The fees to lodge with council are not charged by Above All Tree Services. They are paid directly to Willoughby 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
Willoughby tree removal rules
Checked against Willoughby City Council's own documents on · Council: 02 9777 1000
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.
The checker
Do I need approval to remove my tree?
Willoughby'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 bushland reserve)?
Council's tree — don't touch it
Residents may not prune or remove trees on Council land. Request an inspection online or call 02 9777 1000.
Is the property a heritage item, in a heritage conservation area, an Aboriginal place, or is the vegetation on the Natural Heritage Register?
Development application needed
Council cannot issue a tree permit for heritage or Natural Heritage Register vegetation. Lodge a development application.
Is the tree dead or dying (and not habitat), or a risk to life or property?
No permit, but get evidence first
Dead, dying or dangerous trees are exempt, but Council requires evidence. Get an AQF Level 5 arborist report and photos before work, and check with Council.
Is it on Council's undesirable species list (within any height limit), a declared weed, or a fruit tree grown for fruit?
Likely exempt — no permit needed
This fits a DCP Part G exemption. Take before-and-after photos and keep records in case a neighbour reports the work.
Is the tree over 4 m tall, over 600 mm girth at 1.4 m, with a crown over 3 m, or a local native, habitat or visually prominent tree?
Likely exempt — no permit needed
This fits a DCP Part G exemption. Take before-and-after photos and keep records in case a neighbour reports the work.
Do you only want to remove deadwood or prune no more than 10% of the crown over 5 years?
Likely exempt — no permit needed
This fits a DCP Part G exemption. Take before-and-after photos and keep records in case a neighbour reports the work.
You need a Vegetation Management permit
Apply online through MyWilloughby. Allow up to 28 business days; approved removals need 3:1 replacement planting.
How to apply on the Willoughby website · Need an arborist report?
Size matters
How big is "protected" in Willoughby?
- Height: exceeding 4 m
- Trunk: girth (circumference) exceeding 600 mm measured 1.4 m above ground
- Canopy: crown spread exceeding 3 m
You need approval to…
- Pruning or removing any tree with a height exceeding 4 m (DCP Part G 2.1a).
- Pruning or removing any tree with a trunk girth (circumference) exceeding 600 mm measured 1.4 m above ground.
- Pruning or removing any tree with a crown spread exceeding 3 m.
- Pruning or removing a locally native species representative of the area's original vegetation, regardless of size.
- Clearing vegetation within a defined wildlife corridor or with known wildlife habitat value.
- Pruning or removing a tree that is visually prominent from the street or surrounding properties and contributes to the visual character of the locality.
- Pruning more than 10% of an individual tree's crown over a 5-year period.
- Clearing vegetation on a heritage item, in a heritage conservation area, on an Aboriginal object or place, or listed on the Willoughby Natural Heritage Register — a permit is not allowed; you must lodge a development application (DCP 2.2 and 3).
- Clearing connected with development that needs consent — assessed through the development application, not a permit.
Usually no approval needed for…
- Trees and vegetation that do not meet any of the permit criteria (under 4 m, girth 600 mm or less, crown 3 m or less, and not native, habitat or visually prominent).
- Selective pruning of up to a total of 10% of an individual tree's crown over a 5-year period, using the pruning classes in DCP 4.3 and AS 4373.
- Removal of deadwood.
- Vegetation declared a weed under the Biosecurity Act 2015 (see Schedule 3 Weeds of the Biodiversity Regulation 2017).
- Pruning or removal of recognised horticultural varieties of fruit trees grown for fruit production.
- Clearing lawfully carried out under the NSW RFS 10/50 vegetation clearing rules.
- Species on Council's undesirable species list (DCP Attachment 1 — see below).
- A tree or vegetation that is dying or dead and not required as habitat for native animals, or a tree that is a risk to human life or property — no permit is needed, but Council still requires evidence of these circumstances (DCP 4.1).
- Minor activity to maintain a heritage item, heritage conservation area or Aboriginal place that will not adversely affect its heritage significance.
- Work authorised under other legislation (e.g. Rural Fires Act, Biodiversity Conservation Act, Electricity Supply Act — only Ausgrid may work on trees affecting power lines on public land).
Willoughby's exempt species list (29 entries): trees you can usually remove without a permit
- 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)
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 Willoughby.
From checking the rules to planting the replacement tree.
Willoughby's application form asks for an independent AQF Level 5 arborist's report. Because we also do tree work, our own report may not count as independent there, so for a Willoughby application we'll recommend an independent consultant and quote the approved work.
Measure and identify the tree
Is it over 4 m tall, over 600 mm girth at 1.4 m, or has a crown over 3 m? Is it a local native, habitat, or visually prominent tree? If any apply, it is protected.
Check the exemptions
Is it on the undesirable species list (camphor laurel under 10 m, Canary Island palm trunk under 7 m), a declared weed, or a fruit tree? Is it only deadwood or pruning within 10% of the crown over 5 years?
Check heritage status
If the property is a heritage item, in a heritage conservation area, or on the Natural Heritage Register, you need a development application — not a permit.
Gather your documents
Prepare a site plan showing the property, the tree(s), other affected trees, structures, boundaries and north point. Add an independent AQF Level 5 arborist report, plumber or engineer report if relevant.
Register and apply online
Create a MyWilloughby account and lodge a Vegetation Management Application with the owner's consent. The fee is charged on lodgement.
Allow public notification and inspection
Applications are shown on Council's DA Tracker for public comment and neighbours may be notified. A Council officer inspects (tell them about dogs and access). Allow up to 28 business days.
Display the permit and plant replacements
Display the approval on your front boundary 72 hours before and during the work, and plant replacement trees at 3:1 (or pay the offset fee if offered). You can seek a review within 3 months if refused.
Council fees paid to Willoughby City Council, not to Above All Tree Services
| Council fee for | Council fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Application (VMA) | See Council's 2026–27 Fees and Charges | Payment is charged on lodgement. The 2026–27 fee schedule could not be opened (access denied), so no amount is stated. |
| Urgent processing surcharge | 20% of the application fee | Council's fees page says applications lodged for urgent processing (3 working days or less) may incur an extra 20% surcharge. |
| Tree Offset Planting Scheme | Per replacement tree (amount in Fees and Charges) | 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.
The details
Everything else you should know.
The situations that trip people up, from Willoughby council's own rules.
Pruning
You may selectively prune up to a total of 10% of an individual tree's crown over a 5-year period without a permit, and remove deadwood. Pruning must follow AS 4373 and be one of the approved pruning classes: crown lifting, crown thinning, deadwooding, formative, pollarding, reduction or remedial pruning (DCP 4.3). Council advises keeping records (before and after photos) to prove the work was exempt, as neighbours often report tree work. Anything beyond 10% over 5 years on a protected tree needs a permit. Council recommends using a suitably qualified arborist and warns of significant penalties for excessive pruning.
Dead or dangerous trees
Under DCP 4.1, a tree that is dying or dead (and not needed as habitat for native animals), or that is a risk to human life or property, does not need a permit — but Council still requires evidence of these circumstances, so get an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist's report and photos before any work. The DCP adds that in exceptional circumstances no permit is needed if Council is satisfied there is an imminent risk to life or property. For storm damage with imminent risk, call the SES on 132 500 (and Ausgrid on 13 13 88 if power lines are involved).
Arborist reports
Optional for a Vegetation Management Application but required for clearing as part of a development application, and it may be required for a review of a VMA decision. Council only accepts arboriculture reports from a Consultant Arborist with at least AQF Level 5, and the company preparing the report must not be financially affiliated with a tree removal or pruning company. Reports must follow AS 4373 and AS 4970. Plumber (with CCTV) or structural engineer reports are needed for damage claims.
Replacement planting
If Council approves removal, replacement trees must be planted at a ratio of 3:1 on the same lot, and cared for until they grow to a size covered by the vegetation controls (DCP Part G s6). Where the assessing officer decides there is not enough room, Council may offer the Tree Offset Planting Scheme: you pay a fee per tree not planted on site and Council plants it on public land (preferably as a street tree in front of your property). The permit is issued once the fee is paid.
Bushfire and the 10/50 rule
Clearing lawfully done under the NSW RFS 10/50 scheme does not need Council approval. Council directs owners to the RFS online tool to check whether their land is in a 10/50 entitlement area; if it is not, a Council application is needed. 10/50 never applies to Council-managed land.
Heritage properties
A permit cannot be issued for vegetation that is part of a heritage item (Willoughby LEP Schedule 5 Part 1), in a heritage conservation area (Schedule 5 Part 2), part of an Aboriginal object or place, or listed on the Willoughby Natural Heritage Register — you must lodge a development application instead (DCP Part G 2.2 and 3). Minor maintenance that will not harm heritage significance is exempt, and dead, dying or dangerous trees are exempt with evidence.
Your neighbour's tree
Council cannot force a neighbour to prune or remove a tree. Talk to your neighbour first; any work must still follow Council's rules and may need a permit, lodged with the tree owner's consent (property owner's consent is required on all applications). Council notes it will generally not approve pruning or removal just because branches overhang a boundary. If the neighbour won't act, apply to the Land and Environment Court under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 — no lawyer is needed, but you must show a reasonable effort to resolve it.
Street and park trees
Residents are not permitted to prune or remove a tree on Council land. Request a street tree inspection online or on 02 9777 1000; Council removes dead, dying or hazardous trees and prunes for clearances and safety, but not for views, leaf drop, bird droppings or overhanging branches. Only Ausgrid may prune trees near power lines (13 13 65). Council has warned of extended delays for non-urgent tree inspections; dangerous matters are prioritised.
Penalties
Council states an offence under the EP&A Act 1979 can incur a penalty of up to $1.1 million, and rewards of up to $10,000 may be offered for information leading to a successful prosecution for tree or bushland vandalism. Council's guidelines also say on-the-spot fines may be issued. Report suspicious tree work on 02 9777 1000, which operates 24/7, so a Ranger can attend.
What's different about Willoughby
- Willoughby's size thresholds are among the lowest in Sydney: over 4 m tall, 600 mm girth, or a 3 m crown — and local natives, habitat and visually prominent trees are protected at any size.
- Every approved tree removal must be replaced at a 3:1 ratio; if there is no room, Council may let you pay into the Tree Offset Planting Scheme instead.
- Tree applications are published on Council's DA Tracker for public comment, and approved permits must be displayed on the front boundary 72 hours before and during the work.
- The 10% pruning allowance is measured over 5 years, not 12 months, so repeated light pruning quickly uses it up.
- Council highlights major vandalism cases, including the illegal removal of 16 grass trees about 150 years old in Northbridge and extensive bushland damage in H.D. Robb Reserve, Castle Cove, in 2023.
Trees common in Willoughby
- Brush box (Lophostemon confertus)
- Sydney red gum (Angophora costata)
- Lilly pilly (Acmena smithii)
- Water gum (Tristaniopsis laurina)
- Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)
- Sydney peppermint (Eucalyptus piperita)
- Red bloodwood (Corymbia gummifera)
- Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera)
Suburbs
12 Willoughby suburbs we cover.
Each suburb page has local notes, jobs nearby and a link back here.
Questions
Willoughby tree rules: questions.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Willoughby?
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.
Can I prune a tree without a permit in Willoughby?
You may selectively prune up to a total of 10% of an individual tree's crown over a 5-year period without a permit, and remove deadwood. Pruning must follow AS 4373 and be one of the approved pruning classes: crown lifting, crown thinning, deadwooding, formative, pollarding, reduction or remedial pruning (DCP 4.3). Council advises keeping records (before and after photos) to prove the work was exempt, as neighbours often report tree work. Anything beyond 10% over 5 years on a protected tree needs a permit. Council recommends using a suitably qualified arborist and warns of significant penalties for excessive pruning.
How much does a tree permit cost in Willoughby?
This is a council fee, paid to Willoughby City Council, not to us. Vegetation Management Application (VMA): See Council's 2026–27 Fees and Charges (Payment is charged on lodgement. The 2026–27 fee schedule could not be opened (access denied), so no amount is stated.). Other council fees are listed on this page.
How long does Willoughby council take to decide?
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.
Can I remove a dead or dangerous tree in Willoughby?
Under DCP 4.1, a tree that is dying or dead (and not needed as habitat for native animals), or that is a risk to human life or property, does not need a permit — but Council still requires evidence of these circumstances, so get an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist's report and photos before any work. The DCP adds that in exceptional circumstances no permit is needed if Council is satisfied there is an imminent risk to life or property. For storm damage with imminent risk, call the SES on 132 500 (and Ausgrid on 13 13 88 if power lines are involved).
Can I prune or remove the street tree outside my house?
Residents are not permitted to prune or remove a tree on Council land. Request a street tree inspection online or on 02 9777 1000; Council removes dead, dying or hazardous trees and prunes for clearances and safety, but not for views, leaf drop, bird droppings or overhanging branches. Only Ausgrid may prune trees near power lines (13 13 65). Council has warned of extended delays for non-urgent tree inspections; dangerous matters are prioritised.
Sources: what Willoughby council actually says
“a height exceeding 4 metres; a trunk girth (circumference) exceeding 600 millimetres measured at 1.4 metres above ground level; a crown spread exceeding 3 metres”
“Selective pruning for up to a total of 10% of an individual tree's crown over a 5 year period.”
“Where an application for tree removal is approved, replacement planting is required at a ratio of 3:1.”
“While a permit or development application is not required in the circumstances above, Willoughby City Council still requires evidence of these circumstances.”
Rules come from: Willoughby Development Control Plan Part G: Vegetation Management 2023 (version 9 July 2025) — 2.1 when permits are required, 2.2 when permits are not allowed, 3 development applications, 4.1–4.2 exemptions, 4.3 pruning controls, 6 replacement trees, Attachment 1 undesirable species; made under SEPP (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 Part 2.2. Supported by Council's Vegetation Management Policy and Vegetation Management Guidelines (effective 5 March 2020)..
- Trees on your property — Willoughby City Council
- Apply to prune or remove a tree — Willoughby City Council
- Willoughby DCP Part G: Vegetation Management 2023, version June 2025 (PDF)
- Vegetation Management Guidelines, effective 5 March 2020 (PDF)
- Trees on neighbouring property — Willoughby City Council
- Street trees and vegetation — Willoughby City Council
- Tree and bushland vandalism — Willoughby City Council
- Tree and vegetation policies — Willoughby City Council
- Fees and charges — Willoughby City Council
- Willoughby Street Tree Master Plan (PDF, species)
Checked against Willoughby City Council's own pages and documents on 30 September 2026. Councils change their rules and fees, usually on 1 July, so confirm with Willoughby City Council (02 9777 1000) before any work. This page is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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