Trees on your property

Council’s commitment to maintaining our tree canopy and supporting the well-being of our community and natural environment means, if you wish to prune or remove a tree, in most cases you will need to apply for a permit.

If a permit is required, your application will be assessed by one of Council’s qualified arborists.

Where a permit may be required

A permit from Council is required to clear vegetation and prune or remove a tree if:

  • The tree has any of the following dimensions:
    • A height exceeding 4 metres.
    • A trunk girth (circumference) exceeding 600 millimetres measured at 1.4 metres above ground level.
    • A crown spread exceeding 3 metres.
  • The tree is a locally native species that is representative of the original vegetation of the area.
  • The vegetation is within a defined wildlife corridor or has known wildlife habitat value.
  • The tree is visually prominent from the street or surrounding properties and makes a positive contribution to the visual character of the locality.

Where a permit may not be required

Some circumstances where a permit may not be required include:

  • Selective pruning for up to a total of 10% of an individual tree’s crown over a 5 year period.
  • Any vegetation declared a weed under the Biosecurity Act 2015. A list of weeds can be found in Schedule 3 Weeds of the Biodiversity Regulation 2017.
  • Pruning or removal of recognised horticultural varieties of fruit trees grown for fruit production.
  • Clearing of vegetation or removal of trees lawfully conducted in accordance within the bushfire 10/50 vegetation clearing rules.
  • Removal of deadwood.

Residents are advised to keep records of any pruning works carried out in order to prove the works were exempt should it be needed. 

More information on which plants and trees you can prune, remove or transplant and any exemptions that may apply please review Part G – Vegetation Management of Willoughby Development Control Plan (WDCP) ReadSpeaker. If you require further assistance or information, please contact Council on 9777 1000. 

Applying for a permit

To apply for a permit, for pruning or tree removal on private property, please complete our application form, fees apply.

Please note:

  • Property owner’s consent is required on all applications.
  • Where an application for tree removal is approved, replacement planting is required at a ratio of 3:1.  
  • All approved Vegetation Management Applications must be displayed on the front boundary of the property 72 hours prior to and during the course of the works being undertaken.
  • Applications to clear vegetation will be displayed on Council’s website for public comment.
  • Applications can be viewed on Council’s website using the DA Tracker.

In general, Council will not approve pruning or removing of trees:

  • Where the tree is deemed healthy and stable by Council’s qualified arborists.
  • For cosmetic reasons, to enhance views or improve lighting on private property.
  • To reduce bird droppings or the natural shedding of leaves, fruit and bark.
  • For sewer or stormwater issues, where other viable solutions exist.
  • Where tree branches overhang property boundaries.
  • Due to the presence of insects (including caterpillars and moths).

Vegetation Management Applications (VMA) were previously called Tree Vegetation Permit Applications (TVPA).

Apply for a permit

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