Tree Removal on Private Land
The trees and vegetation on private land play a vital role in shaping the local environment and managing them effectively contributes significantly to the protection of our wildlife, biodiversity, and the overall amenity of the Shire.
Occasionally, trees on private land may need pruning or removal, with a focus on replacing them with suitable species whenever feasible. The following drop-down menus offer information outlining the process to be followed in each of these situations.
Please note: A resident seeking to remove a tree, or trees must be either the registered owner(s) of the property where the tree is located or have written authorisation from the owner(s) to act on their behalf.
COUNCIL'S DEFINITION OF A TREE
A tree under 6 m in height and less than 500 mm circumference, measured at 1.4 m height is not considered a tree. However careful consideration needs to be given to the species and if that species has the potential to go past this height, then an approval will be required.
If you are still unsure the please contact Council. Council’s new Customer Request System allows you to submit your requests at any time, from anywhere. Alternatively, please contact us on 02 4868 0888.
ILLEGAL TREE REMOVAL, MODIFICATION AND POISONING
Council will investigate and if appropriate, pursue legal action, where sufficient evidence can be collected, against any person(s) or corporation(s) that removes, damages, or modifies a tree without prior approval from Council. Council will consider, when appropriate, installing signs identifying any Council controlled vandalised trees.
Council will develop a program to increase public awareness of tree vandalism to reduce the incidence of tree vandalism. We will consider the retention or delay removal of appropriate trees that have been poisoned or otherwise damaged. These trees will be managed until they are removed and/or replaced.
WHAT TREES REQUIRE APPROVAL PRIOR TO REMOVAL?
Approvals are required to remove one (1) or more trees (exotic and native).
All trees in Wingecarribee Shire are protected unless classified as invasive or environmentally detrimental species. However, Council aims to preserve our canopy cover means approval must be sought for the removal of any tree through the Tree Exemption Request.
WHO APPROVES TREE REMOVAL IN THE SHIRE?
All tree removal is approved by councils qualified arborists. You must obtain approval from your local council prior to removing any tree(s) from your property.
WHEN WILL A DEVELOPMENT CONSENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO REMOVE A TREE?
Council will not accept a tree permit application to remove a tree which is protected under a Development Consent.
In such cases a Modification Application must be submitted to amend the Development Consent.
If pruning of a tree is required on a development site a tree permit application must be submitted outlining the pruning work required.
Council has developed a Significant Tree Register to help identify and conserve significant trees in our city and is used to guide their management to ensure their protection for the future.
All trees listed on our Significant Tree Register require Development Consent to either significantly prune or remove.
This is in addition to the usual process of simply lodging a Tree Permit Application.
For trees that are listed on the Register of Significant Trees and Vegetation please see our section on significant trees.