Guide · Council permits
Do I need council approval to remove a tree?
On the north shore, probably, if the tree is over 4 or 5 metres. Each council sets its own size limits, exempt species and process. Here's the summary, with a full guide for each council.
Thresholds by council
| Council | Suburbs | Permit usually needed if the tree is at least |
|---|---|---|
| Mosman Council | Mosman, Balmoral, Clifton Gardens, Beauty Point and Spit Junction | 5 m tall, or a trunk 150 mm across (450 mm around) measured 300 mm above the ground |
| North Sydney Council | North Sydney, Neutral Bay, Cremorne, Cremorne Point, Kirribilli, Milsons Point, Cammeray, Waverton and Wollstonecraft | 5 m tall, a crown 5 m wide, or a trunk 500 mm around at ground level |
| Willoughby City Council | Chatswood, Willoughby, Artarmon, Northbridge, Castlecrag, Middle Cove and Naremburn | 4 m tall, a trunk 600 mm around at 1.4 m, or a crown 3 m wide |
| Lane Cove Council | Lane Cove, Lane Cove North, Lane Cove West, Greenwich, Longueville, Riverview and Linley Point | 4 m tall, a canopy 5 m wide, or a trunk 150 mm across at 1 m |
| Ku-ring-gai Council | Roseville, Lindfield, Killara, Gordon, Pymble, St Ives, Turramurra and Wahroonga | 5 m tall, or a trunk 150 mm across at ground level |
Summary only, checked against each council's rules on 3 November 2026. Species lists, heritage areas and exemptions change the answer, so check the full guide for your council.
Rules that apply everywhere
- Exempt species. Each council lists weedy or problem species you can remove without a permit. Cocos palm is exempt in both Mosman and North Sydney.
- Dead trees. Generally exempt, but councils want evidence. North Sydney needs written confirmation from an AQF 3+ arborist that the tree is dead and isn't needed as habitat.
- Heritage. Heritage items and conservation areas tighten the rules. In Mosman's heritage conservation areas the threshold drops to 2 m; in Lane Cove, heritage trees need a development application.
- Development. If tree removal is part of building work, it's handled in the development application, not a separate permit.
- 10/50 bushfire clearing. Only applies if your property is in a 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area. Check the NSW RFS online tool before relying on it.
- Penalties. Removing or damaging a protected tree without approval can lead to fines and prosecution.
Council guides
Mosman Council
Mosman, Balmoral, Clifton Gardens, Beauty Point and Spit Junction
North Sydney Council
North Sydney, Neutral Bay, Cremorne, Cremorne Point, Kirribilli, Milsons Point, Cammeray, Waverton and Wollstonecraft
Willoughby City Council
Chatswood, Willoughby, Artarmon, Northbridge, Castlecrag, Middle Cove and Naremburn
Lane Cove Council
Lane Cove, Lane Cove North, Lane Cove West, Greenwich, Longueville, Riverview and Linley Point
Ku-ring-gai Council
Roseville, Lindfield, Killara, Gordon, Pymble, St Ives, Turramurra and Wahroonga
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree on the north shore?
Usually, if the tree is above your council's size threshold. Mosman, North Sydney and Ku-ring-gai protect most trees 5 m or taller; Willoughby and Lane Cove start at 4 m. Exempt species, dead trees and declared weeds are treated differently. Our council permit guide covers each council.
How long does a permit take?
Mosman Council usually inspects within about ten working days, and North Sydney Council aims to assess within 12 business days. Willoughby publishes applications for public comment, which can add time. Book the inspection early if the job isn't urgent.
Need a tree looked at?
Tell us the suburb and send a photo. We'll tell you what's involved, whether council needs to approve it, and what it should cost.