The fees to lodge with council are not charged by Above All Tree Services. They are paid directly to Ku-ring-gai Council. Prices were last checked on . We have done our best to keep these current and accurate, but you should always refer to the council's website to confirm pricing.
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Council tree rules · checked 30 September 2026
Ku-ring-gai tree removal rules
Checked against Ku-ring-gai Council's own documents on · Council: 02 9424 0000
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.
The checker
Do I need approval to remove my tree?
Ku-ring-gai'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 street, park, nature strip or bushland)?
Council's tree — don't touch it
Trees on Council land are managed by Council. Request an inspection online or email krg@krg.nsw.gov.au (02 9424 0000).
Is the property a heritage item, in a heritage conservation area, or mapped in Blue Gum High Forest, Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest or Duffy's Forest?
You need a Tree Application
Lodge online with the four mandatory documents. Fees from $44Council fee (prune) or $88Council fee (remove). Allow 6–8 weeks.
How to apply on the Ku-ring-gai website · Need an arborist report?
Is the tree dead, dying, or structurally unsound and a risk to life or property?
Get Council's written OK first
Email Council photos and details. Do not remove a dead, dying or dangerous tree until Council confirms in writing.
Is the tree 5 m or taller, or is its trunk 150 mm or more in diameter at ground level?
Likely exempt — no application needed
This fits a DCP Part 13.2 exemption. Keep photos and measurements, prune to AS 4373, and check the tree mapping tool if unsure.
Is it on Council's exempt species list (e.g. privet, cocos palm, Celtis, liquidambar under 12 m) or a State Priority Weed?
Likely exempt — no application needed
This fits a DCP Part 13.2 exemption. Keep photos and measurements, prune to AS 4373, and check the tree mapping tool if unsure.
Is the trunk within 3 m of the external wall of your house (not a garage, carport or deck)?
Likely exempt — no application needed
This fits a DCP Part 13.2 exemption. Keep photos and measurements, prune to AS 4373, and check the tree mapping tool if unsure.
Do you only want deadwood removal, branches directly over the house roof cut back, or pruning of branches and roots under 50 mm?
Likely exempt — no application needed
This fits a DCP Part 13.2 exemption. Keep photos and measurements, prune to AS 4373, and check the tree mapping tool if unsure.
You need a Tree Application
Lodge online with the four mandatory documents. Fees from $44Council fee (prune) or $88Council fee (remove). Allow 6–8 weeks.
How to apply on the Ku-ring-gai website · Need an arborist report?
Size matters
How big is "protected" in Ku-ring-gai?
- Height: 5 m or more
- Trunk: diameter 150 mm or more, measured at ground level
- Near the house: 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)
You need approval to…
- Any work on a 'tree' — a woody plant 5 m or more tall, or with a trunk diameter of 150 mm or more measured at ground level — unless an exemption in DCP Part 13.2 applies. 'Other vegetation' and native vegetation are also protected.
- Pruning live branches or roots 50 mm or more in diameter, lopping (height reduction), poisoning, ringbarking, or damaging the root zone by compaction, stockpiling, excavation, trenching or filling (DCP 13.1 'actions that cause injury').
- Removing a dead or dying tree — Council must first confirm in writing that it is dead or dying and not needed as habitat for native fauna.
- Removing a dangerous tree — Council must first advise it is satisfied the tree poses an imminent risk to life or property.
- Any tree work on a heritage item property or in a heritage conservation area — no exemptions apply there.
- Any tree work on a property mapped in a Threatened Ecological Community (Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest, Blue Gum High Forest or Duffy's Forest), or on listed threatened species — no exemptions apply.
- Clearing native vegetation on land on the NSW Biodiversity Values Map, or vegetation that is part of an Aboriginal object or place — a permit cannot be granted; a development application or Native Vegetation Panel approval is needed (DCP 13.4).
- Trees affected by development, complying development or driveway construction — these are dealt with through the development or driveway approval, not a Tree Application.
Usually no approval needed for…
- Trees and other vegetation within 3 m of an existing dwelling on the same property, measured from the centre of the trunk at ground level to the external wall — with the tree owner's consent. Verandahs, carports, detached garages, ancillary buildings, balconies and decks do not count.
- Removing branches that directly overhang the roof of a house or commercial building, pruned back to the nearest branch junction or collar — not over garages, carports or outbuildings, and not so much that it harms the tree's health, stability or form.
- Removing branches within 0.5 m of the electrical service line to the property (branches only, not trunks).
- Minor pruning of branches and roots not more than 50 mm in diameter, done to AS 4373-2007.
- Removing completely dead branches (deadwood).
- Removing completely dead or dying trees, but only after Council has advised in writing that it is satisfied the tree is dead or dying and not habitat.
- Removing a structurally unsound or unstable tree, but only after Council has advised it is satisfied the tree poses an imminent risk (an arborist's report and testing may be required).
- Species on the NSW State Priority Weeds list and the exempt species listed below.
- Work authorised under other legislation, such as bush fire hazard reduction under the Rural Fires Act, 10/50 clearing (excluding Critically Endangered Ecological Communities), Electricity Supply Act or Biosecurity Act works.
Ku-ring-gai's exempt species list (24 entries): trees you can usually remove without a permit
- 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.)
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 Ku-ring-gai.
From checking the rules to planting the replacement tree.
Check the Trees on your property map
Search your address on Council's tree mapping tool to see which tree application process applies, and whether the property is heritage-listed or in a threatened ecological community.
Check whether the tree is protected and any exemptions
Is it 5 m or taller, or 150 mm or more in trunk diameter at ground level? Is it within 3 m of your house, an exempt weed species, or only minor pruning (under 50 mm) or deadwood? Exemptions never apply on heritage or TEC-mapped properties.
Dead or dangerous? Ask Council in writing first
Email krg@krg.nsw.gov.au with photos, the address and the problem. Do not start until Council confirms in writing.
Read the Tree Assessment Guidelines
Council will not approve work for leaf drop, light, views, droppings, minor structure damage, fences or a tree simply being large. Removal is considered for likely failure, poor health (under 5 years' life), or substantial damage to a dwelling.
Prepare the four mandatory documents
Complete Council's Reasons, Site Map, Photos and Owner's Consent templates as PDFs under 4 MB each, plus any AQF Level 5 arborist, plumber or engineer report.
Lodge online and pay the invoice
Submit through Council's online Tree Application. Pay the emailed invoice ($88Council fee to remove one tree, $44Council fee to prune, $13Council fee each extra). Mark each tree with a numbered ribbon for the inspector.
Wait for the decision
Allow about 6–8 weeks. There is no Council review of refusals — appeals go to the Land and Environment Court within 3 months. Permits last 12 months and may require replacement planting.
Council fees paid to Ku-ring-gai Council, not to Above All Tree Services
| Council fee for | Council fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tree removal application — one tree or hedge | $88.00Council fee | Pensioner rate $42.00Council fee (only if the applicant and tree owner is the pension holder). For applications submitted 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027. |
| Tree pruning application — one tree or hedge | $44.00Council fee | Pensioner rate $20.00Council fee. |
| Each additional tree or hedge (pruning or removal) | $13.00Council fee | 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.
The details
Everything else you should know.
The situations that trip people up, from Ku-ring-gai council's own rules.
Pruning
You may prune branches and roots up to 50 mm in diameter, remove completely dead branches, and cut back branches that hang directly over the roof of your house to the nearest branch junction or collar — all to AS 4373-2007 and without harming the tree's health, stability or form (for example, stripping one whole side of a tree over the roof is not exempt). Branches within 0.5 m of the electrical service line to the house can also be removed. Anything larger, and any "topping" or height reduction, needs a Tree Application; Council does not generally permit topping. On heritage properties and in mapped threatened ecological communities none of these exemptions apply.
Dead or dangerous trees
Dead trees are not automatically exempt. No work can be done on a dead or dying tree until Council confirms in writing that it is dead or dying and not needed as habitat — email krg@krg.nsw.gov.au with photos, your property address and an explanation. A structurally unsound tree can be removed only after Council advises it is satisfied the tree poses an imminent risk; an arborist's report and testing may be required for significant trees. For emergency tree works, have a consulting arborist assess the tree and contact Council for approval before any work proceeds. On heritage properties or in threatened ecological communities a full Tree Application is required.
Arborist reports
Not needed to lodge a Tree Application unless your request relies on supporting evidence (for example likely failure, poor health or structural damage). Reports must follow Council's Guidelines for Preparation of Arborist Reports or they will not be considered: the consulting arborist must hold at least AQF Level 5 in Horticulture (Arboriculture), disclose any pecuniary interest, and use TRAQ or QTRA (with accreditation attached) for risk assessments. Council regards AQF Level 3 holders as tree workers, not consulting arborists. Plumbers' or structural engineers' reports can also be attached.
Replacement planting
Council will require replacement trees and/or vegetation and may specify the number, species, provenance, location and stock size, aiming for a net gain of canopy at maturity (DCP 13.4.5). In mapped biodiversity areas, replacements must be suitable species from the local ecological community. Council publishes a Tree Replacement Planting List for private property.
Bushfire and the 10/50 rule
Some Ku-ring-gai properties can use the NSW RFS 10/50 Code; check eligibility with the RFS online tool. The Code only covers trees whose trunk is within 10 m of certain property walls, and it does not apply to properties in a heritage conservation area or heritage property, to threatened species, or to trees in an endangered ecological community — the DCP also excludes Critically Endangered Ecological Communities. Trees not eligible under 10/50 need a Tree Application.
Heritage properties
No exemptions apply on a heritage item property or in a heritage conservation area. Under KLEP clause 5.10 development consent is required, but Council can give written consent instead where the work is minor, for maintenance and will not harm heritage significance — minor works include pruning branches over the roofline, branches and roots up to 50 mm, deadwood and dead or dying trees (DCP 13.3). Council's FAQ says to submit a Tree Application for trees at heritage properties. Check your property on Council's map viewer.
Your neighbour's tree
Talk to your neighbour first. The tree owner (where the trunk sits at ground level) must get Council's permission before any work. You need the property owner's permission before pruning branches overhanging from a neighbour's tree, and you may also need Council permission. To apply for a neighbour's tree, lodge a separate application with the neighbouring owner's handwritten signed consent. Council cannot resolve neighbour disputes — the Land and Environment Court can, under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006, once you have made a reasonable effort to resolve it.
Street and park trees
Trees on Council land (parks, sportsgrounds, bushland, golf courses and nature strips) are managed by Council's tree teams under the Tree Assessment Guidelines and Urban Forest Policy. Request an inspection online or by emailing krg@krg.nsw.gov.au with photos and the tree's address. Ausgrid prunes trees near street powerlines (13 13 65); clearance of the electricity service line from the boundary to the house is the resident's responsibility (arranged through Ausgrid).
Penalties
Council states it is illegal to work on trees without its approval, and that anyone who contravenes Part 13 commits an offence under SEPP (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021. Reports of illegal work are investigated, penalties applied where appropriate, and unauthorised removal is prosecuted in court where there is sufficient evidence. Report suspected illegal work 24/7 on 02 9424 0400. Council's tree pages do not state fine amounts.
What's different about Ku-ring-gai
- Ku-ring-gai has 24 native vegetation communities, including seven threatened ecological communities under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act and four under the Commonwealth EPBC Act; properties mapped in Blue Gum High Forest, Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest or Duffy's Forest lose every exemption.
- Dead trees are not automatically exempt — Council must confirm in writing before a dead or dying tree is removed.
- Trunk size is measured at ground level (150 mm diameter), so many small trees are protected.
- Council has an online 'Trees on your property' map showing the application process for each address and permits issued in the past 12 months, so neighbours can check whether work was approved.
- There is no internal review of a refused Tree Application — the only appeal is to the Land and Environment Court within 3 months.
Trees common in Ku-ring-gai
- Sydney blue gum (Eucalyptus saligna)
- Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera)
- Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis)
- Sydney red gum (Angophora costata)
- Grey ironbark (Eucalyptus paniculata)
- Red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera)
- Forest she-oak (Allocasuarina torulosa)
- NSW Christmas bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum)
Suburbs
17 Ku-ring-gai suburbs we cover.
Each suburb page has local notes, jobs nearby and a link back here.
Questions
Ku-ring-gai tree rules: questions.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Ku-ring-gai?
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.
Can I prune a tree without a permit in Ku-ring-gai?
You may prune branches and roots up to 50 mm in diameter, remove completely dead branches, and cut back branches that hang directly over the roof of your house to the nearest branch junction or collar — all to AS 4373-2007 and without harming the tree's health, stability or form (for example, stripping one whole side of a tree over the roof is not exempt). Branches within 0.5 m of the electrical service line to the house can also be removed. Anything larger, and any "topping" or height reduction, needs a Tree Application; Council does not generally permit topping. On heritage properties and in mapped threatened ecological communities none of these exemptions apply.
How much does a tree permit cost in Ku-ring-gai?
This is a council fee, paid to Ku-ring-gai Council, not to us. Tree removal application — one tree or hedge: $88.00Council fee (Pensioner rate $42.00Council fee (only if the applicant and tree owner is the pension holder). For applications submitted 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027.). Other council fees are listed on this page.
How long does Ku-ring-gai council take to decide?
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.
Can I remove a dead or dangerous tree in Ku-ring-gai?
Dead trees are not automatically exempt. No work can be done on a dead or dying tree until Council confirms in writing that it is dead or dying and not needed as habitat — email krg@krg.nsw.gov.au with photos, your property address and an explanation. A structurally unsound tree can be removed only after Council advises it is satisfied the tree poses an imminent risk; an arborist's report and testing may be required for significant trees. For emergency tree works, have a consulting arborist assess the tree and contact Council for approval before any work proceeds. On heritage properties or in threatened ecological communities a full Tree Application is required.
Can I prune or remove the street tree outside my house?
Trees on Council land (parks, sportsgrounds, bushland, golf courses and nature strips) are managed by Council's tree teams under the Tree Assessment Guidelines and Urban Forest Policy. Request an inspection online or by emailing krg@krg.nsw.gov.au with photos and the tree's address. Ausgrid prunes trees near street powerlines (13 13 65); clearance of the electricity service line from the boundary to the house is the resident's responsibility (arranged through Ausgrid).
Sources: what Ku-ring-gai council actually says
“a perennial plant with at least one self-supporting woody, fibrous stem, whether native or exotic, which is 5 metres or more in height or a plant that has a trunk diameter of 150mm or more measured at ground level.”
“Dead trees are not automatically exempt.”
“trees and other vegetation within 3m of any existing dwelling on the same property are exempt.”
“branches pruned, are not more than 50mm in diameter; and roots pruned are not more than 50mm in diameter.”
Rules come from: Ku-ring-gai Development Control Plan, Section A Part 13 Tree & Vegetation Preservation — 13.1 tree and vegetation works (prescribed trees, actions that cause injury), 13.2 exemptions, 13.3 heritage items and heritage conservation areas, 13.4 applications and replacement; made under SEPP (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 Chapter 2 Part 2.3; Ku-ring-gai LEP 2015 cl. 5.10 (heritage); Tree Assessment Guidelines and Urban Forest Policy.
- Trees on your property — Ku-ring-gai Council
- Tree FAQs — Ku-ring-gai Council
- Ku-ring-gai DCP Part 13 Tree & Vegetation Preservation (PDF)
- Tree Application Information & Instruction Manual, 2026–27 fees (PDF)
- Tree Assessment Guidelines to Prune or Remove Trees on Private Property and Council Managed Land (PDF)
- Trees on neighbouring properties — Ku-ring-gai Council
- Reporting illegal tree removal, pruning or damage — Ku-ring-gai Council
- Bushfire protection rules for trees — Ku-ring-gai Council
- Trees on Council land — Ku-ring-gai Council
- Tree Replacement Planting List (PDF, species)
Checked against Ku-ring-gai Council's own pages and documents on 30 September 2026. Councils change their rules and fees, usually on 1 July, so confirm with Ku-ring-gai Council (02 9424 0000) before any work. This page is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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