Trees on your property

Trees are a big part of the Ku-ring-gai that we know and love. Find out what you need to know about managing trees on private property.

Trees on your property mapping tool -

Check if a tree permit is required or if a property pruning or removing a tree needs or has a permit

Search an address in Ku-ring-gai to find out permissions and requirements to prune or remove a tree at the property.

Option 1 - Tree application process - search the property address for information about the tree application process required.

Option 2 - Determined tree applications - select the 'Layers' menu to highlight properties that have approval to prune or remove trees.

Please note - only permits dated within the past 12 months are shown. The following approvals or exempt works are not shown; Development approvals, Complying Development consent exemptions, Rural Fire Services Vegetation Clearing Code and Tree & Vegetation DCP (Part 13) exemptions.

Search trees on your property map

Pruning and removing trees on private property

Trees and vegetation are protected under legislation. The State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 requires tree removal or pruning to be administered by a permit process through a Development Control Plan (DCP).

Council's Tree and Vegetation DCP (Part 13)(PDF, 437KB) details when Council permission is required for pruning or removing a tree and when exemptions apply. The DCP confirms a tree is defined by a perennial plant with at least one self-supporting woody, fibrous stem, whether native or exotic, which is 5 metres or more in height or a plant that has a trunk diameter of 150mm or more measured at ground level.

A tree application MUST be submitted to Council for any work on trees or vegetation where an exemption does not apply. This includes trees on a Heritage Item property or a property in a Heritage Conservation Area, trees that form part of a Threatened Ecological Community or which are listed threatened species.

Dead trees are not automatically exempt. Under Council's DCP, no work can be carried out on a dead tree until Council has confirmed in writing the tree is dead and not required as habitat for native fauna. Email Council to request approval for removal of a dead tree at your property. Submit photos and your property address.

Tree application

To obtain Council permission before pruning or removing a tree, read the Tree Application Information & Instruction Manual(PDF, 458KB) for detailed information & instructions on how to complete the mandatory documents, application fees, a submission checklist to ensure you have the required information ready to submit the application online.

To submit an application

Download and complete the below mandatory documents and save to your device, ready to submit.
Have your supporting documentation ready to submit, saved as a PDF file, <4MB file size.
You will need your postal address and contact details

Mandatory documents

Reasons for tree pruning or removal(PDF, 168KB)

Property site map(PDF, 141KB)

Photos(PDF, 147KB)

Owners consent form and requirements(PDF, 150KB)


Application fees	Standard	Pensioner*
Tree removal basic application fee (one tree or hedge³)	$88.00	$42.00*
Tree pruning application fee (one tree or hedge³)	$44.00	$20.00*
Fee for each and every additional tree or hedge³ (pruning or removal)	$13.00	$13.00*

Notes

1. Payment is required after submitting the online application. An invoice will be emailed

2. Fees paid are non refundable if permission is not granted.

3. A hedge is a group of 2 or more trees planted and maintained to form a hedge

4. Pensioner rate applies only if the applicant & tree owner is the pension holder.

An application fee invoice will be emailed to you after the application is checked and accepted. Inspection and assessment is completed after the invoice is paid.

Submit a tree application

Tree Assessment Guidelines to prune or remove trees on private property and Council managed land

Council will consider your application against the Tree Assessment Guidelines. Council’s Urban Forest Policy and Assessment Guidelines require tree work decisions to have a focus on retaining and protecting trees unless there is strong justification for removal. It is important that applicants read the Assessment Guidelines that detail criteria that is not considered justification for pruning and removal prior to finalising the decision to lodge a Tree Application.

View guidelines in English(PDF, 100KB), Traditional Chinese(PDF, 619KB), Simplified Chinese(PDF, 677KB) or Korean(PDF, 650KB)

Tree pruning or removal for development

A Tree Application is not the correct process to apply for tree works directly related to Development Applications, Complying Development, driveway construction or other property development. Please contact the Customer Service Centre to make an appointment with the Council’s Duty Planner for tree removal and development applications. Refer Complying Development tree removal enquiries to the Private Certifier.

Finding a consulting arborist or tree contractor

If you need advice on your trees, contact a Consulting Arborist that is a member of the Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturists (IACA). The consulting arborist will inspect the tree and provide advice on the health of your trees. A consulting arborist can undertake a ground based visual inspection of the tree or use diagnostic testing to provide you with a report detailing management options.

To ensure the Arborist Report is accepted by Council and considered as part of your Tree Application assessment, the report must be compiled in accordance with Councils Guidelines for Preparation of Arborist Reports(PDF, 153KB). Ensure you provide a copy of the Guidelines document to the consulting Arborist.

Contact a professional Tree Work Contractor who is a member of the Tree Contractors Association to ensure a fully qualified and insured tree contractor undertakes works on your tree.

Before engaging a Tree Contractor to undertake works please read the following documents -

Advice on Choosing a Tree Contractor(PDF, 82KB)

Safe Work NSW advice on engaging a professional Tree Contractor(PDF, 341KB).

Tree frequently asked questions

Your questions answered

Trees on your property