North Sydney Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the North Sydney 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 North Sydney Council?
Trees about 5m tall or 50cm trunk (circumference at ground level) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
North Sydney Council protects trees exceeding 5m height, 5m crown width, or 500mm trunk circumference (ground level). Exemptions: dead trees only (confirmed by AQF Certificate 3 arborist, excluding trees required for wildlife habitat); deadwood/palm frond pruning; maintenance pruning (≤100mm branches, <10% crown, <2.4m above trunk OR <1m from buildings); hedges <5m unrestricted, ≥5m require qualified arborist per AS 4373; biosecurity risk trees except >10m; Council-maintained trees; Development Consent authorized; trees inside buildings; specified exempt species (some restricted on heritage land); heritage trees have stricter controls.
When you may not need approval
- non-declared trees under size thresholds
- dead or dying trees (confirmed by qualified arborist)
- pruning of deadwood including dead palm fronds
- maintenance pruning up to 10% crown volume with branches ≤100mm per AS 4373-2007
- hedge maintenance per AS 4373-2007
- biosecurity risk trees except those >10m
- trees being maintained by Council
- trees authorized by prior Development Consent
- trees growing inside buildings
- exempt species: African Olive, Bamboo, Box Elder, China Doll, Cocos Palms, European Nettle/Hackberry (except heritage), Indian Coral Tree (except heritage), Privet (except heritage), Rubber Trees, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Trees, Willow Trees (except heritage)
How to apply
Contact Council to confirm permit need; submit online "Tree Removal or Pruning on Private Land" application form; Council conducts on-site inspection by Tree Management Officer; if approved, receive free Tree Management Permit; hire qualified arborist to perform work.
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 North Sydney Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.