Ku-ring-gai Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Ku-ring-gai Council area — which trees are protected, the main exemptions, and how to apply for approval. This is the authoritative summary we keep for this council; always confirm against the official source linked below.
Legal basis: State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, Ch. 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) + each council's Development Control Plan (DCP).
Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.
Which trees are protected in Ku-ring-gai Council?
Ku-ring-gai Council protects effectively all trees on private land — removing or significantly pruning a tree generally needs council approval unless an exemption applies (see below).
Ku-ring-gai Council defers prescribed tree definition to State SEPP (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021; no size thresholds specified in this local DCP.
When you may not need approval
- roof overhang pruning
- within 3m of dwelling
- minor pruning ≤50mm diameter
- dead wood
- dead/dying trees
- hazardous trees
- electrical line clearance
- exempt exotic species
- 10/50 vegetation clearing
How to apply
Application to Council required for tree works outside exemptions; Development Application required for riparian zones, large tree stands, or heritage items.
Other rules that can override the above
- RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing scheme — in a designated bush-fire area you may be able to clear trees within 10m of your home (and underlying vegetation within 50m) without council approval. Check eligibility with the NSW RFS online tool; it does not override threatened-species or federal law.
- Heritage items and heritage conservation areas — trees are usually protected regardless of size and most exemptions fall away.
- Threatened species, endangered ecological communities and Aboriginal places — exemptions generally do not apply.
- Federal EPBC Act — separate Commonwealth approval can be required if removal would significantly impact a nationally listed species or community.
Do I need a permit in Ku-ring-gai Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.