The fees to lodge with council are not charged by Above All Tree Services. They are paid directly to Wollondilly Shire 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
Wollondilly tree removal rules
Checked against Wollondilly Shire Council's own documents on · Council: 02 4677 1100
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.
The checker
Do I need approval to remove my tree?
Wollondilly'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 footpath, roadside, park or reserve)?
Council's tree - don't touch it
Trees on footpaths, roadsides, parks and reserves need Council's written consent. Report it on 02 4677 1100 or through the customer portal.
Is your property zoned Rural (RU) under the Wollondilly LEP?
Contact Local Land Services
Native vegetation clearing on rural land is regulated by the Local Land Services Act 2013. Council directs RU-zone tree removal enquiries to Local Land Services (1300 795 299; South East, Moss Vale office 02 4877 3211).
Is it a heritage property or conservation area, or is the removal for building work or other development?
A development application is likely needed
Council can't issue a Tree Management permit in these cases. Talk to Council's Duty Planners (8am to 12pm weekdays, 02 4677 1100) about a development application.
Does it involve an endangered ecological community, threatened species, hollows, a slope over 15 degrees, a watercourse or an environmental protection zone?
A development application is likely needed
Council can't issue a Tree Management permit in these cases. Talk to Council's Duty Planners (8am to 12pm weekdays, 02 4677 1100) about a development application.
Is the tree dead, dying or dangerous?
Get Council's written confirmation first
Send Council an arborist's written justification and photos and wait for written confirmation. If the tree is about to fall, call the SES on 132 500 and lodge an application with an AQF Level 5 report within 72 hours.
Is it on Council's exempt species list, or within 3 m of your house or primary driveway?
No Council approval needed
Exempt species, trees within 3 m of your home or driveway, small trees, amenity pruning to AS 4373, and clearing under a confirmed 10/50 entitlement don't need Council approval. Follow the RFS Code for 10/50 work.
Is it 3 m tall or less, under 450 mm trunk circumference at 1 m, and with a branch span of 3 m or less?
No Council approval needed
Exempt species, trees within 3 m of your home or driveway, small trees, amenity pruning to AS 4373, and clearing under a confirmed 10/50 entitlement don't need Council approval. Follow the RFS Code for 10/50 work.
Do you only want amenity pruning done to Australian Standard AS 4373?
No Council approval needed
Exempt species, trees within 3 m of your home or driveway, small trees, amenity pruning to AS 4373, and clearing under a confirmed 10/50 entitlement don't need Council approval. Follow the RFS Code for 10/50 work.
Does the RFS 10/50 tool show an entitlement, with the tree within 10 m of your home?
No Council approval needed
Exempt species, trees within 3 m of your home or driveway, small trees, amenity pruning to AS 4373, and clearing under a confirmed 10/50 entitlement don't need Council approval. Follow the RFS Code for 10/50 work.
Lodge a Tree Management Application
Use the Tier 1 form (up to 5 trees or 100 m2, $124Council fee) or Tier 2 form ($231.50Council fee), with owners' consent and a marked site plan. Council aims to decide within 30 business days.
How to apply on the Wollondilly website · Need an arborist report?
Size matters
How big is "protected" in Wollondilly?
- Height: more than 3 m
- Trunk: circumference of 450 mm at 1 m above ground level
- Canopy: branch span of more than 3 m
You need approval to…
- A tree is a tree or shrub that is more than 3 m tall, has a trunk circumference of 450 mm at 1 m above ground, or has a branch span of more than 3 m. The Tree Management Policy also counts trees with the potential to reach these sizes.
- Approval is needed if the tree isn't on Council's exemption list.
- Approval is needed if the land has an Environmental Protection zoning under Council's LEP.
- Approval is needed where threatened species, a Biobanking site or an endangered ecological community is present.
- Approval is needed for clearing on slopes greater than 15 degrees or within a watercourse.
- Approval is needed where tree removal is tied to another activity such as agriculture, a dwelling or a shed. That removal goes through a development application or complying development certificate, not a Tree Management Application.
- Under the DCP, a permit can't be issued (a development application is needed) where the tree is part of a heritage site, heritage or landscape conservation area, or Aboriginal place. The same applies if its retention is required by a consent condition or s88B restriction, if it has hollows or significant habitat, if it is in a Natural Resources Biodiversity or Water area under LEP clauses 7.2 and 7.3, if it is part of an endangered or threatened ecological community, or if a permit was issued for the property in the previous 2 years.
Usually no approval needed for…
- Trees or native vegetation within 3 m of a lawfully constructed dwelling or primary access driveway, measured from the outside of the trunk to the building.
- Trees or native vegetation within 3 m of a building or access driveway authorised by development consent. A complying development certificate doesn't count.
- Dead or dying trees, where Council is satisfied the tree isn't needed as native fauna habitat. You must provide written justification and photos from an arborist or suitably qualified person, and wait for Council's written confirmation.
- Dangerous trees, where Council is satisfied they pose a significant and imminent risk to people or property. The same written justification is required, and you must wait for Council's written confirmation.
- Work authorised under other legislation, including electricity, roads, surveying, native vegetation, emergency services, Rural Fire Service and 10/50 clearing, Crown land and neighbour-dispute orders.
- Routine pruning of fruit trees or vegetation for commercial horticulture or forestry.
- Amenity pruning to Australian Standard AS 4373-2007, unless the tree is on a heritage property, in a heritage conservation area, or an identified Significant Tree.
- Any species on Council's exempt list, regardless of size, unless heritage protections apply.
Wollondilly's exempt species list (36 entries): trees you can usually remove without a permit
- 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)
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 Wollondilly.
From checking the rules to planting the replacement tree.
Check your zoning and the exemption list
If your land is zoned Rural (RU), contact Local Land Services. Otherwise check Council's exemption list: the 3 m from house or driveway rule, the exempt species, amenity pruning and 10/50.
Check for heritage, bushland or development issues
Heritage properties, endangered ecological communities, hollow-bearing trees, slopes over 15 degrees, watercourses, or removal tied to building work need a development application instead.
If it's dead or dangerous, ask Council to confirm first
Send written justification and photos from an arborist to Council and wait for written confirmation. In an emergency call the SES on 132 500, photograph everything, and lodge an application with an AQF Level 5 arborist report within 72 hours.
Choose the right form
Use the Tier 1 form for up to 5 trees or 100 m2 of vegetation, or the Tier 2 form for more. Mark each tree (T1, T2 and so on) on the site diagram and tag the trees with tape, string or paint.
Get owners' consent and pay
Every owner must sign. Lodge at Council (62-64 Menangle Street, Picton) or by mail, and pay the fee ($124Council fee Tier 1 or $231.50Council fee Tier 2 in 2026-27). The form isn't processed until paid.
Wait for the permit
Council aims to assess within 30 business days. Permits last 12 months. If refused, you can appeal through Council or the Land and Environment Court.
Council fees paid to Wollondilly Shire Council, not to Above All Tree Services
| Council fee for | Council fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tree/vegetation removal/pruning inspection fee, up to 5 trees or 100 m2 of vegetation (Tier 1) | $124.00Council fee | 2026-27 schedule, no GST. The Tier 1 form itself still shows $120.00Council fee. |
| Tree/vegetation removal/pruning inspection fee, 6 or more trees or more than 100 m2 (Tier 2) | $231.50Council fee | 2026-27 schedule, no GST. The Tier 2 form itself still shows $224.50Council fee. |
| Tree removal ancillary to development requiring consent | DA fees apply | 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.
The details
Everything else you should know.
The situations that trip people up, from Wollondilly council's own rules.
Pruning
Amenity pruning carried out to Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 doesn't need Council approval, unless the tree is on a heritage property, in a heritage conservation area, or an identified Significant Tree. Routine pruning of fruit trees and commercial horticulture or forestry is also exempt. The Tree Management Policy says pruning should be done by at least an AQF Level 3 arborist. Pruning within 3 m of power lines can only be done by suitably qualified people.
Dead or dangerous trees
Council's exemption list and DCP 10.3 say a dead, dying or dangerous tree is exempt only once Council is satisfied. You must send written justification and photos from an arborist or suitably qualified person, and work must not start until Council confirms in writing. For genuine emergencies, the Tree Management Policy and the FAQ say a tree posing an immediate and obvious threat may be made safe without a permit. The Policy says you must then lodge a Tree Management Application within 72 hours, with an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist's report and photos proving the danger. Only minimum works are allowed; excessive works can lead to a penalty notice or court. If a tree is about to fall, call the SES on 132 500.
Arborist reports
An arborist report isn't mandatory for every application. Council says any reports from qualified specialists (such as an arborist or engineer) should be attached, and a DA may need an arborist report or flora and fauna survey after the initial inspection. Dead, dying or dangerous exemptions need written justification with photos from an arborist or suitably qualified person. Emergency removals must be backed by an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist's report within 72 hours (Tree Management Policy).
Replacement planting
Council's tree pages don't set a standard replacement ratio for permits. If someone is found guilty of illegal clearing, they may be required to plant new trees and vegetation and maintain them to maturity.
Bushfire and the 10/50 rule
Council's Vegetation & Bushfire page says the 10/50 scheme applies in designated areas near bush. There, owners can clear trees within 10 m of a home, and shrubs and other underlying vegetation (not trees) within 50 m, without approval. It is the owner's job to check the RFS 10/50 tool and any restrictions; for example, trees a development consent requires you to keep can't be cleared under 10/50. Clearing must follow the RFS 10/50 Code of Practice. Being burnt in a bushfire isn't by itself a reason to clear vegetation.
Heritage properties
The exempt-species and amenity-pruning exemptions don't apply to heritage properties, heritage conservation areas or identified Significant Trees. Under DCP 10.4, Council can't issue a permit for a tree on a heritage site or in a heritage or landscape conservation area, or in an Aboriginal place or object. Those need development consent.
Your neighbour's tree
Talk to your neighbour first. Under the common-law right of abatement, you may prune overhanging branches or roots that cross onto your property. Pruning must stop at the boundary, be the minimum necessary, follow AS 4373, and not affect the tree's health, stability or form. Cut material belongs to the neighbour, so agree on disposal, and don't enter their land without consent. Council doesn't mediate neighbour tree disputes; the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 lets owners seek legal resolution.
Street and park trees
Trees and shrubs on footpaths, roadsides outside your boundary, parks and reserves are on Council land. Planting, pruning or removing them needs Council's written consent, and fines may apply. Report a street tree through the customer portal, on 02 4677 1100, or at council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au. For trees near powerlines, contact Endeavour Energy on 133 718.
Penalties
Anyone who carries out or authorises tree clearing in breach of Council's tree controls commits an offence under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, is liable to prosecution and a penalty, and may be required to plant and maintain replacement vegetation. Excessive emergency works can result in a penalty notice or court proceedings. Council doesn't state dollar amounts.
What's different about Wollondilly
- Wollondilly's exemption for trees within 3 m of a lawfully built dwelling or primary access driveway covers native vegetation too, unless another restriction applies.
- Rural-zoned (RU) land is handled by Local Land Services under the Local Land Services Act 2013, not Council's Tree Management permits. Council points RU-zone tree removal enquiries to the LLS South East office at Moss Vale.
- Trees can't be removed within a watercourse or on slopes over 15 degrees without Council approval. Weeds may be removed there only without disturbing the soil.
- The DCP requires development consent near mapped koala corridors, referencing the NSW Chief Scientist's Campbelltown koala advice and the Cumberland Plain Conservation Plan. This is relevant around Appin.
- Council won't accept tree removal applications made to boost resale value or to pre-empt future building.
Trees common in Wollondilly
- Forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)
- Grey box (Eucalyptus moluccana)
- Grey gum (Eucalyptus punctata)
- Narrow-leaved ironbark (Eucalyptus crebra)
- Cabbage gum (Eucalyptus amplifolia)
- Rough-barked apple (Angophora floribunda)
- Broad-leaved apple (Angophora subvelutina)
- River she-oak (Casuarina cunninghamiana)
Suburbs
3 Wollondilly suburbs we cover.
Each suburb page has local notes, jobs nearby and a link back here.
Questions
Wollondilly tree rules: questions.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Wollondilly?
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.
Can I prune a tree without a permit in Wollondilly?
Amenity pruning carried out to Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 doesn't need Council approval, unless the tree is on a heritage property, in a heritage conservation area, or an identified Significant Tree. Routine pruning of fruit trees and commercial horticulture or forestry is also exempt. The Tree Management Policy says pruning should be done by at least an AQF Level 3 arborist. Pruning within 3 m of power lines can only be done by suitably qualified people.
How much does a tree permit cost in Wollondilly?
This is a council fee, paid to Wollondilly Shire Council, not to us. Tree/vegetation removal/pruning inspection fee, up to 5 trees or 100 m2 of vegetation (Tier 1): $124.00Council fee (2026-27 schedule, no GST. The Tier 1 form itself still shows $120.00Council fee.). Other council fees are listed on this page.
How long does Wollondilly council take to decide?
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.
Can I remove a dead or dangerous tree in Wollondilly?
Council's exemption list and DCP 10.3 say a dead, dying or dangerous tree is exempt only once Council is satisfied. You must send written justification and photos from an arborist or suitably qualified person, and work must not start until Council confirms in writing. For genuine emergencies, the Tree Management Policy and the FAQ say a tree posing an immediate and obvious threat may be made safe without a permit. The Policy says you must then lodge a Tree Management Application within 72 hours, with an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist's report and photos proving the danger. Only minimum works are allowed; excessive works can lead to a penalty notice or court. If a tree is about to fall, call the SES on 132 500.
Can I prune or remove the street tree outside my house?
Trees and shrubs on footpaths, roadsides outside your boundary, parks and reserves are on Council land. Planting, pruning or removing them needs Council's written consent, and fines may apply. Report a street tree through the customer portal, on 02 4677 1100, or at council@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au. For trees near powerlines, contact Endeavour Energy on 133 718.
Sources: what Wollondilly council actually says
“In this section a tree is considered to be a tree or shrub which meets one of the following: a) is greater than 3 metres in height; or b) The trunk has a circumference of 450mm at 1 metre above ground level; or c) has a branch span of greater than 3 metres.”
“Trees or native vegetation within 3 metres of a lawfully constructed dwelling or primary access driveway.”
“Works must not be undertaken until Council has provided written advice that it is satisfied that the tree or vegetation is dying or dead.”
“Trees are not permitted to be removed within a watercourse or on slopes greater than 15 degrees.”
Rules come from: Wollondilly DCP 2016 Volume 1 (General), Part 10 Tree Removal, clauses 10.2 to 10.5 (consolidated 31 July 2026); Wollondilly Tree Management Policy (adopted 17 November 2020).
- Trees on Private Property - Wollondilly Shire Council
- Council & Neighbouring Trees - Wollondilly Shire Council
- Vegetation & Bushfire - Wollondilly Shire Council
- Wollondilly DCP 2016 Volume 1 General (updated 31 July 2026), Part 10 Tree Removal
- Tree Management Policy (adopted 17 November 2020)
- Tree removal exemptions fact sheet
- Tree Management Application Form - Tier 1
- Tree Management Application Form - Tier 2
- Fees and Charges 2026-27
Checked against Wollondilly Shire Council's own pages and documents on 30 September 2026. Councils change their rules and fees, usually on 1 July, so confirm with Wollondilly Shire Council (02 4677 1100) before any work. This page is a plain-English guide, not legal advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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