The fees to lodge with council are not charged by Above All Tree Services. They are paid directly to Penrith City 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
Penrith tree removal rules
Checked against Penrith City Council's own documents on · Council: 02 4732 7777
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).
The checker
Do I need approval to remove my tree?
Penrith'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 or reserve)?
Council's tree — don't touch it
Street and park trees are managed by Council. Call 02 4732 7777.
Is the tree being removed as part of a development (DA or complying development)?
Assessed with your development
Tree removal for development is assessed in the Development Application, not with a vegetation permit.
Is the tree a heritage item, in a heritage conservation area, or on a significant tree register?
Heritage or significant tree — ask Council
These trees are protected at any size and the exempt species list doesn't apply. Contact Council before any work.
Are you clearing bushland or native vegetation, or removing a native tree on E2 or natural-resources-sensitive land?
Native vegetation — get advice first
Contact Council on 4732 7777 before applying. Large clearing or Biodiversity Values Map land needs Native Vegetation Panel approval.
Is the tree 3.5 m or taller, or is its trunk over 100 mm across at 1.4 m above ground?
Likely exempt — no permit needed
Keep photos and any arborist report, as you must be able to show the exemption applied. Prune to AS 4373.
Is it within 3 m of your house wall, dead (not habitat), assessed by an arborist as imminently dangerous, a non-native fruit tree, or on the Exempt Tree Species List?
Likely exempt — no permit needed
Keep photos and any arborist report, as you must be able to show the exemption applied. Prune to AS 4373.
Do you only want light pruning (branches up to 50 mm, deadwood, or cuts up to 150 mm near the roof or low branches on trees over 6 m)?
Likely exempt — no permit needed
Keep photos and any arborist report, as you must be able to show the exemption applied. Prune to AS 4373.
You need a Vegetation Permit
Apply online through eProperty or on the paper form: $118Council fee plus $29Council fee per tree.
How to apply on the Penrith website · Need an arborist report?
Size matters
How big is "protected" in Penrith?
- Height: 3.5 m or more
- Trunk: diameter exceeding 100 mm at 1400 mm above ground
- Near the house: exempt within 3 m of an external enclosing wall of a dwelling (measured from the centre of the trunk at 1400 mm)
You need approval to…
- Pruning or removing any tree, native or introduced, 3.5 metres or taller or with a trunk diameter over 100 mm at 1400 mm above ground.
- Removing or harming any native tree (living or dead) or other native vegetation on land zoned E2 Environmental Conservation or mapped as natural resources sensitive land in Penrith LEP 2010 — regardless of size.
- Clearing any native vegetation community, including remnant native vegetation, anywhere in the City — including shrubs, groundcovers, native grasses and wetland plants.
- Any tree or vegetation that is, or is part of, a heritage item or within a heritage conservation area.
- Any tree or vegetation listed on a significant tree or vegetation register.
- Cutting or pruning branches greater than 50 mm diameter, topping, lopping, ringbarking, or cutting or damaging roots of a prescribed tree.
- Clearing native vegetation above the biodiversity offsets threshold (e.g. 0.25 ha or more on lots under 1 ha, 0.5 ha on lots of 1–40 ha) or on the Biodiversity Values Map — this needs NSW Native Vegetation Panel approval, not Council.
Usually no approval needed for…
- A tree or part of a tree assessed as imminently dangerous by a suitably qualified arborist (preferably AQF Level 5) — keep the arborist's report.
- A tree within 3 m of an external enclosing wall of a dwelling, measured from the centre of the trunk at 1400 mm above ground.
- A dead tree that is not habitat for native fauna.
- Deadwood that is not habitat for native fauna, as part of regular maintenance.
- Overhanging branches within 3 m of a dwelling roofline, where the largest cut is no greater than 150 mm diameter.
- On trees over 6 m tall, branches within 2 m of ground level, where the largest cut is no greater than 150 mm diameter.
- Branches up to 50 mm diameter, provided the shape and structure of the tree are not significantly modified (garden trees and hedges).
- Trees on Council's Exempt Tree Species List (subject to each species' criteria).
- Trees or vegetation producing edible fruit, excluding Australian natives and ornamental fruit trees.
- On rural land, a tree that will cause imminent damage to the structural integrity or function of an existing perimeter boundary fence.
- Trees or vegetation growing within an approved constructed dam or dam wall where maintenance is needed.
- Clearing in accordance with the NSW RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of Practice, an approved bushfire asset protection zone, or a written RFS direction.
- Declared priority weeds under the Biosecurity Act 2015, and works under the Electricity Supply Act 1995, Roads Act 1993 or a development consent.
Penrith's exempt species list (25 entries): trees you can usually remove without a permit
- 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
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 Penrith.
From checking the rules to planting the replacement tree.
Check other approvals first
If the tree is being removed for a development, it's assessed in the DA. A vegetation permit generally won't be issued to make complying development possible.
Check if you are clearing native vegetation
On rural-residential land, native trees and bushland may be protected at any size. Contact Council on 4732 7777 before applying to clear native vegetation; large areas go to the Native Vegetation Panel.
Check the exemptions
Within 3 m of your house, dead and not habitat, imminently dangerous (with an arborist report), on the Exempt Tree Species List, or light pruning? If unsure, call Council's Tree Management Officer.
Gather your evidence
Prepare a sketch or site plan showing each tree, the owner's consent, photos, and any arborist, plumber, builder or engineer reports.
Apply online or on paper
Lodge through Council's eProperty online service, or download the Tree Pruning or Removal Application Form and lodge it at Customer Service.
Pay the fees
$118Council fee application fee plus $29Council fee per tree (2026/27). Rural clearing of more than 5 trees attracts a $421Council fee assessment fee.
Wait for the permit before starting
Applications are merit-assessed. Don't prune or remove until you have the permit.
Council fees paid to Penrith City Council, not to Above All Tree Services
| Council fee for | Council fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tree and vegetation removal application fee | $118.00Council fee | 2026/27 Fees and Charges. Per application. |
| Tree removal assessment fee — non-rural areas | $29.00Council fee per tree | In addition to the application fee. |
| Tree removal assessment fee — rural areas | $29.00Council fee per tree | Per tree in rural areas, up to 5 trees without understorey vegetation. In addition to the application fee. |
| Vegetation clearing assessment fee — rural areas | $421.00Council fee | 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.
The details
Everything else you should know.
The situations that trip people up, from Penrith council's own rules.
Pruning
Without a permit you may prune branches up to 50 mm diameter if the tree's shape and structure aren't significantly changed; remove overhanging branches within 3 m of a dwelling roofline (largest cut no more than 150 mm, cut back to a branch junction or collar); on trees over 6 m tall, remove branches within 2 m of the ground (largest cut no more than 150 mm); and remove deadwood that isn't habitat for native fauna. Pruning must follow AS 4373–2007, and Council highly recommends an arborist with AQF Level 3 or above. Owner's consent is needed before any exempt work.
Dead or dangerous trees
A dead tree that is not habitat for native fauna can be removed without a permit. A tree, or part of a tree, assessed as imminently dangerous ("likely to happen at any moment") by a suitably qualified arborist — preferably an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist — can be pruned or removed as the arborist recommends without a permit. Keep a copy of the arborist's report, because you must be able to show Council the exemption was met if asked.
Arborist reports
Council may require a report from a suitably qualified and experienced arborist, covering species, health, structure, root zone, habitat value, risk and alternatives to removal (DCP C2 2.1 D.4 b). For native vegetation clearing a Flora and Fauna Assessment with a Test of Significance, or a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report, may be required. To rely on the imminently dangerous exemption you need an arborist's assessment, preferably AQF Level 5. See Council's Arborist and Tree Survey Assessment Report Fact Sheet.
Replacement planting
For trees removed through development, DCP C2 says an equal or greater number of replacement trees that grow to a similar or greater height or canopy should, where practical, be included in the landscaping. Council's tree page does not set a standard replacement condition for vegetation permits.
Bushfire and the 10/50 rule
Council directs owners to the NSW RFS online tool to check whether the property is in a 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Entitlement Area; if it is, trees within 10 m of a dwelling wall and underlying shrubs within 50 m can be cleared under the 10/50 Code. Council lists Code limits that apply in Penrith, including no tree removal (or more than 25% canopy pruning) on slopes over 18 degrees, no clearing within 10 m of a river 2 m or wider, and no clearing of mapped Critically Endangered Ecological Communities such as Cumberland Plain Woodland and Agnes Banks Woodland.
Heritage properties
Any tree or vegetation that is, or forms part of, a heritage item or is in a heritage conservation area is prescribed vegetation regardless of size, and the Exempt Tree Species List does not apply to trees with heritage significance, in heritage gardens or in heritage conservation areas. Contact Council before any work on a heritage property.
Your neighbour's tree
Council's tree pages don't set out a neighbour-tree process. A vegetation permit application can only be made by the property or tree owner, or with their written consent, and owner's consent is required before carrying out exempt works.
Street and park trees
For a street tree or a tree in a park or reserve, contact Council on 02 4732 7777 or by email. Work on Council land is only exempt when done by people authorised by Council.
Penalties
Council states that failing to obtain permission can lead to fines, with maximum penalties that "can be over $1 million", and legal action under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
What's different about Penrith
- Under DCP C2, all land in Penrith City — including rural zones such as Mount Vernon — is treated as a non-rural area for the tree and vegetation SEPP, so Council's permit controls apply on rural-residential blocks.
- On rural land a tree about to damage a perimeter boundary fence, or vegetation on an approved farm dam wall, can be removed without a permit.
- Council charges rural-area assessment fees per tree up to 5 trees, and a flat $421Council fee assessment fee for rural clearing of more than 5 trees.
- Critically Endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland and Agnes Banks Woodland occur in the Penrith LGA and cannot be cleared under the 10/50 Code.
- Penrith's exempt list includes many common fruit trees (apple, citrus, peach, plum, mango and others), but not Australian natives or ornamental fruit trees.
Trees common in Penrith
- Grey box (Eucalyptus moluccana)
- Forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)
- Narrow-leaved ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra)
- Broad-leaved ironbark (Eucalyptus fibrosa)
- Cabbage gum (Eucalyptus amplifolia)
- Rough-barked apple (Angophora floribunda)
- Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus)
- River she-oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana)
Suburbs
34 Penrith suburbs we cover.
Each suburb page has local notes, jobs nearby and a link back here.
Questions
Penrith tree rules: questions.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Penrith?
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).
Can I prune a tree without a permit in Penrith?
Without a permit you may prune branches up to 50 mm diameter if the tree's shape and structure aren't significantly changed; remove overhanging branches within 3 m of a dwelling roofline (largest cut no more than 150 mm, cut back to a branch junction or collar); on trees over 6 m tall, remove branches within 2 m of the ground (largest cut no more than 150 mm); and remove deadwood that isn't habitat for native fauna. Pruning must follow AS 4373–2007, and Council highly recommends an arborist with AQF Level 3 or above. Owner's consent is needed before any exempt work.
How much does a tree permit cost in Penrith?
This is a council fee, paid to Penrith City Council, not to us. Tree and vegetation removal application fee: $118.00Council fee (2026/27 Fees and Charges. Per application.). Other council fees are listed on this page.
Can I remove a dead or dangerous tree in Penrith?
A dead tree that is not habitat for native fauna can be removed without a permit. A tree, or part of a tree, assessed as imminently dangerous ("likely to happen at any moment") by a suitably qualified arborist — preferably an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist — can be pruned or removed as the arborist recommends without a permit. Keep a copy of the arborist's report, because you must be able to show Council the exemption was met if asked.
Can I prune or remove the street tree outside my house?
For a street tree or a tree in a park or reserve, contact Council on 02 4732 7777 or by email. Work on Council land is only exempt when done by people authorised by Council.
Sources: what Penrith council actually says
“Tree means: a living perennial plant that has height of 3.5 metres or more or a trunk diameter exceeding 100mm at 1400mm above ground level”
“A tree located within three (3) metres of an external enclosing wall of a dwelling (measured from the centre of the trunk at 1400mm above ground level) can be pruned or removed without the need for a vegetation permit.”
“Branches up to 50mm diameter can be pruned without the need for a vegetation permit providing the shape and structure of the tree will not be significantly modified.”
“Failure to obtain permission can lead to fines (maximum penalties can be over $1 million)”
Rules come from: Penrith Development Control Plan 2014, Part C2 Vegetation Management, Section 2.1 Preservation of Trees and Vegetation (D.1 Approval requirements, D.2 Prescribed vegetation, D.3 Vegetation Permit exemptions); Penrith Exempt Tree Species List (Version 4, November 2020).
- Trees — Penrith City Council
- Penrith DCP 2014 Part C2 Vegetation Management (PDF)
- Penrith City Council Exempt Tree Species List, Version 4 November 2020 (PDF)
- Penrith City Council Fees and Charges 2026-27 (PDF)
- Tree Pruning or Removal Application Form (PDF)
- Arborist and Tree Survey Assessment Report Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Penrith Tree List (PDF)
Checked against Penrith City Council's own pages and documents on 30 September 2026. Councils change their rules and fees, usually on 1 July, so confirm with Penrith City Council (02 4732 7777) before any work. This page is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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