African Tulip Tree Removal (Spathodea campanulata)

Some Sydney LGA’s require a permit for African Tulip Tree removal and pruning. On this page we’ll review important information for planning your African Tulip Tree work. For more information about tree removal please refer to our Tree Removal & Pruning Guide.

The African Tulip is a fast growing evergreen tree native to West Africa. It is listed on the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD) as one of the top 100 invasive species.

The African Tulip has been cultivated and introduced to Australia as an ornamental tree. Commonly found along walkways and streets, it is admired for its large showy, orange-red with yellow fringe tulip shaped flowers.

In recent years the African Tulip has been acknowledged as a potential biosecurity risk. And while the evidence is inconclusive, some experts believe it is harmful to some native bee populations.

As a result, the African Tulip Tree is listed as an invasive plant in Queensland under the Biosecurity act 2014. In Sydney however, while it has been nominated for weed risk assessment, at present the research has not been done. Although it is expected to be up for review in the near future.

Tree Characteristics

• Large evergreen tree growing up to 24m in height.
• Tulip shaped, orange to red flowers (10-12cm long) with yellow fringes.
• Elongated pods (up to 30cm long) split open to release hundreds of papery seeds.
• Long compound leaves up to 50cm long and containing 7-15 leaflets.
• Leaflets are oval in shape and arranged in pairs along the leaf.

Tree Removal & Pruning Permit

Councils in Sydney are removing the African Tulip Tree from reserves due to its possible biosecurity hazard. Therefore, obtaining a tree work permit shouldn’t be problem.

However, before you spend time and money applying for a council permit, speak to our arborist. A lot of LGA’s have an exempt tree species lists for trees where no permit is required.

It’s important to note, all LGA’s have their own restrictions. There are heavy fines for damaging a protected tree. Which is why it’s best to speak to our expert arborist who can help you navigate local council restrictions.

Cost of African Tulip Tree Removal & Pruning

The two cost components for tree work include (1) council permits, and (2) tree service and labor fees.

Firstly, call and speak to our arborist who can tell you if the African Tulip Tree requires a tree work permit in your area. Second, book a site visit and quotation. We will visit your property and inspect your tree, then provide a full written quotation.

Alternatively, if you’re not yet ready for a site visit and just want an approximate price guide, you can submit our Tree Price Estimator.

Please note, our tree quote tool combines multiple variables to generate your estimate. However, it relies on your accurate self assessment for important cost variables. Therefore, the estimate price is subject to site visit before a formal quotation can be given.