Can I remove a tree without a council permit?

Yes, but under certain conditions.

Under what conditions?

A tree can be removed without council approval if;

  • The tree has a trunk circumference of 2.0m or less measured at a point 1.0m above natural ground level
  • Trees with multiple trunks, it is those with trunks with a total circumference of 2.0m or more and an average circumference of 625mm or more measured at a point 1.0m above natural ground level.

A number of tree species are exempt from regulated tree controls. Please see the tree exemption list below.

In addition to the above, there is no need to seek council approval to remove a tree in Adelaide if:

A tree is dead

The tree is within 20 meters of a dwelling in Medium or High Bushfire Protection Areas.

The trees are located within 10 meters of an existing dwelling or existing in-ground swimming pool unless it is one of the two following species of trees:

a)Agonis flexuosa (Willow Myrtle)

b)Eucalyptus (any tree of the species)

tree removal adelaide city council man using a power saw

Exempt trees

There are trees that can be removed no matter what their size or condition as they are considered a pest by your local council. The above-listed conditions do not apply.

Does my council have an exempt tree list?

Yes, see the table below

Common Name

Box Elder
Silver Maple
Tree of Heaven
Evergreen Alder
European Nettle Tree
Chinese Nettle Tree
Camphor Laurel
Monterey Cypress
Moreton bay fig
Narrow-leaved Ash
Desert ash
Norfolk Is. Hibiscus
Paperback
Radiata / Monterey Pine
London Plane
White poplar
Lombardy Poplar
Black locust
Weeping willow
Evergreen Willow
Crack Willow
Basket Willow
Golden Weeping Willow
Peppercorn Tree

Botanical name

Acer negundo
Acer saccharinum
Citrus × sinensis
Citharexylum spinosum
Celtis australis
Citrus
Cinnamomum camphora
Araucaria heterophylla
Ficus macrophylla
Fraxinus angustifolia
Fraxinus angustifolia ssp.
Ligustrum
Melaleuca styphelioides
Pinus Radiata
Platanus x acerifolia
Populus alba
Pinus radiata
Robinia pseudoacacia
Hevea brasiliensis
Salix chilensis
Salix fragilis
Salix X rubens
Salix
Schinus areira

How to apply for a tree removal permit

www.sa.gov.au/planning/developmentapplications

Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.

tree removal adelaide city council man cutting trees

Who will pay for the tree removal?

There are two cases when it comes to tree removal. If a tree happens to damage your structure or property, and you have insurance, insurance companies are willing to cover the costs for its removal.

However, many companies are willing to cover a cost of between $500 and $1,000.

In cases where you want to remove a tree yet it has not caused any damages to the property, you will have to pay for the services.

What about tree falling on a neighbour’s property?

Under such circumstances, it is the responsibility of the neighbour to fill a claim with his or her insurance company.

The responsible insurance company will take care of any damages provided that the tree fell as a result of natural causes.

What about Tree Trimming in Adelaide city?

Adelaide City Council contact details

Phone: (08) 8203 7990

Website: https://www.sa.gov.au

Adelaide City Council Tree Preservation order - TPO

The above is a summary of your local Councils tree preservation order. Please follow the link for the full document.

https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/17571/Protecting_Reg_and_Sig_Trees_Comm_Info.pdf

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Adelaide City Council - Local Suburbs

ben
Author: Ben McInerney is a qualified arborist with over 15 years of industry experience. He uses his in-depth knowledge of the tree service industry to give readers to most accurate information on tree service costs and helps to educate them about the benefits of using a certified arborist for tree trimming and removal work.