Mosman · Mosman Council
Tree removal in Mosman
Big harbourside trees, steep sandstone blocks and Mosman Council's strict pruning rules. We handle tree work across Mosman, Balmoral, Clifton Gardens, Beauty Point and Spit Junction.
Tree work in Mosman
Mosman's tree work is shaped by its geography. Many homes sit on steep blocks running down to the harbour, with access only by a side path or stairs. Large trees often stand over roofs, pools and neighbours' houses, so they come down in sections, lowered on ropes rather than felled.
Mosman Council protects more than most. Trees 5 m or taller are covered, so is any tree with a trunk 150 mm across, and in heritage conservation areas the limit drops to 2 m. Pruning is stricter too: unless the tree is an exempt species, it needs consent.
Mosman Council rules at a glance
A permit is usually needed if the tree is at least 5 m tall, or a trunk 150 mm across (450 mm around) measured 300 mm above the ground.
Mosman is stricter than its neighbours on pruning: all pruning on private land needs Council consent unless the tree is an exempt species.
Exemptions and special cases
- Exempt species: camphor laurel (under 10 m only), citrus, cocos palm, coral tree, cotoneaster, cypress, giant bird of paradise, hackberry, hibiscus, Leyland cypress, mulberry, Norfolk Island hibiscus, oleander, paw paw, privet, prunus, rubber tree, umbrella tree, wild olive and willow.
- Declared weeds under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
- A tree Council is satisfied is dead and isn't needed as habitat for native animals.
- A tree an AQF Level 5 arborist confirms is high risk, where Council agrees.
Services in Mosman
How a job works
Call or send photos
Tell us the suburb, roughly how tall the tree is and what's around it. Photos of the whole tree and the access to it help us give you a ballpark straight away.
On-site quote
A qualified arborist looks at the tree, the access and anything it could hit on the way down, then gives you a fixed price.
Council check
We tell you whether your council needs to approve the work and what to send them. If a permit is needed, the work is booked once it's approved.
Job done, site cleaned
The tree comes down in sections where space is tight, the green waste goes, and the stump is ground out if you've asked for it.
Nearby suburbs
Also: Balmoral, Clifton Gardens, Beauty Point, Spit Junction, Cremorne Point, Kirribilli, Milsons Point, Cammeray, Crows Nest, Wollstonecraft, Waverton, Northbridge, Castlecrag, Middle Cove, Artarmon, St Leonards, Greenwich, Longueville, Riverview.
Common questions
Can I prune my tree in Mosman without approval?
Only if it's an exempt species, such as cocos palm, privet, rubber tree, umbrella tree or camphor laurel under 10 m. Mosman Council requires consent for all other pruning on private land.
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.