Ku-ring-gai Council Tree Removal: Permits & Exemptions

Which trees are protected

• Any tree 5 m or taller.
• Any tree with a trunk diameter of 150 mm or more, measured at ground level.
• On a heritage item or in a heritage conservation area, tree work needs approval and the usual exemptions don't apply.
• Trees that are part of a Threatened Ecological Community, such as Blue Gum High Forest or Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest, or on land on the NSW Biodiversity Values Map, aren't covered by the exemptions.

What's exempt

• Trees within 3 m of an existing house on the same property, measured from the centre of the trunk to the external wall. Verandahs, decks, carports, garages and outbuildings don't count.
• Branches directly overhanging the roof of a house, pruned back to the nearest branch junction to AS 4373.
• Minor pruning of branches and roots up to 50 mm in diameter, and removing deadwood.
• Branches within 0.5 m of the electrical service line to the house.
• Exempt species: cocos palm, privet, umbrella tree, rubber tree, African olive, coral trees, loquat, cotoneaster, firethorn, broad-leaf pepper tree, liquidambar (under 12 m only) and others on Council's list, plus NSW priority weeds.
• Dead, dying or dangerous trees, but only after Council confirms in writing that it's satisfied the tree is dead, dying or an imminent risk.

Pruning

Ku-ring-gai exempts minor pruning (branches and roots up to 50 mm), deadwood, and branches directly over the roof of a house pruned back to the nearest junction. Larger pruning on a protected tree needs approval.

How to apply

1. Prepare the mandatory documents: your reasons for the work, a site map showing the trees, photos, and the owner's consent form. Save each as a PDF under 4 MB.
2. Apply online through Council's tree application page. An arborist report isn't required; if you include one, it must be by an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist, follow Council's report guidelines and disclose any financial interest.
3. Pay the invoice Council emails you. The tree is inspected and assessed after payment.
4. For a dead or dangerous tree, email Council with photos and your address and wait for written confirmation before any work.

Fees: From 1 July 2026: $88 to remove one tree or hedge, $44 to prune one, and $13 for each extra tree or hedge. Pensioner rates are $42 and $20. Fees aren't refunded if the application is refused.

Reasons that usually aren't accepted

Council's assessment guidelines favour keeping trees. Leaf, flower and fruit drop, improving views, and planned development aren't accepted as reasons on their own. Likely tree failure that can't be fixed, or substantial structural damage to a house, may be.

Official sources

• Ku-ring-gai Council: trees on your property
• Ku-ring-gai DCP Part 13: tree and vegetation preservation (PDF)

Tree removal in this council area