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

Residents of the Upper North Shore may need a local council permit to prune or removal a tree. According to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017, local council’s development control plan may make the declaration in any way. This may include reference to:

  • Species of vegetation.
  • Size of vegetation.
  • Location of vegetation.
  • Impact on ecological community or habitat of a threatened species.

Before commencing any tree work, check the information below to find out if your tree work requires a council permit.

Upper North Shore Tree Removal & Pruning Permit

The Upper North Shore contains suburbs in the Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby Council areas. See the below pages for specific tree removal information. Including information about tree exempt list.

  • Ku-ring-gai Council
  • Hornsby Council

Permit Requirements For Upper North Shore Tree Removal & Pruning

If your tree work includes any of the following, you will need a council permit or development approval.

Ku-ring-gai Council Tree Removal & Pruning

  • Tree height of 5 metres or more.
  • Trunk diameter of 150mm or more measured at ground level.
  • Remainder of the natural vegetation of the land.
  • Representative of the structure and floristics of the natural vegetation.
  • Trees or other vegetation native to New South Wales, including those that established in NSW before
    European settlement. (https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/).

Hornsby Council Tree Removal & Pruning

  • 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 more than 3m.
  • Any trees identified to be retained as a condition of development consent.
  • Any tree with surrounding native vegetation.