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City of Sydney · 2010
Tree removal in Surry Hills
Need a tree removed in Surry Hills? Above All Tree Services is a family-owned Sutherland Shire arborist business working across Sydney. Surry Hills is in the City of Sydney area, where a permit is usually needed for 5 m or taller, canopy over 5 m, or trunk over 300 mm at ground level. We'll tell you on site whether your tree needs approval. Free quotes: 0412 708 072.
Tree work in Surry Hills
Inner-city terraces and apartments.
- Big figs and planes whose roots lift paving and crack drains.
- Strata and apartment buildings with trees in courtyards and on podiums.
- Narrow terrace backyards with no side access: everything comes out through the house, over the roof by crane, or via a rear lane.
Trees we often see in inner-city terraces and apartments: London plane, Jacaranda, Brush box, Bangalow palm.
Council rules
Permit needed for: 5 m or taller, canopy over 5 m, or trunk over 300 mm at ground level
That's City of Sydney council's test. It lists 21 exempt species and 5 other kinds of work that don't need approval. Checked 30 Sept 2026 against council's own documents.
Our work
Photos of our work.
★★★★★“From the quote by Alex, to the job itself, very polite, cooperative and satisfactory. Worked with me and my plan, gave advice and carried out the job to my complete satisfaction. Very competitive…”
Dismantling a trunk above the bay
Truck and chipper by barge to a waterfront block
No road access, so the truck and chipper went across on a barge.
Crane removal beside a church
Where a tree can't be lowered safely, the crane lifts each section clear over the building.
Services in Surry Hills: Tree removal · Pruning & trimming · Stump grinding · Hedges · Palm removal · Storm & emergency · Arborist reports & permits · Strata · Commercial & councils
Questions
Tree work in Surry Hills: questions.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Surry Hills?
Often. Surry Hills is in the City of Sydney area, where a permit is usually needed for 5 m or taller, canopy over 5 m, or trunk over 300 mm at ground level. Exempt species and some pruning don't need one. Our City of Sydney guide walks through it with a checker.
Does the 10/50 bushfire rule apply in Surry Hills?
None of Surry Hills is mapped as bush fire prone land. 10/50 entitlement areas use a different map, so this is only a guide: the 10/50 clearing rule probably won't apply. The RFS tool, not the suburb, decides. See the 10/50 rule explained.
Is Surry Hills in a heritage conservation area?
Parts are. Surry Hills includes Moore Park, Bourke Street North, Reservoir Street & Fosterville and Little Riley Street heritage conservation areas. Trees in a conservation area usually need more than a standard permit, often a development application.
Do you work in Surry Hills?
Yes. We're a Sutherland Shire business working right across Sydney, including Surry Hills and nearby Haymarket, Redfern and Darlinghurst.
How much does tree removal cost in Surry Hills?
It depends on the tree's size, access, what's underneath and whether you want the stump ground. With no side access, everything may have to come out through the house, over the roof by crane or via a rear lane. Quotes are free and no-obligation. See what affects the cost.
Suburbs near Surry Hills
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Tree work in Surry Hills? Tell us about it.
Free, no-obligation quotes. When you call, you speak to the people who do the work.
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