This page is about Hills District Tree Removal & Pruning. If you are looking information for another Sydney region, check out our Tree Removal & Pruning Guide.

Regulating LGA’s For Hills District Tree Removal & Pruning

Pruning or removing a tree on private land is subject to local restrictions. According to NSW State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017, the size, location and species of tree are just some of the factors that local councils may consider in their Development Control Plan.

Here is a list of the Hills District LGA’s. The below pages contain LGA specific information for removing a tree in the corresponding council area.

  • The Hills Shire
  • Hornsby Shire

Permit Requirements For Hills District Tree Removal & Pruning

It’s important to check your LGA restrictions, so you can avoid heavy penalties for damaging a protected tree. If your tree work does not require a permit, you may still need to document the condition, size and species of tree, so you can use this as proof at a later date (if required).

The Hills Shire Tree Removal & Pruning

You will need a Hills Shire permit or development consent if your planned tree work meets any of these criteria. For more information about costs, exemptions, and more, see the corresponding Hills Shire page.

  • A tree with a height of 6m or greater.
  • Trees with a 3m or greater canopy.
  • A trunk diameter of more than 300mm measured at the base.
  • When pruning 10% or more of the trees canopy.
  • All tree work that threatens an ecological community, plant and/or habitat for a threatened animal species.
  • Any tree listed on property title that requires the tree/vegetation to be retained.

Hornsby Shire Tree Removal & Pruning

You will need a Hornsby Shire permit or development consent if your planned tree work meets any of the following criteria. For more information about costs, exemptions, and more, see the corresponding Hornsby Shire page.

  • All trees on land within a heritage conservation area.
  • All trees listed as heritage items.
  • Tree and vegetation that form part of an ecological endangered community.
  • Trees with a height 3m or greater.
  • Any trees identified to be retained as a condition of development consent.
  • Any tree with surrounding native vegetation.
  • Pruning 10% or more of a tree’s canopy in a year.