Trees FAQs

Yes.  Lane Cove Council requires a permit to prune or remove any tree that is either 150mm diameter (at 1m above ground) and/or greater than 4 metres in height.  Please submit a request for a Private Tree Works Inspection.

Unlike some other Councils, Lane Cove Council does not allow pruning of up to 10% without a permit.

Council’s Development Control Plan includes a specific section on Tree Preservation - DCP with the objective of retaining the maximum possible number of existing trees, particularly native trees, within the municipality in healthy condition and natural form and shape.

Lane Cove Council allows the removal of dead trees with a Fee-Free permit issued by Council’s Tree Preservation Officer. Please submit a request for a  Private Tree Works Inspection and tick the exemption "Removing a Dead Tree OR dead branches from a Live tree"

Upon inspection, our Tree Officer will assess whether the tree is dead or not. If the tree is not dead, a payment link will be sent to you to progress the application. If the tree is dead, the Tree Officer will make decision regarding the complete or partial removal of the tree – this depends on height of tree and whether the tree is being used for wildlife habitat.

Dead trees may not be removed from Council land without written consent as many dead trees provide crucial habitat for our native fauna.  Please contact Council for assistance if you are aware of any tree that you feel is dangerous and needs prioritised inspection.

Exempt Tree Works

Council requires a comprehensive set of photographs of the tree you wish to prune or remove.

Should Council be able to identify the tree from the images provided, your application may be placed in the fast-track queue which will take considerably less time to inspect than the normal process of 8-10 weeks*. 

Images required:

1. The overall tree from the ground to the tip
2. A close-up of the bark
3. A picture of the leaves and arrangement
4. A picture of the fruit (if available)

Other Applications

For all other applications, the entire process can take up to 8-10  weeks*. Please include the following images along with payment of your fee:

Images required:

1. The overall tree from the ground to the tip
2. A close-up of the bark
3. A picture of the leaves and arrangement
4. A picture of the fruit (if available)

Once we receive your application and payment, an inspection will be completed by Council’s Tree Preservation Officer. Should you wish to be present during the inspection, an additional fee is applicable and it may take longer to schedule depending on your availability.

You will receive formal notification of the outcome, approximately 1-2 weeks after the inspection.

*Please note that processing times may be affected by high volumes of applications or following significant weather events such as high winds or periods of La Nina or El Nino.

The fee payable to prune or remove a tree will vary depending on the following:

• the number of trees included in your application
• if you wish to be present during the inspection

Please refer to Trees on Your Property - 'Tree Application Fees' tab for the most up to date fees.

Below are the current fees valid from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025:

No fee is payable for the following:

• application for trees or vegetation on the Exempt Species List
• applicants with a valid pensioner concession card

The entire private tree application process can take up to 8-10 weeks* from lodgement of your application.

Exempt tree works are usually approved within 1-2 weeks*.

*Please note that processing times may be affected by high volumes of applications or following significant weather events such as high winds or periods of La Nina or El Nino.

General Concerns

You are still required to submit a request for a  Private Tree Works Inspection for general safety concerns.   

An application made based on safety grounds should include the following supporting evidence:

• Evidence of dropped significant size limbs or
• Numerous drops of large living tree branches or
• Visible cracking/splitting on the tree which could result in falling branches. You may also wish to include a risk assessment completed by a Level 5 arborist in your application.

Once we receive your application and payment, an inspection will be completed by Council’s Tree Preservation Officer.

Business Hours Emergencies

If the situation has arisen from a storm event and there is an imminent risk of failure, please contact Council directly and we will try to inspect the tree as soon as possible.

You may still be required to submit a request for a  Private Tree Works Inspection.   

Out of Hours Emergencies

If the situation has arisen from a storm event and there is an imminent risk of failure, please contact SES on 132 500 for assistance.

If the tree has impacted overhead power (electricity) lines, please also contact Ausgrid on 13 13 88 (emergency only).

Research has shown that tree roots will not interfere with sewer or stormwater drainage pipes, provided they are maintained in good condition. Roots will not enter intact pipes and drains by force, unless the tree has been planted immediately on top of them or the pipe is already damaged or compromised.

Underground pipes, particularly those constructed of terra cotta, will break down with age, unless properly maintained. Soil pressure may cause general cracking, and rubber or cement seals will inevitably perish or crack with age, causing leaking at joints and increasing the vulnerability of the system.

Sewer and stormwater drainage pipes which run between a property and Sydney Water's sewer main, or to some other discharge point, belong to the owners of the property in question. It is the responsibility of each property owner to maintain the pipe in good condition, so that the above-mentioned deterioration does not occur.

All options, including the replacement, relining or relocation of pipes should be explored prior to considering the removal of a healthy tree. Council may also request a plumber’s report. 

Roots from trees can cause damage to fences, paths and driveways, however, the removal of a healthy tree is considered a last resort. Please consult a qualified tradesperson and consider all other options before submitting an application to Council.  

Retaining walls and foundations

You are still required to submit a request for a  Private Tree Works Inspection for tree roots impacting retaining walls and/or foundations.

You may also wish to consult a structural engineer prior to submitting your application.

Council’s Tree Officer will assess each situation on a case by case basis.

Council does not generally support the removal of street trees for driveway crossings.

Construction of new driveway crossings or driveway upgrades has the potential to seriously damage the root system of existing street trees. Driveway crossing applications are managed by Council's Engineering Division, however Council's Tree Assessment Officers also have input into driveway locations in proximity to street trees to ensure street trees are not damaged.

The NSW Land and Environment Court has established the following principle regarding leaf and fruit drop from trees. Council applies this principle when assessing applications to remove or prune trees:

For people who live in urban environments, it is appropriate to expect that some degree of house exterior and ground maintenance will be required in order to appreciate and retain the aesthetic and environmental benefits of having trees in such an urban environment. In particular, it is reasonable to expect people living in such an environment might need to clean the gutters and surrounds of their houses on a regular basis.

The dropping of leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds or small elements of deadwood by urban trees ordinarily will not provide the basis for the removal of or intervention in an urban tree.

Council does not allow pruning of large sections of trees to improve solar access or for views.

Excessive pruning can be hazardous to a tree and pre-dispose branches to become more susceptible to failure. A tree will also naturally produce new growth to compensate for the loss of foliage, which is likely to result in increased foliage density and create a greater problem in terms of blocking sunlight or views.

If you are dissatisfied with a decision regarding your tree, you can appeal it.

In accordance with Chapter 2, Part 2.12 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 [NSW] your right of appeal has been delegated to the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales.

Any such appeal is to be made within 3 months after the date on which the applicant is notified of the decision or within 3 months after Council is taken to have refused the application (whichever is the later).

A level 5 (AQF5) Arborist report will be required for most situations to provide evidence of tree health warranting the pruning or removal of the tree applied for.

While Council is unable to refer to individuals Arborists, the links below provide the contact details for the Arboricultural industry associations that can provide you with a list of appropriately qualified Arborists for you to choose from:

• Arboriculture Australia
• Institute of Australian Consulting Arboriculturists