Trees

In storm and emergency situations please call the SES on their 24 hr helpline on 13 25 00 to report any storm damage related to trees.

State Emergency Service website

Providing the tree has not been identified as of heritage significance, you may remove or prune the following species without applying for consent from the council.

Source: Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan 2006 (Section 57 - Removal of certain vegetation permissible without consent)

Under New South Wales planning legislation, landowners proposing exempt or complying development which involves the removal or pruning of a tree must have the council's consent for such tree works prior to obtaining complying development consent or commencing exempt development works.

You must include in your application for tree removal/pruning, plans that show the extent of the complying development works to be carried out.

A team of tree and assessment staff will assess your proposal and make a determination.

The council will not permit the removal of an otherwise significant healthy tree or element of bushland where reasonable alternatives exist on site, or where the tree is of such significance that protection is warranted.

When tree pruning/removal is approved

Council's aim is to ensure that the tree is retained until works are imminent. Where tree removal/ pruning approval is granted a condition of consent will apply prohibiting any tree works to be carried out until such time as all the following is provided to the council:

• a Complying Development Certificate from your certifier
• a Notice of Appointment of Principal Certifying Authority
• a Notice of Commencement of Works for the development.

When tree removal/pruning is not approved

Should consent not be granted to remove the tree, you can lodge a development application for the proposed work. This allows the matter to be considered in more detail, and where removal is warranted it allows the work to be linked to the carrying out of development. Allowing for a more rigorous consideration of the issue as part of a development application is one of the safeguards built into the exempt and complying provisions.

Consent from council and the property owner is required before any tree works can be carried out. 

Download an application form for tree works on private property. Get your neighbour to complete the relevant section and sign the form before submitting your application.

You may apply for a review if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your initial application to prune or remove a tree. You must apply in writing within 12 months of the original decision, providing additional information and reason for the review.

You can download an application form from the Tree & Bushland Vegetation Preservation Order policy page.

Council is responsible for the pruning and removal of trees and other vegetation on public land, including parks, nature strips. Residents are not permitted to prune or remove trees on public land.

If you think a tree on Council property requires pruning, removal, or branch pick-up please Report It online. A Tree Maintenance Officer will then determine what work, if any, is to be undertaken by Council.

We may prune or remove trees on council land to :

• remove lower branches for pedestrian and vehicular access
• remove deadwood and defective branches
• remove branches that come in contact with adjoining buildings or structures
• formative prune
• root prune to prevent further damage to built structures that have been appropriately engineered in the first place, where practicable
• clear sight lines as per RTA requirements and signage
• remove hazardous trees

Tree pruning will be carried out as per Australian Standard 4373-2007 (Pruning for Amenity Trees).

We WILL NOT prune or remove trees on council land to:

• improve or allow a view
• allow solar access or for solar panel installation clearance
• reduce leaf, bark and fruit fall
• reduce sap and bird droppings
• reduce release of pollen ie: allergies or asthma
• deter insects or animals including bees and possums
• top, lop or damage a tree in a way that contradicts the pruning standard AS 4373-2007
• remove trees that are not considered aesthetically pleasing or messy
• remove trees that have been vandalised
• prevent sewer pipe blockages

More information is available from the Tree & Bushland Vegetation Preservation policy.

Trees that are heritage listed may not be pruned or removed without obtaining prior consent from the council. Details of heritage listed vegetation in the Sutherland Shire is available in the Sutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan 2006 (Schedule 6 - Heritage list).

Energy Australia is responsible for all line clearance pruning from their infrastructure. Sutherland Shire Council does not prune trees for power or service line clearance, including wires to a dwelling.  Please call Energy Australia on 13 15 35 or visit www.energy.com.au.

Note: Optus and Foxtel cables do not have vegetation clearance requirements. 

All water main or sewer main leaks or blockages need to be reported to Sydney Water on 13 20 90.  If there is a public tree in the proximity to the main, Sydney Water will contact Council directly to request an inspection.

For all requests relating trees adjacent to your property situated in the Royal National Park or Heathcote National Park please contact National Parks NSW on 9542 0632.

If you are located in a bushfire interface zone and have concerns for bushland areas surrounding your property, please call the Rural Fire Service directly on 9520 4040.
Rural Fire Service (RFS) website