Strathfield Municipal Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Strathfield Municipal 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 Strathfield Municipal Council?
Trees about 4m tall or 50cm trunk (girth (circumference at 1.0m above ground)) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Strathfield protects all trees 4m tall or with trunk girth exceeding 50cm (measured 1m above ground); exempt species list includes common urban species (citrus, stone fruits, willows, camphor laurel); heritage trees strictly regulated via Development Application.
When you may not need approval
- emergency works
- electricity supply works
- exempt species (40+ botanical species listed)
- annual hedge maintenance (under 500mm, branches under 20mm)
- deadwood removal
- clearance pruning (100mm branches for roads, 50mm for buildings)
- council works
- rural fire act
- roads act
- noxious weeds (declared species)
How to apply
Tree Management Permit from Council (requires fee, inspection, may require Arboricultural Assessment Report for significant trees or >15% canopy removal); Development Application required for heritage trees.
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 Strathfield Municipal Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.