title": "Local native plants for Sydney's eastern suburbs — Woollahra Municipal Council",
     "url": "https://www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/environment/documents/local_native_plants.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "waverley",
   "name": "Waverley Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/waverley/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/residents/your_trees,_plants_and_garden/tree_pruning_and_removal",
   "phone": "02 9083 8000",
   "permitNeededFor": "3 m or taller, or 3 m canopy spread (pruning trees under 5 m is exempt)",
   "summary": "Waverley has one of the lowest triggers in Sydney: you need a Tree Permit to prune or remove any part of a tree on private land that is 3 m or taller or has a canopy spread of 3 m or more, and any tree on the Significant Tree Register or in a heritage conservation area. Pruning a tree under 5 m tall, trimming hedges by up to 20%, and removing dead branches do not need a permit. Listed weed trees can be removed without a permit, but you must email Council photos at least 7 days beforehand.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "3 m or more (removal or pruning); pruning only is exempt for trees under 5 m",
    "canopy": "canopy spread 3 m or more"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Hackberry (Celtis sinensis)",
    "Citrus (Citrus spp.)",
    "Narrow-leaved privet (Ligustrum sinense)",
    "Broad-leaved privet (Ligustrum lucidum)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "Wild or African olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana)",
    "Willows (Salix spp.)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron spp.)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree permit application — first tree",
     "amount": "$134.02",
     "note": "Form last updated 30 June 2026. Each additional tree $46.00. Concession card or health benefit card holders get a 75% discount. Invoice is emailed after the application is processed; 0.8% surcharge on credit cards."
    },
    {
     "item": "Offset tree planting fee",
     "amount": "Varies",
     "note": "Charged if replacement trees can't fit on your land — generally at least three off-site trees per tree removed, priced under Council's Pricing Policy and fees schedule."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "About four weeks; Council contacts you within two weeks to arrange an inspection. If neighbour notification (14 days) or more information is needed, it can take six to eight weeks. Approvals are valid for one year.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Queens Park",
    "Waverley",
    "Bronte",
    "Bondi Junction",
    "Bondi",
    "Tamarama",
    "Bondi Beach",
    "North Bondi",
    "Dover Heights"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Tree pruning and removal — Waverley Council",
     "url": "https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/residents/your_trees,_plants_and_garden/tree_pruning_and_removal"
    },
    {
     "title": "Application for Tree Permit (last updated 30 June 2026)",
     "url": "https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/media/documents/residents/trees/Tree_Permit_Application.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Waverley Tree Management Guidelines (December 2022)",
     "url": "https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/media/documents/council/guidelines/Tree_Management_Guidelines.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Significant Tree Register — Waverley Council",
     "url": "https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/residents/your_trees,_plants_and_garden/significant_tree_register"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree disputes between neighbours — Waverley Council",
     "url": "https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/residents/your_trees,_plants_and_garden/tree_disputes_between_neighbours"
    },
    {
     "title": "Street tree pruning or removal — Waverley Council",
     "url": "https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/environment/public_tree_management/street_tree_pruning_or_removal"
    },
    {
     "title": "Public tree management & urban greening — Waverley Council",
     "url": "https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/environment/public_tree_management"
    },
    {
     "title": "Report tree vandalism — Waverley Council",
     "url": "https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/environment/public_tree_management/report_tree_vandalism"
    },
    {
     "title": "Street Tree Masterplan — Waverley Council",
     "url": "https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/environment/public_tree_management/street_tree_masterplan"
    },
    {
     "title": "Waverley's plants & vegetation communities — Waverley Council",
     "url": "https://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/environment/native_vegetation_and_animal_habitat/waverleys_plants_and_vegetation_communities"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "lane-cove",
   "name": "Lane Cove Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/lane-cove/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability/Tree-Management/Trees-on-Private-Land/Trees-on-Your-Property",
   "phone": "02 9911 3555",
   "permitNeededFor": "Over 4 m tall, canopy over 5 m, or trunk over 150 mm at 1 m (even dead trees need a fee-free permit)",
   "summary": "Lane Cove is one of the strictest councils in Sydney. You need a permit to prune or remove any tree that is taller than 4 metres, has a canopy spread over 5 metres or a trunk thicker than 150 mm (measured 1 m above the ground), and there is no \"10% pruning\" allowance. Even dead trees and trees on Council's weed-type list need a permit — it is simply fee-free. Apply online as a \"Private Tree Works Inspection\"; standard applications can take 8–10 weeks.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "more than 4 m",
    "trunk": "diameter more than 150 mm, measured 1 m above ground",
    "canopy": "canopy spread more than 5 m",
    "roots": "roots 40 mm or more in diameter"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Box Elder (Acer negundo) — fee-free permit, under 6 m only",
    "Evergreen Alder (Alnus acuminata) — fee-free permit, under 10 m only",
    "Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) — fee-free permit, under 10 m only",
    "Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta) — fee-free permit, under 6 m only",
    "Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) — fee-free permit, under 6 m only",
    "Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) — fee-free permit, under 6 m only",
    "Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua) — fee-free permit, under 10 m only",
    "Phoenix Palm (Phoenix species) — fee-free permit, under 6 m only",
    "African Olive (Olea africana) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Bananas (Musa species) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "China Doll (Radermachera sinica) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Cocos Palm (Syagrus romanzoffianum) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Coral Tree (Erythrina species) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster species) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Exotic fruit trees e.g. citrus, peach, plum, loquat (Citrus, Prunus, Eriobotrya japonica) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Hackberry (Celtis sinensis and Celtis australis) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Leighton Green and cultivars (x Cupressocyparis leylandii) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica') — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Mulberry (Morus species) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Norfolk Island Hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Privets (Ligustrum species) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Rhus (Toxicodendron succedaneum) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Umbrella Tree (Schefflera actinophylla) — fee-free permit, no height limit",
    "Willow (Salix species) — fee-free permit, no height limit"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Pruning or removal application — 1 to 3 trees",
     "amount": "$160.00",
     "note": "Fees valid from 1 July 2026."
    },
    {
     "item": "Pruning or removal application — 4 or more trees",
     "amount": "$160.00 + $35.00 per additional tree",
     "note": "Council's page lists $160 plus $35 for each additional tree."
    },
    {
     "item": "Meeting with Council's arborist on site",
     "amount": "$110.00",
     "note": "One-off fee, limited to 20 minutes; longer meetings may incur extra fees. Pensioner discount does not apply."
    },
    {
     "item": "Pensioner discount",
     "amount": "50% off application fees",
     "note": "Valid Pensioner Concession Card must be uploaded in the online form."
    },
    {
     "item": "Fee-Free permit (dead trees, dead branches, Fee-Free Species List, declared weeds)",
     "amount": "$0",
     "note": "Only select Fee-Free if every tree in the application qualifies; otherwise lodge a standard application."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Up to 8–10 weeks from lodgement for standard applications; Fee-Free (exempt) works usually 1–2 weeks. Outcome notified about 1–2 weeks after inspection. Permits lapse after 12 months.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Linley Point",
    "Longueville",
    "Riverview",
    "Northwood",
    "Greenwich",
    "Lane Cove West",
    "Lane Cove",
    "Lane Cove North"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on Your Property — Lane Cove Council",
     "url": "https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability/Tree-Management/Trees-on-Private-Land/Trees-on-Your-Property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Preservation Order — Lane Cove Council",
     "url": "https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability/Tree-Management/Tree-Preservation-Order"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fee-Free Tree Works Permit and Fee Free Species List — Lane Cove Council",
     "url": "https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability/Tree-Management/Exempt-Tree-Works"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees FAQs — Lane Cove Council",
     "url": "https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability/Tree-Management/Trees-FAQs"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on Neighbouring Property — Lane Cove Council",
     "url": "https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability/Tree-Management/Trees-on-Private-Land/Trees-on-Neighbouring-Property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Bushfire Protection Rules for Trees — Lane Cove Council",
     "url": "https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability/Tree-Management/Trees-on-Private-Land/Bushfire-Protection-Rules-for-Trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Reporting unauthorised tree removal, pruning or damage — Lane Cove Council",
     "url": "https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability/Tree-Management/Reporting-unauthorised-tree-removal-pruning-or-damage"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on Public Land — Lane Cove Council",
     "url": "https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability/Tree-Management/Trees-on-Public-Land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Lane Cove DCP Part J – Landscaping and Tree Preservation (amended 18 July 2024)",
     "url": "https://ecouncil.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/trim/DocumentLink.asp?RecId=45201/24"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "blacktown",
   "name": "Blacktown City Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/blacktown/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Services/Tree-management/Trees-on-private-land",
   "phone": "02 5300 6000",
   "permitNeededFor": "Over 3 m tall, or trunk over 200 mm at 1 m",
   "summary": "In Blacktown you need Council's written permission before you prune or remove any tree taller than 3 metres or with a trunk more than 200 mm across (measured 1 m above the ground). There is no general pruning allowance and no published exempt-species list; the main exemptions are dead, dying or dangerous trees backed by evidence you keep yourself. Applications cost $115 plus $26.50 per tree (pensioner owner-occupiers free) and Council must decide within 28 days.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "more than 3 m",
    "trunk": "diameter more than 200 mm, measured 1.0 m above ground"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree removal and pruning application — processing fee",
     "amount": "$115.00",
     "note": "2026/27 Goods and Services Pricing Schedule, section 4.13.1. Invoice issued on receipt; not processed until paid."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree removal and pruning application — inspection fee",
     "amount": "$26.50 per tree",
     "note": "In addition to the processing fee."
    },
    {
     "item": "Urgent inspection (within 48 hours)",
     "amount": "$395.00",
     "note": "Covers 1 to 10 trees. Pensioners must pay this fee if they want an urgent inspection. Not available for CDC-related applications."
    },
    {
     "item": "Extension of tree permit",
     "amount": "$37.50 per tree",
     "note": "One 3-month extension per permit."
    },
    {
     "item": "Pensioner owner-occupiers",
     "amount": "Free",
     "note": "Application and inspection fees waived with satisfactory evidence, if the pensioner owns and lives at the property. Does not apply to urgent requests."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council must determine the application within 28 days of the fee being paid; if not notified within 28 days it is deemed refused. Urgent applications are assessed within 48 hours (lodged after 10 am Friday means the following Monday; weekends and public holidays excluded). Council currently notes higher than usual volumes and longer processing times.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Prospect",
    "Huntingwood",
    "Arndell Park",
    "Seven Hills",
    "Eastern Creek",
    "Blacktown",
    "Lalor Park",
    "Bungarribee",
    "Minchinbury",
    "Kings Langley",
    "Rooty Hill",
    "Doonside",
    "Woodcroft",
    "Marayong",
    "Kings Park",
    "Glenwood",
    "Mount Druitt",
    "Acacia Gardens",
    "Glendenning",
    "Plumpton",
    "Parklea",
    "Quakers Hill",
    "Dean Park",
    "Dharruk",
    "Whalan",
    "Hebersham",
    "Stanhope Gardens",
    "Oakhurst",
    "Hassall Grove",
    "Emerton",
    "Nirimba Fields",
    "Colebee",
    "Blackett",
    "The Ponds",
    "Tregear",
    "Kellyville Ridge",
    "Bidwill",
    "Lethbridge Park",
    "Shalvey",
    "Schofields",
    "Willmot",
    "Ropes Crossing",
    "Tallawong",
    "Marsden Park",
    "Rouse Hill",
    "Shanes Park",
    "Riverstone",
    "Grantham Farm",
    "Angus",
    "Melonba",
    "Richards"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on private land — Blacktown City Council",
     "url": "https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Services/Tree-management/Trees-on-private-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on public land — Blacktown City Council",
     "url": "https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Services/Tree-management/Trees-on-public-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree management — Blacktown City Council",
     "url": "https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Services/Tree-management"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree work permit application (removal or pruning on private land) (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/city-assets/greenspace-services/trees-on-private-land/d19-57267-tree-removal-or-pruning-on-private-land3.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Goods and services pricing schedule 2026/27, adopted 13 July 2026 (PDF), section 4.13",
     "url": "https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/ipampr/ipampr-documents/goods-and-services-pricing-schedule-2026_27-adopted-13-july-2026.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Blacktown DCP 2015 Part A — Introduction and General Guidelines, section 4.3 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/city-assets/greenspace-services/part-a-introduction-and-general-guidelines_waste-2.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Register of Significant Trees and Vegetation, v10 2012 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/city-assets/greenspace-services/trees-on-private-land/significant-tree-vegetation-register_v10-2012.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Blacktown LEP 2015 — NSW Legislation",
     "url": "https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/epi-2015-0239"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "penrith",
   "name": "Penrith City Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/penrith/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/waste-environment/environment/trees",
   "phone": "02 4732 7777",
   "permitNeededFor": "3.5 m or taller, or trunk over 100 mm at 1.4 m",
   "summary": "In Penrith you need a Vegetation Permit to prune or remove any tree 3.5 metres or taller, or with a trunk more than 100 mm across at 1.4 m above ground, unless an exemption applies. On rural and environmentally sensitive land, any native tree or native vegetation is protected whatever its size. Common exemptions include trees within 3 m of your house, dead trees that aren't habitat, imminently dangerous trees (with an arborist's report), species on Council's exempt list, and small pruning (branches up to 50 mm).",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "3.5 m or more",
    "trunk": "diameter exceeding 100 mm at 1400 mm above ground",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "exempt within 3 m of an external enclosing wall of a dwelling (measured from the centre of the trunk at 1400 mm)"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "African Olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata) — full exemption",
    "Athel Pine (Tamarix aphylla) — full exemption",
    "Cassia (Senna pendula) — full exemption",
    "Cocos Palm (Syagrus romanzoffianum) — full exemption",
    "Common Coral Tree (Erythrina x sykesii) — full exemption",
    "Chinese Hackberry (Celtis sinensis) — full exemption",
    "Himalayan Honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa) — full exemption",
    "English Holly (Ilex aquifolium) — full exemption",
    "Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) — full exemption",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander) — full exemption",
    "Privets (Ligustrum sinense, L. lucidum, L. vulgare) — full exemption",
    "Rhus Tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum) — full exemption",
    "Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica and cvs) — full exemption",
    "Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) — full exemption",
    "Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) — under 8 m only; not heritage or significant trees",
    "Chinese Tallowwood (Triadica sebifera) — under 8 m only; not heritage or significant trees",
    "Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii and cvs) — under 8 m only; not heritage or significant trees",
    "Nettle Tree / Mediterranean Hackberry (Celtis australis) — under 8 m only; not heritage or significant trees",
    "Radiata Pine and pine wildings (Pinus radiata) — under 8 m only; not heritage or significant trees",
    "Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua) — only within 3 m of underground services with documented ongoing damage; not heritage or significant trees",
    "Broad Leaf Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) — not heritage or significant trees",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp.) — not heritage or significant trees",
    "Norfolk Island Hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia) — not heritage or significant trees",
    "Willows (Salix spp., excluding S. babylonica, S. x calodendron and S. x reichardtii) — not heritage or significant trees",
    "Fruit trees: apple, apricot, banana, cherry, pear, grapefruit, lemon, loquat, mandarin, mango, mulberry, orange, peach, plum — not heritage or significant trees; ornamental fruit trees excluded"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree and vegetation removal application fee",
     "amount": "$118.00",
     "note": "2026/27 Fees and Charges. Per application."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree removal assessment fee — non-rural areas",
     "amount": "$29.00 per tree",
     "note": "In addition to the application fee."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree removal assessment fee — rural areas",
     "amount": "$29.00 per tree",
     "note": "Per tree in rural areas, up to 5 trees without understorey vegetation. In addition to the application fee."
    },
    {
     "item": "Vegetation clearing assessment fee — rural areas",
     "amount": "$421.00",
     "note": "For clearing more than 5 trees, with or without understorey. Non-tree vegetation needs an application if the area is over 10 m². In addition to the application fee."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Not stated on Council's tree page. Applications are merit-assessed; including photos and reports helps Council assess quickly.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Mount Vernon",
    "Kemps Creek",
    "Erskine Park",
    "Luddenham",
    "St Clair",
    "Colyton",
    "Oxley Park",
    "Orchard Hills",
    "Claremont Meadows",
    "North St Marys",
    "Caddens",
    "St Marys",
    "Werrington",
    "Werrington County",
    "Glenmore Park",
    "Kingswood",
    "Mulgoa",
    "South Penrith",
    "Cambridge Park",
    "Werrington Downs",
    "Jamisontown",
    "Jordan Springs",
    "Cambridge Gardens",
    "Regentville",
    "Penrith",
    "Llandilo",
    "Leonay",
    "Emu Plains",
    "Cranebrook",
    "Berkshire Park",
    "Emu Heights",
    "Londonderry",
    "Castlereagh",
    "Agnes Banks"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees — Penrith City Council",
     "url": "https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/waste-environment/environment/trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Penrith DCP 2014 Part C2 Vegetation Management (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/images/c2_vegetation_management.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Penrith City Council Exempt Tree Species List, Version 4 November 2020 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/images/exempt_tree_species_list_published_version.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Penrith City Council Fees and Charges 2026-27 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/images/documents/rates/2026-27_fees_and_charges_-_penrith_city_council.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Pruning or Removal Application Form (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/images/tree_removal_application_form_002.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Arborist and Tree Survey Assessment Report Fact Sheet (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/images/documents/waste-environment/environment/Arborist_Tree_Survey_Assessment_Fact_Sheet.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Penrith Tree List (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/images/waste-environment/resilient-penrith/TreeList.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "north-sydney",
   "name": "North Sydney Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/north-sydney/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/trees/trees-private-land",
   "phone": "02 9936 8100",
   "permitNeededFor": "5 m or taller, crown 5 m wide, or trunk circumference 500 mm at ground level",
   "summary": "In North Sydney you need a Tree Management Permit from Council to remove or prune a \"declared\" tree — broadly any tree 5 metres or taller, with a crown 5 metres or wider, or a trunk circumference of 500 mm or more at ground level. Smaller trees, a list of weed species, dead trees (confirmed in writing by an arborist) and limited maintenance pruning can be done without a permit. Apply online with a $90 fee; Council aims to assess within 12 business days.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "5 m or more (DCP); the website says 'more than 5 metres'",
    "trunk": "circumference of 500 mm or more measured at ground level",
    "canopy": "crown width of 5 m or more",
    "pruning": "no more than 10% of crown volume; branches no more than 100 mm diameter, joining the trunk no higher than 2.4 m or within 1 m of a building",
    "weedHeight": "exempt weed/biosecurity species become protected once over 10 m tall (camphor laurel and Celtis included)"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata / Olea africana)",
    "Bamboo — clumping and rhizomatous (Bambusa species) — unless on a heritage item",
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "China doll (Radermachera sinica)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Chinese hackberry / European nettle tree (Celtis sp.) — under 10 m only, and not on a heritage item",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) — under 10 m only (website list)",
    "Indian coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii) — not on a heritage item",
    "Privet (Ligustrum species) — not on a heritage item",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus sp.)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera sp.)",
    "Willow (Salix spp.) — not on a heritage item",
    "Species on the NSW State Priority Weeds list (Greater Sydney Regional Strategic Weed Management Plan 2023–2027)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Request for Tree Removal or Pruning (Tree and Vegetation Management Policy permit)",
     "amount": "$90.00",
     "note": "Non-refundable, from 1 July 2026 (2026/27 Fees and Charges, no GST). Paid online by card or at Customer Service. The application is not assessed until the fee is paid. No per-tree or pensioner rate is listed."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council's published target for tree permits (private tree works) is assessment within 12 business days. Assessment may take longer if Council needs more information. Permits are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Mcmahons Point",
    "Waverton",
    "Milsons Point",
    "Lavender Bay",
    "Kirribilli",
    "Wollstonecraft",
    "North Sydney",
    "Kurraba Point",
    "Cremorne Point",
    "Neutral Bay",
    "Crows Nest",
    "Cammeray",
    "Cremorne"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on private land — North Sydney Council",
     "url": "https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/trees/trees-private-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees — Common FAQs (timeframes, damage, compensation) — North Sydney Council",
     "url": "https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/trees/trees-private-land/2"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on public land — North Sydney Council",
     "url": "https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/trees/trees-public-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Removal or Pruning on Private Land Application (online form) — North Sydney Council",
     "url": "https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/xfp/form/341"
    },
    {
     "title": "North Sydney DCP 2025 Part B — Environment Considerations (PDF, Section 3.1.2)",
     "url": "https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/downloads/file/4352/nsdcp-2025-part-b-environment-considerations"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fees and Charges Schedule 2026–2027 (PDF, Tree Applications)",
     "url": "https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/downloads/file/5046/fees-and-charges-schedule-2026-2027"
    },
    {
     "title": "Report tree vandalism — North Sydney Council",
     "url": "https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/trees/tree-vandalism"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees in development — arborist reports — North Sydney Council",
     "url": "https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/getting-construction-underway/trees-development/3"
    },
    {
     "title": "Bushland and fire in North Sydney — North Sydney Council",
     "url": "https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/environment/bushland-fire-north-sydney"
    },
    {
     "title": "Planting trees guide — recommended species — North Sydney Council",
     "url": "https://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/trees/planting-trees-guide"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "willoughby",
   "name": "Willoughby City Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/willoughby/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Trees/Trees-on-your-property",
   "phone": "02 9777 1000",
   "permitNeededFor": "Over 4 m, crown over 3 m, or trunk girth over 600 mm at 1.4 m (local natives at any size)",
   "summary": "In Willoughby you need a permit (a Vegetation Management Application) to prune or remove a tree that is taller than 4 metres, has a trunk girth over 600 mm at 1.4 m, or a crown wider than 3 metres — and also any locally native tree, habitat vegetation or tree that is visually prominent, whatever its size. Light pruning (up to 10% of a tree's crown over 5 years), deadwood, declared weeds and a list of undesirable species are exempt. Heritage properties need a development application instead, and every approved removal must be replaced 3:1.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "exceeding 4 m",
    "trunk": "girth (circumference) exceeding 600 mm measured 1.4 m above ground",
    "canopy": "crown spread exceeding 3 m",
    "pruning": "up to 10% of an individual tree's crown in total over a 5-year period is exempt"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana)",
    "Golden wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Box elder maple (Acer negundo)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Evergreen alder (Alnus jorullensis)",
    "Nettle berry / hackberry (Celtis spp.)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) — only if less than 10 m tall",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp., all species)",
    "Leighton green cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii)",
    "Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina spp.)",
    "Narrow-leaved black peppermint / willow peppermint (Eucalyptus nicholii)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica and cultivars)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Silky oak (Grevillea robusta)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus / pyramid tree / cow itch tree (Lagunaria patersonia)",
    "Privet (Ligustrum spp., all species)",
    "Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea var. africana)",
    "Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis) — only if trunk is less than 7 m tall",
    "Frangipani (Plumeria spp.)",
    "Poplar (Populus spp., all species)",
    "Black locust / robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Willow (Salix spp., all species)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera spp.)",
    "Evergreen ash (Fraxinus griffithii)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Vegetation Management Application (VMA)",
     "amount": "See Council's 2026–27 Fees and Charges",
     "note": "Payment is charged on lodgement. The 2026–27 fee schedule could not be opened (access denied), so no amount is stated."
    },
    {
     "item": "Urgent processing surcharge",
     "amount": "20% of the application fee",
     "note": "Council's fees page says applications lodged for urgent processing (3 working days or less) may incur an extra 20% surcharge."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Offset Planting Scheme",
     "amount": "Per replacement tree (amount in Fees and Charges)",
     "note": "Payable for each required replacement tree that cannot be planted on your land, where Council offers the scheme; covers supply, planting and 24 months' maintenance on Council land."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council's Vegetation Management Guidelines say determinations are made within 28 business days of lodgement (or a longer agreed time). Applications completed by a TRAQ-certified AQF Level 5 arborist with a TRAQ assessment report have a reduced turnaround and may not need a site inspection. Council follows up within 12 months of approval.",
   "suburbs": [
    "St Leonards",
    "Artarmon",
    "Naremburn",
    "Chatswood West",
    "Willoughby",
    "Chatswood",
    "Northbridge",
    "North Willoughby",
    "Willoughby East",
    "Castlecrag",
    "Middle Cove",
    "Castle Cove"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on your property — Willoughby City Council",
     "url": "https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Trees/Trees-on-your-property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Apply to prune or remove a tree — Willoughby City Council",
     "url": "https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/MyWilloughby-home-page/MyWilloughby-online-services/Apply-to-prune-or-remove-a-tree"
    },
    {
     "title": "Willoughby DCP Part G: Vegetation Management 2023, version June 2025 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://willoughby.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/documents/publications-reports-master-plans-strategies-action-plans/ecm_7229480_v1_part-g-vegetation-management-version-june-2025-pdf-wdcp.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Vegetation Management Guidelines, effective 5 March 2020 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/documents/publications-reports-master-plans-strategies-action-plans/ecm_5804937_v6_volume-2-vegetation-management-guidelines-adopted-10-february-2020.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on neighbouring property — Willoughby City Council",
     "url": "https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Trees/Trees-on-neighbouring-property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Street trees and vegetation — Willoughby City Council",
     "url": "https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Trees/Street-trees-and-vegetation"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree and bushland vandalism — Willoughby City Council",
     "url": "https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Trees/Tree-and-bushland-vandalism"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree and vegetation policies — Willoughby City Council",
     "url": "https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Residents/Trees/Tree-and-vegetation-policies"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fees and charges — Willoughby City Council",
     "url": "https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/Council/Policies-and-publications/Publications/Fees-and-Charges"
    },
    {
     "title": "Willoughby Street Tree Master Plan (PDF, species)",
     "url": "https://www.willoughby.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/ecm/willoughby-council-website/publications-reports-master-plans-strategies-action-plans/publications-reports-master-plans-strategies-action-plans/1-willoughby_street_tree_master_plan.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "mosman",
   "name": "Mosman Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/mosman/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://mosman.nsw.gov.au/environment/Tree-management",
   "phone": "02 9978 4000",
   "permitNeededFor": "5 m or taller, or trunk circumference 450 mm at 300 mm high (2 m on heritage land)",
   "summary": "In Mosman you need Council consent (a Tree Permit) to prune or remove any tree 5 metres or taller or with a trunk circumference of 450 mm or more at 300 mm above the ground — and in a heritage conservation area or on a heritage item, any tree 2 metres or taller. Council's website says all pruning of protected trees needs consent; only deadwood and a list of exempt species can be dealt with freely. Applications cost $114 for 1–3 trees and usually take up to 10 working days.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "5 m or more",
    "trunk": "circumference 450 mm or more, measured 300 mm above ground level (the policy equates this to 150 mm diameter)",
    "heritageHeight": "2 m or more in a heritage conservation area or on a heritage item",
    "treeFerns": "Cyathea australis and Cyathea cooperi 2 m or more"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) — under 10 m only",
    "Citrus trees (Citrus spp.)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)",
    "Cypress (Cupressus spp.)",
    "Giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai)",
    "Hackberry (Celtis australis)",
    "Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.)",
    "Leyland cypress / Leighton green and cultivars (x Cupressocyparis leylandii)",
    "Mulberry (Morus spp.)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonii)",
    "Oleander (Nerium spp. and Thevetia spp.)",
    "Pawpaw (Carica papaya)",
    "Privet (Ligustrum spp.)",
    "Prunus (Prunus spp.)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata)",
    "Willow (Salix spp.)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree Permit Application — 1 to 3 trees (private or Council property)",
     "amount": "$114.00",
     "note": "2026/27 Fees and Charges, no GST. 50% discount for pensioners on production of a current pension card. Paid online with the application."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree Permit Application — each additional tree",
     "amount": "$41.50",
     "note": "Per tree above 3."
    },
    {
     "item": "Urgency tree permit application (processed within 72 hours)",
     "amount": "$540.00",
     "note": "Listed in the 2026/27 schedule as 'Urgency TPA fee to process applications in 72 hours'."
    },
    {
     "item": "Review/appeal of Council's tree decision",
     "amount": "$410.00",
     "note": "Lodged with an Application to Appeal Tree Permit Assessment and an independent arborist's report."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Council's Tree Management Officer usually determines applications within up to 10 working days, based on a visual inspection and the documents supplied. An urgency fee buys processing within 72 hours. Consent lapses if the work is not done within 12 months.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Mosman"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees (Tree management) — Mosman Council",
     "url": "https://mosman.nsw.gov.au/environment/Tree-management"
    },
    {
     "title": "Urban Forest Management Policy, adopted 1 August 2017 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://mosman.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-03/Urban%20Forest%20Management%20Policy.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Mosman Residential DCP 2012, amended May 2022 — Part 4.5 Preservation of trees or vegetation (PDF)",
     "url": "https://mosman.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-05/Mosman%20Residential%20DCP.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "MOSPLAN Fees & Charges 2026–2027 (PDF, Tree Permit Application)",
     "url": "https://mosman.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-06/260119.002.MOSPLAN.Fees%26Charges.01_ADP_LR.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Application for Tree Permit Private Property (online form) — Mosman Council",
     "url": "https://forms.mosman.nsw.gov.au/forms/application-to-prune-remove-trees-on-private-property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Urban Forest Management Register (PDF)",
     "url": "https://mosman.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-03/Urban%20Forest%20Management%20Register%20%28UFR%29.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Street Tree Master Plan, adopted 4 July 2017 (PDF, species)",
     "url": "https://mosman.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-04/Street%20Tree%20Master%20Plan%20-%20Adopted%2004%20July%202017.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "ku-ring-gai",
   "name": "Ku-ring-gai Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/ku-ring-gai/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Your-local-environment/Trees/Trees-on-your-property",
   "phone": "02 9424 0000",
   "permitNeededFor": "5 m or taller, or trunk 150 mm across at ground level (no exemptions in Blue Gum High Forest or on heritage land)",
   "summary": "Ku-ring-gai protects every tree that is 5 metres or taller or has a trunk 150 mm or more across at ground level, and also protects other vegetation — so you need a Tree Application to prune or remove one unless a specific exemption applies. The main exemptions are trees within 3 m of your house, branches directly over your roof, pruning branches and roots under 50 mm, deadwood and a list of weed species. No exemptions apply on heritage properties or in the mapped Blue Gum High Forest, Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest and Duffy's Forest communities, and even dead trees need Council's written OK first.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "5 m or more",
    "trunk": "diameter 150 mm or more, measured at ground level",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "exempt if the trunk centre is within 3 m of the external wall of an existing dwelling on the same property (not verandahs, carports, garages, decks)",
    "pruning": "branches and roots not more than 50 mm in diameter",
    "roots": "severing roots 50 mm or greater counts as injury"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Queensland silver wattle (Acacia podalyriifolia)",
    "Golden wreath wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Evergreen alder (Alnus jorullensis)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Nettle tree / hackberry (Celtis spp.)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)",
    "Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)",
    "Common coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli)",
    "Indian coral tree (Erythrina indica)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua) — only if less than 12 m tall",
    "African olive (Olea europaea subsp. africana)",
    "Crested wattle (Paraserianthes lophantha)",
    "Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')",
    "Firethorn (Pyracantha spp.)",
    "Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Golden robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia')",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Broad-leaf pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius)",
    "Rhus (Toxicodendron succedaneum)",
    "Privet (Ligustrum sp.)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree removal application — one tree or hedge",
     "amount": "$88.00",
     "note": "Pensioner rate $42.00 (only if the applicant and tree owner is the pension holder). For applications submitted 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree pruning application — one tree or hedge",
     "amount": "$44.00",
     "note": "Pensioner rate $20.00."
    },
    {
     "item": "Each additional tree or hedge (pruning or removal)",
     "amount": "$13.00",
     "note": "Same for pensioners. A hedge is a group of 2 or more trees planted and maintained as a hedge. Fees are invoiced by email after the application is accepted and are not refunded if permission is refused."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Approximately 6–8 weeks from when Council acknowledges the application in writing; may be longer at times of high volume. Inspection and assessment start only after the invoice is paid. Permits are valid for 12 months.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Lindfield",
    "Roseville",
    "West Pymble",
    "Killara",
    "South Turramurra",
    "Gordon",
    "Roseville Chase",
    "East Lindfield",
    "East Killara",
    "Pymble",
    "Turramurra",
    "Warrawee",
    "Wahroonga",
    "St Ives",
    "North Wahroonga",
    "St Ives Chase",
    "North Turramurra"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on your property — Ku-ring-gai Council",
     "url": "https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Your-local-environment/Trees/Trees-on-your-property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree FAQs — Ku-ring-gai Council",
     "url": "https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Your-local-environment/Trees/Trees-on-your-property/Tree-FAQs"
    },
    {
     "title": "Ku-ring-gai DCP Part 13 Tree & Vegetation Preservation (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/6/hptrim/information-management-publications-public-website-ku-ring-gai-council-website-ku-ring-gai-development-control-plan/kdcp-section-a-part-13-tree-and-vegetation-preservation.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Application Information & Instruction Manual, 2026–27 fees (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/4/hptrim/information-management-publications-public-website-ku-ring-gai-council-website-environment/tree-application-instruction-and-information-manual.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Assessment Guidelines to Prune or Remove Trees on Private Property and Council Managed Land (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/8/hptrim/information-management-publications-public-website-ku-ring-gai-council-website-environment/tree-assessment-guidelines-to-prune-or-remove-trees-on-private-property-and-council-managed-land.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on neighbouring properties — Ku-ring-gai Council",
     "url": "https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Your-local-environment/Trees/Trees-on-neighbouring-properties"
    },
    {
     "title": "Reporting illegal tree removal, pruning or damage — Ku-ring-gai Council",
     "url": "https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Your-local-environment/Trees/Reporting-illegal-tree-removal-pruning-or-damage"
    },
    {
     "title": "Bushfire protection rules for trees — Ku-ring-gai Council",
     "url": "https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Your-local-environment/Trees/Bushfire-protection-rules-for-trees"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on Council land — Ku-ring-gai Council",
     "url": "https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Your-local-environment/Trees/Trees-on-Council-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Replacement Planting List (PDF, species)",
     "url": "https://www.krg.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/4/hptrim/information-management-publications-public-website-ku-ring-gai-council-website-environment/tree-replacement-planting-tree-species-list-tree-application.pdf"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "hornsby",
   "name": "Hornsby Shire Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/hornsby/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Flora-and-fauna/Trees/Trees-on-private-property",
   "phone": "02 9847 6666",
   "permitNeededFor": "Almost any tree that can grow over 3 m (trees within 3 m of the house are exempt)",
   "summary": "Hornsby protects almost every tree — anything with the potential to grow taller than 3 metres — so you generally need a permit to prune or remove one. The main exemptions are trees under 3 m that are not in native vegetation, light pruning (under 10% of the foliage, once a year), deadwood, trees within 3 m of your house's foundations and a list of weed species. None of these exemptions apply in heritage conservation areas, on heritage items, on land mapped as Biodiversity, or in or within 50 m of threatened ecological communities. A permit costs $224 for 1–3 trees and takes at least 28 days.",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "any tree with the potential to grow taller than 3 m is protected; removal of a tree under 3 m (not in native vegetation) is exempt",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "exempt if the trunk base is within 3 m of the foundation of an approved building (not garages, carports or ancillary buildings)",
    "pruning": "less than 10% of the foliage area, not more than once annually, to AS 4373",
    "treeProtectionZone": "9 m for trunks 800 mm+ DBH; 7 m for 400–800 mm; 4 m for 400 mm or less",
    "nonTreeVegetation": "up to 10 m² per 5 years (urban zones) or 30 m² (rural zones)"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Cootamundra wattle",
    "Golden wreath wattle",
    "Box elder",
    "Tree of heaven",
    "Evergreen alder",
    "Cocos palm",
    "Hackberry",
    "Camphor laurel",
    "All edible fruit and nut trees — except native species such as lilly pilly, blueberry ash or macadamia",
    "Cotoneaster",
    "Loquat",
    "Coral tree",
    "Rubber tree",
    "Honey locust",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus",
    "Privet",
    "Poplar",
    "Firethorn",
    "Golden robinia",
    "Willow",
    "Umbrella tree",
    "Peppercorn tree",
    "Rhus",
    "Species listed under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Tree inspection fee — 1 to 3 trees",
     "amount": "$224.00",
     "note": "Pensioner $113.00 (Blue Pension Card; must be the owner). GST exempt and non-refundable. Form valid until 30 June 2027."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree inspection fee — 4 to 9 trees",
     "amount": "$279.00",
     "note": "Pensioner $141.00."
    },
    {
     "item": "Tree inspection fee — 10 trees or more",
     "amount": "See Council's fee schedule",
     "note": "The form refers to Council's website for this fee."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Application processing is a minimum of 28 days from the date the application is accepted. Approved permits are valid for 12 months (call Customer Service for an extension). A copy of the determination is sent to the applicant and owner.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Cheltenham",
    "North Epping",
    "Beecroft",
    "Pennant Hills",
    "Cherrybrook",
    "Thornleigh",
    "Normanhurst",
    "Westleigh",
    "Waitara",
    "Hornsby",
    "Dural",
    "Asquith",
    "Mount Colah",
    "Hornsby Heights",
    "Galston",
    "Mount Kuring-Gai",
    "Berowra",
    "Arcadia",
    "Berrilee",
    "Berowra Heights",
    "Fiddletown",
    "Cowan",
    "Brooklyn",
    "Forest Glen",
    "Berowra Waters",
    "Dangar Island",
    "Canoelands",
    "Milsons Passage",
    "Singletons Mill",
    "Laughtondale"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on private property — Hornsby Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Flora-and-fauna/Trees/Trees-on-private-property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Hornsby DCP 2024 Section 1.2.6 Tree and Vegetation Preservation (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/environment/flora-and-fauna/trees/preserving-our-bushland-legacy/documents/hornsby-dcp-tree-and-veg-2024.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Application to Prune or Remove Trees on Private Property, valid to 30 June 2027 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/3/environment/flora-and-fauna/trees/trees-on-private-property/documents/tree-application-remove-or-prune-trees-on-private-property.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Trees on neighbouring property — Hornsby Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Flora-and-fauna/Trees/Trees-on-neighbouring-property"
    },
    {
     "title": "Public trees and vegetation — Hornsby Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Flora-and-fauna/Trees/Public-trees-and-vegetation"
    },
    {
     "title": "Reporting illegal tree removal, pruning or damage — Hornsby Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Flora-and-fauna/Trees/Reporting-illegal-tree-removal-pruning-damage"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Prune/Removal Decision Tool — Hornsby Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/Environment/Flora-and-fauna/Trees/Trees-on-private-property/Tree-prune-removal-decision-tool/Tree-tool"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "the-hills",
   "name": "The Hills Shire Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/the-hills/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Community/Your-Environment/Trees-and-Streetscapes/Trees-on-Private-Land",
   "phone": "02 9843 0555",
   "permitNeededFor": "Taller than 6 m, canopy over 3 m, or trunk over 300 mm at the base (trees within 5 m of the house are exempt)",
   "summary": "In The Hills you need Council's consent to remove, or to prune more than 10% of, any tree with a canopy spread over 3 metres, a height over 6 metres or a trunk more than 300 mm across at the base, unless an exemption applies. The main exemptions are a published list of weed and nuisance species, fruit trees, and any tree within 5 metres of an approved house or ancillary structure (including a garage, shed, pool or retaining wall over 600 mm). These rules cover the whole Shire, including rural land around Dural and Glenorie. An application costs $170 for 1 to 3 trees, plus $59 for each extra tree (2026/27).",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "more than 6 m",
    "trunk": "diameter more than 300 mm measured at the base",
    "canopy": "spread of more than 3 m; pruning of more than 10% of the canopy per growing season needs consent",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "exempt within 5 m of an existing approved dwelling or ancillary structure on the same lot (measured from the face of the trunk to the external wall or roof line)"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "Cape Leeuwin wattle (Albizia lophantha syn. Paraserianthes lophantha)",
    "Evergreen alder (Alnus jorullensis)",
    "Alexandra palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae)",
    "Bangalow palm (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana)",
    "Hackberry (Celtis australis)",
    "Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster spp.)",
    "Pencil pine (Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta')",
    "Leyland cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina x sykesii)",
    "Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)",
    "Indian rubber tree (Ficus elastica)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Silky oak (Grevillea robusta)",
    "Kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia)",
    "Broad-leaved privet (Ligustrum lucidum)",
    "Small-leaved privet (Ligustrum sinense)",
    "Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "African olive (Olea europaea var. africana)",
    "Radiata / Monterey pine (Pinus radiata)",
    "Sweet pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum)",
    "Lombardy poplar (Populus nigra 'Italica')",
    "Black locust / false acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Weeping willow (Salix babylonica)",
    "Queensland umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "Peppercorn tree (Schinus molle)",
    "Broad-leaf pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Athel tree (Tamarix aphylla)",
    "Rhus tree (Toxicodendron succedaneum)",
    "Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera)",
    "Mexican fan palm (Washingtonia robusta)",
    "Fruit trees grown for fruit production, excluding naturally growing native fruiting species",
    "Under 10 m tall only: Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii), hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii), Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora), Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), white cedar (Melia azedarach)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Application for tree removal / lopping — 1 to 3 trees",
     "amount": "$170.00",
     "note": "Fees & Charges 2026-2027 (Part 5 of The Hills Shire Plan). Paid when the Tree Management Application is lodged. Council accepts credit card and EFTPOS only (no cash or cheque)."
    },
    {
     "item": "Application for tree removal / lopping — additional trees",
     "amount": "$59.00 each",
     "note": "For each tree beyond the first three."
    },
    {
     "item": "Native Vegetation Clearing Permit — minor clearing (under 1,000 m²)",
     "amount": "$277.00",
     "note": "$552 for 1,001–2,500 m²; $740 for more than 2,500 m² and/or above the biodiversity offsets scheme threshold."
    },
    {
     "item": "Re-inspection (review of determination)",
     "amount": "No fee",
     "note": "If requested within 12 months of the original application (Tree Management Fact Sheet)."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Not stated. Council's tree management staff inspect the site as part of each application.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Baulkham Hills",
    "West Pennant Hills",
    "Bella Vista",
    "Castle Hill",
    "Norwest",
    "Kellyville",
    "Glenhaven",
    "Beaumont Hills",
    "North Kellyville",
    "Annangrove",
    "Box Hill",
    "Nelson",
    "Middle Dural",
    "Kenthurst",
    "Gables",
    "Maraylya",
    "Glenorie",
    "Cattai",
    "South Maroota",
    "Sackville North",
    "Maroota",
    "Leets Vale",
    "Wisemans Ferry"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Trees on Private Land — The Hills Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Community/Your-Environment/Trees-and-Streetscapes/Trees-on-Private-Land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Guidelines for Trees on Private Land (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/cms-docs/fact-sheets/tree-management-guidelines-for-private-trees.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Fact Sheet (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/2/cms-docs/fact-sheets/tree-management-fact-sheet.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Management Application form (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/4/cms-docs/application-forms/tree-management-application.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "The Hills Shire Plan 2026-2027, Part 5 Fees & Charges (PDF), pp. 32–33 and 48",
     "url": "https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/3/cms-docs/council/key-docs/hsp-2026-27/part-5-fees-charges-2026-2027.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "The Hills DCP 2012 Part C Section 3 — Landscaping (PDF), clause 2.4 and Appendix A",
     "url": "https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/3/ecm-website-documents/page-documents/building/dcp/part_c_section_3_-_landscaping.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "The Hills DCP 2012 Part C Section 4 — Heritage (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/v/2/ecm-website-documents/page-documents/building/dcp/part_c_section_4_-_heritage.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "Report Tree Issues on Public Land — The Hills Shire Council",
     "url": "https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Community/Your-Environment/Trees-and-Streetscapes/Report-Tree-Issues-on-Public-Land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Operational Procedures for the Management of Trees on Public Land (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/3/cms-docs/trees/operational-procedures-for-the-management-of-trees-on-public-land.pdf"
    },
    {
     "title": "State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, ss 2.3 and 2.7 — NSW Legislation",
     "url": "https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/epi-2021-0722"
    }
   ]
  },
  {
   "slug": "northern-beaches",
   "name": "Northern Beaches Council",
   "checked": "2026-09-30",
   "page": "https://www.tree-services.com.au/council-tree-rules/northern-beaches/",
   "councilTreePage": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/planning-development/tree-management/private-land",
   "phone": "1300 434 434",
   "permitNeededFor": "Over 5 m tall (trees within 2 m of an approved building are exempt)",
   "summary": "On the Northern Beaches you need a Council permit to remove any tree over 5 metres tall, to prune more than 10% of a tree's canopy in 12 months, or to clear bushland. The same rules now apply in the former Manly, Warringah and Pittwater areas. Trees under 5 m, trees on Council's exempt species list (unless heritage), trees within 2 m of an approved building, dead non-habitat trees, and trees an AQF Level 5 arborist certifies as an imminent danger can be removed without a permit. A permit application costs $201 including the first tree, plus $58.50 for each extra tree (2026/27).",
   "thresholds": {
    "height": "over 5 m (trees under 5 m are exempt)",
    "canopy": "pruning more than 10% of the canopy within 12 months needs a permit",
    "distanceFromDwelling": "exempt where the base of the trunk is within 2 m of an existing approved building (not decks, pergolas, sheds, patios or the like)"
   },
   "exemptSpecies": [
    "Cootamundra wattle (Acacia baileyana)",
    "Golden wreath / willow wattle (Acacia saligna)",
    "Box elder (Acer negundo)",
    "Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima)",
    "All figs (Ficus spp.) except Moreton Bay fig (F. macrophylla), Port Jackson fig (F. rubiginosa) and sandpaper fig (F. coronata)",
    "Evergreen alder (Alnus jorullensis)",
    "Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) — not Norfolk Island pines",
    "Illawarra flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius)",
    "Cassia (Cassia spp.)",
    "Black bean / Moreton Bay chestnut (Castanospermum australe)",
    "Hackberry (Celtis australis)",
    "Camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora)",
    "Fiddlewood (Citharexylum spinosum)",
    "Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster glaucophyllus)",
    "Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis — listed as C. laurina in the DCPs and PDF, C. anacardioides on the web page)",
    "Cypress pines (Cupressus spp., Cupressocyparis spp., Chamaecyparis spp.)",
    "All non-native fruit trees (loquat, pawpaw, citrus, kumquat, apple, mulberry, avocado, apricot, almond, cherry, plum, peach, mango)",
    "Coral tree (Erythrina spp.)",
    "Peppermint gum (Eucalyptus nicholii)",
    "Wallangarra white gum (Eucalyptus scoparia)",
    "Himalayan / Griffith's ash (Fraxinus griffithii)",
    "Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)",
    "Silky oak (Grevillea robusta)",
    "Kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum)",
    "Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)",
    "Crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia)",
    "Norfolk Island hibiscus (Lagunaria patersonia)",
    "Large- and small-leaf privet (Ligustrum spp.)",
    "Liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua)",
    "Oleander (Nerium oleander)",
    "Olive (Olea spp.)",
    "Palms other than the cabbage tree palm (Livistona australis)",
    "Crested wattle (Paraserianthes lophantha)",
    "Pines (Pinus spp.)",
    "Pittosporum (Pittosporum spp.) — up to 8 m",
    "Poplar (Populus spp.)",
    "Orange firethorn (Pyracantha angustifolia)",
    "Indian hawthorn (Raphiolepis indica)",
    "False acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia)",
    "Willow (Salix spp.)",
    "Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum)",
    "Umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)",
    "African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata)",
    "Cocos palm (Syagrus romanzoffiana)",
    "Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia)"
   ],
   "fees": [
    {
     "item": "Application to remove or prune trees on private property (includes assessment of the first tree)",
     "amount": "$201.00",
     "note": "Fees & Charges 2026/27; also shown on Form 4000 (2026/2027). Non-refundable."
    },
    {
     "item": "Assessment of each additional tree",
     "amount": "$58.50 each",
     "note": "Fees & Charges 2026/27."
    },
    {
     "item": "Onsite meeting with a Council officer",
     "amount": "$116.00 per application",
     "note": "Optional, only if you want to be there when the officer inspects."
    }
   ],
   "processing": "Not stated. The permit expires 12 months after it is issued.",
   "suburbs": [
    "Clontarf",
    "Balgowlah Heights",
    "Seaforth",
    "Killarney Heights",
    "Balgowlah",
    "North Balgowlah",
    "Forestville",
    "Fairlight",
    "Manly",
    "Manly Vale",
    "Allambie Heights",
    "Davidson",
    "North Manly",
    "Queenscliff",
    "Frenchs Forest",
    "Freshwater",
    "Brookvale",
    "Curl Curl",
    "Beacon Hill",
    "North Curl Curl",
    "Belrose",
    "Narraweena",
    "Oxford Falls",
    "Dee Why",
    "Cromer",
    "Wheeler Heights",
    "Collaroy",
    "Collaroy Plateau",
    "Terrey Hills",
    "Narrabeen",
    "Duffys Forest",
    "Elanora Heights",
    "Ingleside",
    "North Narrabeen",
    "Warriewood",
    "Mona Vale",
    "Bayview",
    "Church Point",
    "Cottage Point",
    "Mccarrs Creek",
    "Elvina Bay",
    "Newport",
    "Scotland Island",
    "Lovett Bay",
    "Bilgola Plateau",
    "Bilgola Beach",
    "Morning Bay",
    "Clareville",
    "Avalon Beach",
    "Coasters Retreat",
    "Whale Beach",
    "Currawong Beach",
    "Great Mackerel Beach",
    "Palm Beach"
   ],
   "sources": [
    {
     "title": "Removing and pruning trees on private land — Northern Beaches Council",
     "url": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/planning-development/tree-management/private-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Exempt tree species list — Northern Beaches Council",
     "url": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/exempt-tree-species-list"
    },
    {
     "title": "Exempt Tree and Vegetation Species (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/media/11609"
    },
    {
     "title": "Illegal tree works — Northern Beaches Council",
     "url": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/planning-and-development/tree-management/illegal-tree-works"
    },
    {
     "title": "Removing and pruning trees on public land — Northern Beaches Council",
     "url": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/planning-development/tree-management/public-land"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree Removal and Pruning Application — Forms",
     "url": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/council/forms/tree-removal-and-pruning-application"
    },
    {
     "title": "Form 4000 Tree Removal and Tree Pruning Application 2026/2027 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/media/15538"
    },
    {
     "title": "Fees and charges — Northern Beaches Council (2026/27 Fees and Charges booklet)",
     "url": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/council/rates-and-council-fees/fees-and-charges"
    },
    {
     "title": "Warringah DCP 2011 Part E1 Preservation of Trees or Bushland Vegetation",
     "url": "https://eservices.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/ePlanning/live/pages/plan/book.aspx?exhibit=DCP"
    },
    {
     "title": "Manly DCP 2013 clause 3.3.2 Preservation of Trees or Bushland Vegetation",
     "url": "https://eservices.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/ePlanning/live/pages/plan/book.aspx?exhibit=MDCP"
    },
    {
     "title": "Pittwater 21 DCP B4.22 Preservation of Trees and Bushland Vegetation",
     "url": "https://eservices.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/ePlanning/live/pages/plan/book.aspx?exhibit=PDCP"
    },
    {
     "title": "Council Policy NB-P-46 Tree Management, adopted 15 July 2025 (PDF)",
     "url": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/media/67995"
    },
    {
     "title": "Tree guide — Northern Beaches Council",
     "url": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/environment/tree-management/tree-guide"
    },
    {
     "title": "Iconic Tree Register — Northern Beaches Council",
     "url": "https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/environment/trees/iconic-tree-register"
    }
   ]
  }
 ]
}