Tree removal laws in South Australia
South Australia uses one statewide rule. A 'Regulated tree' — a tree with a trunk circumference of 1 metre or more (about 32cm diameter) measured 1 metre above the ground — generally needs development approval to remove or prune. A 'Significant tree' (2 metres circumference or more, about 64cm diameter) is protected even more strongly. These thresholds were lowered on 16 May 2024. The rules apply across Greater Adelaide and many regional council areas — always confirm your council is a designated area.
Legal basis: Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 + Planning and Design Code — Regulated and Significant Trees.
Common exemptions
- Trees with a trunk circumference under 1 metre (about 32cm diameter at 1m height).
- Within 3 metres of an existing dwelling or in-ground pool on the same allotment — except Willow Myrtle, Angophora, Corymbia or Eucalyptus.
- One of the ~24 exotic species exempted by the Minister (e.g. some pines, willows).
- Dead trees, and trees that are an imminent risk to life or property.
Rules that can override exemptions
- Significant trees (2m+ circumference) are protected even where a regulated tree might be exempt.
- Tree-damaging activity near a regulated/significant tree (e.g. building close to it) can also need approval.
- Federal EPBC Act for nationally listed species/communities.
South Australia councils (70)
Pick your council for its specific tree-removal rules.
- Adelaide
- Adelaide Hills
- Adelaide Plains
- Alexandrina
- Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yunkunytjatjara
- Barossa
- Barunga West
- Berri Barmera
- Burnside
- Campbelltown
- Ceduna
- Charles Sturt
- Clare and Gilbert Valleys
- Cleve
- Coober Pedy
- Coorong
- Copper Coast
- Elliston
- Flinders Ranges
- Franklin Harbour
- Gawler
- Goyder
- Grant
- Holdfast Bay
- Kangaroo Island
- Karoonda East Murray
- Kimba
- Kingston
- Light
- Lower Eyre Peninsula
- Loxton Waikerie
- Maralinga Tjarutja
- Marion
- Mid Murray
- Mitcham
- Mount Barker
- Mount Gambier
- Mount Remarkable
- Murray Bridge
- Naracoorte Lucindale
- Northern Areas
- Norwood Payneham and St Peters
- Onkaparinga
- Orroroo Carrieton
- Peterborough
- Playford
- Port Adelaide Enfield
- Port Augusta
- Port Lincoln
- Port Pirie
- Prospect
- Renmark Paringa
- Robe
- Roxby Downs
- Salisbury
- Southern Mallee
- Streaky Bay
- Tatiara
- Tea Tree Gully
- Tumby Bay
- Unley
- Victor Harbor
- Wakefield
- Walkerville
- Wattle Range
- West Torrens
- Whyalla
- Wudinna
- Yankalilla
- Yorke Peninsula