The Hills Shire Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the The Hills Shire 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 The Hills Shire Council?
Trees about 6m tall or 30cm trunk (diameter at base) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Trees exceeding 6 metres height, 300mm trunk diameter (at base), or 3 metre canopy spread require Hills Shire Council permit unless exempt; exemptions include trees within 3m of dwelling, dead/dangerous trees, listed species, and cultivated fruit trees; pruning up to 10% per growing season permitted; direct verification against 2017 guidelines not possible (source blocked 403).
When you may not need approval
- trees within 3m of dwelling or ancillary structure
- dead or dangerous trees
- pruning up to 10% per growing season
- certain listed exempt species including cultivated fruit trees
How to apply
Submit Tree Management Application form to Hills Shire Council by phone (02) 9843 0555 or email council@thehills.nsw.gov.au; processing typically 10-20 business days.
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 The Hills Shire Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in The Hills Shire Council
- Annangrove
- Baulkham Hills
- Beaumont Hills
- Bella Vista
- Box Hill
- Carlingford
- Castle Hill
- Cattai
- Dural
- Gables
- Glenhaven
- Glenorie
- Kellyville
- Kenthurst
- Leets Vale
- Lower Portland
- Maraylya
- Maroota
- Middle Dural
- Nelson
- North Kellyville
- North Rocks
- Norwest
- Rouse Hill
- Sackville North
- South Maroota
- West Pennant Hills
- Winston Hills
- Wisemans Ferry