Application Process
Even though your works may be considered exempt, you are still required to request a Private Tree Works Inspection for any tree that is either 150mm diameter or greater than 4 metres in height.
Please include the following images in your application:
- The overall tree from the ground to the tip
- A close-up of the bark
- A picture of the leaves and arrangement
- A picture of the fruit (if available)
Council’s Tree Preservation Officer will review the application and an inspection may be carried out if required. Should Council be able to identify the tree from the images provided, your application may be fast-tracked and can usually be approved within 1-2 weeks.
Exempt Tree Works
The following list of works are considered exempt, however approval is still required:
- Removal or pruning of dead branches
- Removal or pruning of dead palm fronds
- Pruning of branches within 0.5m of electricity service wires (from street pole to property)
- Pruning or removal of exotic and ornamental fruit trees
- Pruning or removal of any tree that has been declared a State, Regional and Local Priority weed in the Lane Cove local government area under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015
- Pruning or removal of any trees or vegetation on the Exempt Species List
- Hedging and reduction pruning of the following species – Murraya spp, Viburnum spp, Photinia spp.
Please note that any vegetation less than 4 metres in height and a trunk diameter of less than 150mm (measured at 1 meter above the ground) is not considered a tree and as such approval is not required.
Fee Payable
Trees that are included on the Exempt Species Listdo not usually require payment of a fee.
If the application does not meet the relevant criteria, you will be notified and will need to pay the relevant fee should you wish to proceed with your application.