Council-approved Tree Removal in Sydney | Permit Guide by LGA

One of the most common questions we receive is: “How much does tree removal cost in Sydney?” The honest answer is that pricing varies significantly based on tree size, species, access, and whether council permits are required. This guide gives you real market pricing so you know what to expect before you call, and what to watch out for when comparing quotes.

What Is a Tree Preservation Order (TPO)?

A Tree Preservation Order (TPO) is a provision within a council’s Local Environment Plan (LEP) or Development Control Plan (DCP) that protects trees above specified thresholds of size, species, or heritage significance. TPOs apply even on private residential land. In practical terms, a TPO means you cannot remove, ringbark, cut, top, lop, poison, or otherwise destroy a protected tree without first obtaining council consent.

Step-by-Step Council Permit Process

  • Step 1 — Identify Whether Your Tree Is Protected:

    Most Sydney councils set a size threshold for protection. Common thresholds: trunk diameter greater than 200mm at 1m height above ground, or total height exceeding 3–5m (varies by council). We check this for you at no charge.

  • Step 2 — Prepare a Supporting Arborist Report

    Most councils require an arborist report prepared by an AQF Level 5 qualified arborist. The report documents the tree’s species, health, structure, and justification for the proposed work. We prepare these reports to each council’s specific requirements.

  • Step 3 — Lodge the Application

    Applications are lodged online via each council’s development/tree application portal. Supporting documents include the arborist report, site plan, photographs, and owner consent.

  • Step 4 — Assessment and Decision

    Council tree officers assess the application against the DCP criteria. Most standard applications are decided within 2–4 weeks.

  • Step 5 — Carry Out the Approved Work

    Once written approval is granted, works must be carried out within the consent timeframe (typically 12 months). We perform all works in accordance with the consent conditions.

Council-by-Council Guide | Inner Sydney LGAs

  • Inner West Council

    Inner West Council administers tree management under the Inner West Local Environmental Plan 2022 and Development Control Plan 2022, Part 8 (Trees and Vegetation). Trees over 5 metres in height or with a canopy spread exceeding 3 metres are generally protected. The council covers Marrickville, Leichhardt, Newtown, Glebe, Balmain, Rozelle, Annandale, Ashfield, and Strathfield. The application fee is approximately $110–$155.

  • Canterbury-Bankstown Council

    Under the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Environmental Plan 2023, trees over 4 metres in height, or specific listed species regardless of size, require council consent. The council covers Canterbury, Bankstown, Campsie, Lakemba, Burwood, and surrounds. Applications are lodged via the MyCouncil/NSW Planning Portal.

  • City of Ryde Council

    City of Ryde administers tree management under the Ryde LEP 2014 and DCP 2014 Part 4.6. The primary threshold is trees with a trunk diameter exceeding 200mm at 1 metre above ground. The LGA covers Ryde, Meadowbank, West Ryde, Gladesville, and Hunters Hill. Application fee: approximately $55–$100.

  • Canada Bay Council

    Canada Bay Council covers Concord, Five Dock, Drummoyne, Rhodes, Breakfast Point, and Abbotsford. Under the Canada Bay LEP 2013, trees over 3 metres in height on residentially zoned land are generally protected. Well-prepared arborist reports significantly improve approval outcomes with this council.

  • How Plumb Trees Assists with Council Applications

    Plumb Trees provides end-to-end permit assistance, including free council permit check, preparation of a council-grade arborist report by our AQF Level 5 arborist, photography and all supporting documents, application lodgement via the relevant portal (with your written authority), response to council requests for additional information, and scheduling of approved works following consent grant.

Need Council Tree Permit Help in Sydney?

Call Plumb Trees on 0434 043 100 or email us at info@plumbtrees.com.au. We manage your council tree permit application from start to finish, including the arborist report, paperwork, and lodgement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard tree removal applications are typically assessed within 2–4 weeks. Complex applications involving heritage trees or development applications may take 6–8 weeks. Plumb Trees submits complete, well-documented applications to minimise delays.

Removing a protected tree without consent is an offence under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW). Penalties can reach $1 million for corporations and $110,000 for individuals. Councils can also require replanting of replacement trees.

Yes, significant pruning (removing more than a specified percentage of the crown, or pruning structural branches) may require council consent under the same rules as removal. Minor maintenance pruning is generally exempt. Plumb Trees checks this as part of the free assessment.