Nedlands tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Nedlands 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: Local Planning Schemes and local laws; Environmental Protection Act 1986 (native vegetation clearing).
Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.
Which trees are protected in Nedlands?
Trees about 8m tall or 48cm trunk (council states ~150cm trunk circumference) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Local Planning Policies 3.3 (adopted 23 July 2024) and 3.4 (adopted 27 May 2025) establish size-based protection thresholds. Protection triggered by ANY of: canopy diameter ≥6m, height ≥8m, or trunk circumference ≥1.5m. Applies only to residential zones R20-R80; non-residential and higher-density residential (R80+) private land have no specific council tree protection policy. Policies function as enforceable planning controls requiring development approval for regulated tree damage on private residential land.
When you may not need approval
- Environmental weed species and species on State/local weed registers
- Maintenance pruning complying with AS4373
- Bushfire management under Bush Fires Act
- Utility clearances
- Encroaching boundary branches per Australian Standards
How to apply
Development application required for tree damaging activity; assessed against Local Planning Policy with presumption in favour of tree retention; approval granted if arborist report demonstrates health/safety necessity or redesign infeasibility; appeals to State Administrative Tribunal within 28 days; $147 fee for tree-only applications
Other rules that can override the above
- Council significant tree registers / planning scheme provisions.
- State native vegetation clearing permits.
- Federal EPBC Act.
Do I need a permit in Nedlands?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.