Yes, it is possible to remove a tree in Burnside without a council permit, but only under certain conditions.
The below is a summary of the Burnside councils Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the removal of trees locally.
Under what conditions?
A tree can be removed without council approval if;
- The tree has a trunk of 2m or less when measured 1m from ground level.
- Trees with multiple trunks with a circumference of 2m or more.
- Multiple trunked trees with an average circumference of 625mm or less measured 1m above ground level.
In addition to the above, there is no need to see council approval if:
A tree that is dead
The tree is within 20 meters of a home or commercial building. (this does not include driveways)
The trees are located within 10 meters of an 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)
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.
See table below
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 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
What is tree damaging as per the Development Regulations 1993 and Development Act 1993
The changes that happen in 1993 came up with new policies to help them identify trees and control them.
As a result, some trees fell under significant trees register. Hence, damaging of tree’s activities are as follows.
- Removing a tree
- Destruction or killing a tree
- Topping, lopping or ring barking a tree
- Severe damage on stems, limbs, branches or trunk
Such activities are controlled by the council for trees that are within the significant trees register.
Damaging of trees during development
Whenever you are working on some development, you have to adhere to the council’s rules in regard to damaging a tree.
If the development will cause any damage to private or council trees that are regulated, then you will have to obtain approval from the council.
What is Burnside Urban Foresters?
It is a program by the council that allows people to volunteer, learn and take part in workshops about urban forest.
The goal is to increase awareness about urban forest to increase forest cover in the area.
Some of the topics to learn to include urban habitat, the value in urban forest and tree identification.
How to apply for a tree removal permit
https://www.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/17571/Protecting_Reg_and_Sig_Trees_Comm_Info.pdf
Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.
Burnside Council contact details
Phone: (08) 83664200
Website: www.burnside.sa.gov.au
Burnside City 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
FAQ's
There are a few ways to go about it. You should always go for a qualified arborist with plenty of experience. Make sure they have more than 20 reviews online and have a minimum score of 4.5 stars or great.
We can match you with a top-voted tree removal service in Melbourne here. Just enter your postcode and a few details about your tree job and get 3 obligation-free quotes from the local top voted contractors.
The cost to remove a tree will depend on a few different factors. Things like the size of the tree, number of branches, the species and location on your property will all play a role.
The average cost of tree removal is $871. But the real range is $225 – $4,500. Make sure you get at least 3 quotes before deciding on one company.
Tree removal and pruning is difficult to quote just by a description over the phone. Same goes for sending pics of the tree. This is because it is hard to gauge the actual size of a tree from images as well as look at access for machinery. An on-site inspection is needed to make sure you are given a fair price.
You may prune any branches that are hanging over your yard from your neighbour’s side, just as long as you are working within the cities Tree Preservation Order.
You may remove your neighbour’s branches, but if it violates council tree pruning laws, you will get a fine. You are best speaking to a local arborist first before proceeding.
Tree trimming will vary depending on the tree, number of branches and access. The average price of tree trimming is $429, but that the true price range is $75 – $1,800.
You can check out our Tree Trimming Cost Guide here to get a better idea of tree trimming cost by tree size. Or you can use this Free Service and compare local top rated tree service actual quotes.
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.
