Willoughby · Willoughby City Council
Tree removal in Willoughby
Tree removal, pruning and stump grinding in Willoughby, North Willoughby, Northbridge, Castlecrag and Middle Cove.
Tree work in Willoughby
The suburbs around Willoughby, Castlecrag and Middle Cove sit against Middle Harbour bushland, with big native trees on steep, rocky blocks. Many of these are protected not just by size but because they're locally native or part of a wildlife corridor.
Willoughby's threshold is lower than Mosman's or North Sydney's: a tree just over 4 m tall, or with a crown over 3 m wide, needs approval. Selective pruning of up to 10% of the crown over five years is exempt.
Willoughby City Council rules at a glance
A permit is usually needed if the tree is at least 4 m tall, a trunk 600 mm around at 1.4 m, or a crown 3 m wide.
Willoughby allows selective pruning of up to 10% of the crown every 5 years without a permit. Keep records of what was done.
Exemptions and special cases
- Selective pruning of up to 10% of a tree's crown over a 5-year period. Keep records so you can show the exemption applies.
- Removing deadwood.
- Declared weeds under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
- Fruit trees grown for fruit.
Services in Willoughby
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
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.