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Council tree rules · checked 30 September 2026
Hornsby tree removal rules
Checked against Hornsby Shire Council's own documents on · Council: 02 9847 6666
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 $224Council fee for 1–3 trees and takes at least 28 days.
The checker
Do I need approval to remove my tree?
Hornsby's rules as a map. Answer each question and it follows your path to the answer. It's a guide: if you're unsure, ask council or ask us.
Is the tree on your own private property (not a nature strip, park or other Council land)?
Council's tree — don't touch it
Residents may not prune or remove trees on Council land. Lodge a service request or call 02 9847 6666.
Is the property a heritage item or in a heritage conservation area?
Heritage property — permit or DA
No exemptions apply. Minor work may be approved by Tree Permit; major work needs a development application. Contact Council first.
Is the land mapped as Biodiversity, or in (or within 50 m of) a threatened species habitat or Endangered Ecological Community?
You need a tree permit
Lodge an Application to Prune or Remove Trees ($224Council fee for 1–3 trees). Allow at least 28 days.
How to apply on the Hornsby website · Need an arborist report?
Is the tree dead, or an imminent risk to life or property?
Send evidence, get written agreement
Give Council photos and ideally an AQF Level 5 arborist statement. Don't remove the tree until Council agrees in writing.
Is it on Council's exempt species list or a Biosecurity Act listed weed, or a tree under 3 m not in native vegetation?
Likely exempt — no permit needed
This fits a DCP 1.2.6 exemption. Keep photos and measurements, and prune to AS 4373.
Is the trunk base within 3 m of the foundation of your house (not a garage or carport)?
Likely exempt — no permit needed
This fits a DCP 1.2.6 exemption. Keep photos and measurements, and prune to AS 4373.
Do you only want deadwood removed, or to prune less than 10% of the foliage (once a year) to fix a nuisance?
Likely exempt — no permit needed
This fits a DCP 1.2.6 exemption. Keep photos and measurements, and prune to AS 4373.
You need a tree permit
Lodge an Application to Prune or Remove Trees ($224Council fee for 1–3 trees). Allow at least 28 days.
How to apply on the Hornsby website · Need an arborist report?
Size matters
How big is "protected" in Hornsby?
- 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
- Near the house: 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
You need approval to…
- Pruning or removing any 'tree' — a long-lived woody perennial plant with the potential to grow taller than 3 m — unless an exemption applies (DCP 1.2.6.1 a–c).
- Pruning more than 10% of a tree's foliage, or pruning more than once a year, or pruning that is not to fix a nuisance (such as branches touching your roof).
- Any tree or vegetation work on a heritage item or in a heritage conservation area — minor work needs a Tree Permit; major work needs a development application (Table 1.2.6-b).
- Any tree work on land mapped as Biodiversity on the Hornsby LEP Terrestrial Biodiversity Map, or land with threatened species or their habitat, or within 50 m of such habitat — no exemptions apply.
- Trees (alive or dead) within an Endangered or Critically Endangered Ecological Community, regardless of size or distance from a house; a NSW or Commonwealth licence or approval may also be needed.
- Construction or earthworks (driveways, slabs, retaining walls, changing soil levels, trenching) within the Tree Protection Zone of a protected tree — 4 m, 7 m or 9 m from the trunk depending on trunk diameter.
- Removing or pruning a tree that a development consent requires to be kept — this needs a Section 4.55 modification application.
- Removing a dead or dangerous tree — Council must first agree in writing, based on photo/video evidence and/or an AQF Level 5 arborist's statement.
- Clearing native vegetation (not trees) beyond 10 m² per 5 years on urban-zoned land (30 m² on rural zones).
Usually no approval needed for…
- Removing a tree less than 3 m tall that is not located within native vegetation.
- Pruning a tree by less than 10% of its foliage area, not more than once a year, to AS 4373 — Council's web page describes this as pruning live branches that are causing a nuisance, such as touching your roof.
- Removing deadwood for tree maintenance to AS 4373-2007.
- Removing or pruning a tree whose trunk base at ground level is within 3 m of the foundation of an approved building — detached garages, carports and other buildings ancillary to a house do not count.
- Removing species listed under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015, and the exempt species in DCP Table 1.2.6-a.
- Removing a tree Council has agreed in writing is dead (shown by photographic evidence) and not habitat for native fauna.
- Removing a tree Council has agreed in writing, on photographic evidence or a written statement from an AQF Level 5 arborist, is an imminent risk to life or likely to cause substantial property damage in the near future.
- Trees and 10/50 clearing lawfully done under the NSW RFS 10/50 code, where the property has the 10/50 entitlement.
- Clearing non-tree vegetation up to 10 m² every 5 years on urban-zoned land (30 m² on RU1, RU2, RU4 rural land), by hand, except on steep land, near watercourses, near Biodiversity-mapped land, on heritage properties or other listed exclusions (Table 1.2.6-d).
Hornsby's exempt species list (24 entries): trees you can usually remove without a permit
- 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
Exemptions usually don't apply on heritage properties. Not sure what your tree is? Send us a photo.
Step by step
How to apply in Hornsby.
From checking the rules to planting the replacement tree.
Use Council's Tree Prune/Removal Decision Tool
Answer the questions in Council's online tool, and check your property on Council's map for a heritage conservation area, heritage listing, Biodiversity mapping or Endangered Ecological Community.
Check the exemptions
Is the tree under 3 m and not in native vegetation, on the exempt species list, within 3 m of your house's foundations, or is it only deadwood or pruning under 10% once a year? If so, a permit may not be needed.
Dead or dangerous? Send Council evidence first
Email photos or video and, ideally, an AQF Level 5 arborist's written statement, and wait for Council's written agreement before removing the tree.
Prepare the application
Complete the Application to Prune or Remove Trees on Private Property with owner's consent, a site plan (trees, buildings, pools, driveways, boundaries, street names) and a photo of each tree. Add an AQF Level 5 arborist report if you have one.
Mark the trees and lodge
Mark each tree with ribbon or tape (no nails). Lodge online through Council's portal, in person at Hornsby Central Library or by post with a cheque — not by email. Pay $224Council fee for 1–3 trees.
Wait for the decision
Allow at least 28 days. The inspector can enter without you present. You can appeal a refusal to the Land and Environment Court within 3 months.
Do the work and replant
Finish within 12 months, prune to AS 4373, and plant an indigenous replacement tree as required.
Council fees paid to Hornsby Shire Council, not to Above All Tree Services
| Council fee for | Council fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tree inspection fee — 1 to 3 trees | $224.00Council fee | Pensioner $113.00Council fee (Blue Pension Card; must be the owner). GST exempt and non-refundable. Form valid until 30 June 2027. |
| Tree inspection fee — 4 to 9 trees | $279.00Council fee | Pensioner $141.00Council fee. |
| Tree inspection fee — 10 trees or more | See Council's fee schedule | 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.
The details
Everything else you should know.
The situations that trip people up, from Hornsby council's own rules.
Pruning
Without a permit you may remove deadwood and prune less than 10% of a tree's foliage area, no more than once a year, to AS 4373 Pruning of amenity trees. Council's website frames this as pruning live branches that are causing a nuisance — for example branches touching your roof or the service line. Pruning more than 10%, more often, or for other reasons (views, light, size) needs a permit. None of these pruning exemptions apply on heritage properties, in heritage conservation areas, on Biodiversity-mapped land or in or near threatened ecological communities. Council recommends a contractor with at least AQF Level 2, preferably AQF Level 3, in arboriculture.
Dead or dangerous trees
You may remove a dead tree (not used as native wildlife habitat) or a tree that is an imminent risk to life or likely to cause substantial property damage only once you have given Council evidence — photos or video, and/or a written statement from an arborist with a Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF Level 5) — and the DCP requires Council to have deemed it so in writing. In an Endangered or Critically Endangered Ecological Community, even dead trees need a permit. Contact Council on 02 9847 6666 or hsc@hornsby.nsw.gov.au.
Arborist reports
Desirable but not mandatory for a standard application; mandatory documents are the owner's consent, a site plan and a photo of each tree. Any report must follow Council's Guidelines for Preparing an Arborist Report, and the DCP defines a project or consulting arborist as holding AQF Level 5 (Diploma of Arboriculture). Removal applications must demonstrate the tree's safe useful life and risk using an industry method such as TRAQ or QTRA. Sewer plans or structural engineer's reports can also be attached.
Replacement planting
Any tree approved for removal must be replaced with a tree of like habit that is indigenous to Hornsby Shire, planted as close as practicable to where the removed tree stood, grown to maturity and replaced if it fails, in line with Council's Green Offsets Code (DCP 1.2.6.1 m).
Bushfire and the 10/50 rule
If the NSW RFS has designated your property as being in a 10/50 area, you may be entitled to remove trees within 10 m of your home and shrubs within 50 m, under the 10/50 code. Council notes some properties in 10/50 areas do not get the RFS "green tick" — heritage sites, properties in heritage conservation areas, and land with regionally significant, threatened species or endangered ecological communities — and these need a Council permit. Check with the RFS online tool.
Heritage properties
All trees on heritage items and in heritage conservation areas are protected, and the usual exemptions do not apply. Under HLEP clause 5.10 and Table 1.2.6-b, minor work that Council is satisfied will not affect heritage significance can be approved by a Tree Permit; major work needs a development application. Council decides which applies. Check your property on Council's online map.
Your neighbour's tree
Council cannot make a neighbour prune or remove a tree. You do not need a permit to prune branches overhanging your property (up to 10% of the leaf canopy) that are causing a nuisance, where you have sought or obtained the owner's consent — but only after checking the neighbour's land is not heritage-listed, in a heritage conservation area or in an Endangered Ecological Community. Without consent you may only work from your side; entering their land without permission is unlawful. Anything more needs a permit signed by the tree owner. Council does not arbitrate disputes — talk to your neighbour in writing, then seek legal advice or go to the Land and Environment Court under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006.
Street and park trees
Residents are not permitted to prune or remove trees on Council owned or managed land, including nature strips, parks and sportsgrounds. Lodge a service request online or call 02 9847 6666; a Council AQF Level 5 arborist assesses the tree. Power line clearance is handled by Ausgrid (13 13 65).
Penalties
The DCP states that damaging or removing a protected tree without Council's written consent is prohibited. Council asks people to report illegal tree work with photos, video or vehicle registrations, noting that evidence is essential for investigating and prosecuting offences. Council's tree pages do not state fine amounts.
What's different about Hornsby
- Hornsby's definition of a tree is any woody plant with the potential to grow taller than 3 m, so even young trees are protected.
- Exemptions do not apply within 50 m of land containing habitat for threatened species or ecological communities, which covers many properties near Hornsby's extensive bushland.
- Trees in Endangered or Critically Endangered Ecological Communities need a permit even if dead, and regardless of distance from a house.
- Every approved removal must be replaced with a locally indigenous tree of like habit under Council's Green Offsets Code.
- Council offers an online Tree Prune/Removal Decision Tool and a property map showing heritage, significant and endangered ecological communities.
Trees common in Hornsby
- Sydney blue gum (Eucalyptus saligna)
- Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis)
- Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera)
- Sydney red gum (Angophora costata)
- Grey ironbark (Eucalyptus paniculata)
- Sydney peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita)
- Red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera)
- Forest oak (Allocasuarina torulosa)
Suburbs
30 Hornsby suburbs we cover.
Each suburb page has local notes, jobs nearby and a link back here.
Questions
Hornsby tree rules: questions.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Hornsby?
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 $224Council fee for 1–3 trees and takes at least 28 days.
Can I prune a tree without a permit in Hornsby?
Without a permit you may remove deadwood and prune less than 10% of a tree's foliage area, no more than once a year, to AS 4373 Pruning of amenity trees. Council's website frames this as pruning live branches that are causing a nuisance — for example branches touching your roof or the service line. Pruning more than 10%, more often, or for other reasons (views, light, size) needs a permit. None of these pruning exemptions apply on heritage properties, in heritage conservation areas, on Biodiversity-mapped land or in or near threatened ecological communities. Council recommends a contractor with at least AQF Level 2, preferably AQF Level 3, in arboriculture.
How much does a tree permit cost in Hornsby?
This is a council fee, paid to Hornsby Shire Council, not to us. Tree inspection fee — 1 to 3 trees: $224.00Council fee (Pensioner $113.00Council fee (Blue Pension Card; must be the owner). GST exempt and non-refundable. Form valid until 30 June 2027.). Other council fees are listed on this page.
How long does Hornsby council take to decide?
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.
Can I remove a dead or dangerous tree in Hornsby?
You may remove a dead tree (not used as native wildlife habitat) or a tree that is an imminent risk to life or likely to cause substantial property damage only once you have given Council evidence — photos or video, and/or a written statement from an arborist with a Diploma of Arboriculture (AQF Level 5) — and the DCP requires Council to have deemed it so in writing. In an Endangered or Critically Endangered Ecological Community, even dead trees need a permit. Contact Council on 02 9847 6666 or hsc@hornsby.nsw.gov.au.
Can I prune or remove the street tree outside my house?
Residents are not permitted to prune or remove trees on Council owned or managed land, including nature strips, parks and sportsgrounds. Lodge a service request online or call 02 9847 6666; a Council AQF Level 5 arborist assesses the tree. Power line clearance is handled by Ausgrid (13 13 65).
Sources: what Hornsby council actually says
“A tree is defined as a long lived woody perennial plant with one or relatively few main stems with the potential to grow to a height greater than 3 metres.”
“Pruning of a tree by less than 10% of the foliage area in accordance with AS 4373 Pruning of Amenity Trees not more than once annually.”
“The removal of or pruning of a tree where the base of the trunk of the tree at ground level is located within 3 metres of the foundation of an approved building”
“Application processing is a minimum of 28 days from the date of acceptance of the application.”
Rules come from: Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024, Part 1 General, Section 1.2.6 Tree and Vegetation Preservation — 1.2.6.1 Tree Preservation (a–c prescribed trees and definitions, Table 1.2.6-a exempt species, d–e exempt tree work, f–h Table 1.2.6-b application type, i–m assessment and replacement) and 1.2.6.2 Vegetation Preservation; made under SEPP (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 and Hornsby LEP 2013 cl. 5.10.
- Trees on private property — Hornsby Shire Council
- Hornsby DCP 2024 Section 1.2.6 Tree and Vegetation Preservation (PDF)
- Application to Prune or Remove Trees on Private Property, valid to 30 June 2027 (PDF)
- Trees on neighbouring property — Hornsby Shire Council
- Public trees and vegetation — Hornsby Shire Council
- Reporting illegal tree removal, pruning or damage — Hornsby Shire Council
- Tree Prune/Removal Decision Tool — Hornsby Shire Council
Checked against Hornsby Shire Council's own pages and documents on 30 September 2026. Councils change their rules and fees, usually on 1 July, so confirm with Hornsby Shire Council (02 9847 6666) before any work. This page is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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