See a list of common questions in regards to the Tree Management Application.

Lodging a Tree Management Application

When is a Tree Management Application Needed?

You must complete a Tree Management Application (linked below) and pay the relevant fee to get a permit for managing trees. The fees are in accordance with Council's fees and charges 2020/21 (updated each financial year).

You will need approval if:

• The tree(s) is not on Council's Exemption List (See FAQ's below for full list)
• The proposed clearing is on land with an Environmental Protection Zoning under Council's Local Environment Plan
• Your clearing is not permitted under State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in non rural areas) 2017
• You have Threatened Species, a Biobanking site or Endangered Ecological Community
• If the clearing is on slopes greater than 15 degrees
• In a water course
• Or if the removal activity is pre-empting another activity such as agriculture or a residential dwelling or shed etc.

You may also need consent for tree removal if you are planning on constructing a driveway where established trees already exist. Visit our Driveways page to find out more about tree removal for the construction of driveways.

How Long Does a Permit Last?

Tree Management Permits are valid for 12 (twelve) months from date of issue. 

When Should You Hear Back?

The completed form with the owner's consent and payment must be submitted to Council and will be assessed within 14 business days. This can vary depending on the number Council has received. Delays may occur due to storms and other emergencies. Residents should contact Council's Customer Service on (02) 4677 1100 if they would like to know how their application is proceeding.

If you have concerns about your safety from a falling tree please contact an arborist or if your concerns are more immediate and you believe the tree is about to fall you can contact the State Emergency Services on 132 500.

If Your Application is Refused

If your application is refused you can lodge an appeal through Council or the Land and Environment Court.

Are You Developing and Wish to Remove a Tree?

Tree Management Forms cannot be used to remove trees for the purposes of development.

If you wish to remove trees for development you will need to lodge a Development Application Form. Tree removal will be assessed as part of the development application process.

Development applications for tree or other vegetation removal should include the following information:

• A completed Development Application form signed by the property owner
• Five copies of the site plan accurately showing scale, north point, the dimensions of the property, the location of all vegetation on the property and the extent of tree clearance for which approval is being sought
• Payment of the Development Application fee in accordance with Council's Fees and Charges
• Please Note: An Arborist report or a Flora and Fauna Survey may be required following an initial inspection by Council's Environmental Officer.

Tree Management Application Forms

Please complete the Tier 1 Application Form for gaining approval to prune or remove up to 5 trees or up to 100sqm of vegetation. Please complete the Tier 2 Application Form for gaining approval to prune or remove up to 10 trees or over 100sqm of vegetation.

Complete the PDF Tier 1 Application or PDF Tier 2 Application, and email to Council.

Frequently Asked Questions