This page contains information about Lower North Shore tree removal and pruning. For information about other Sydney regions, please refer to our Tree Removal and Pruning Guide.
Under The State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017, local councils have the authority to declare what trees and vegetation can be removed. Each council’s development control plan can make the declaration in any matter, including reference to tree size, species, location, and its impact on ecological community and habitat.
Lower North Shore Tree Removal & Pruning Permit
The permit requirements differ from one LGA to another. For specific information about Lower North Shore LGA’s see the below pages:
- Municipality of Mosman
- City of Willoughby
- Municipality of Lane Cove
- North Sydney Council
Permit Guidelines For Lower North Shore Tree Removal
The below guidelines list the conditions when your tree work requires a permit or development approval.
Municipality of Mosman Tree Removal & Pruning
- The tree is more than 5m in height.
- Has a 450mm circumference (150mm diameter) measured at 300mm about ground.
- Is 2m or more in height and on a heritage listed site.
- The tree is a heritage item.
- Lacy Tree Fern (Cyathea Cooperi) and Rough Tree Fern (Cyathea Australis) that is over 2m in height.
- All trees on public land.
City of Willoughby Tree Removal & Pruning
- The tree is more than 4m in height.
- Has a diameter of 600mm measured at 1.4m above ground.
- Has a crown span greater than 3m.
- The tree is a local species.
- Any trees that are part of local habitat.
- Any tree that is visually prominent from the street.
Municipality of Lane Cove Tree Removal & Pruning
- Height taller than 4m
- Trunk diameter more than 150mm measured at 1m above ground level
Municipality of Lane Cove requires a fast track and free permit for all other exempt tree removal and pruning works.
North Sydney Council Tree Removal & Pruning
- All tree work carried out on public land.
- Trees with a height 5m or more, with a canopy of 5m or more, and with a base circumference of 500mm (at ground level).
- Any tree under 10m height, which is listed as a biosecurity risk.
- Any of the following trees on heritage listed site:
- Bangalow Palms (Archontophoenix cunninghamiana sp)
- European Nettle or Hackberry (Celtis sp);
- Indian Coral Tree (Eryrthina x sykesii);
- Kentia Palms (Howea forsteriana sp);
- Privet species (Ligustrum sp);
- Willow Trees (Salix spp).
NB: Trees on the LGA exempt list may not need a permit. For more information about tree exempt list, refer to the corresponding LGA tree removal and pruning page.