Yes, it is possible to remove a tree in Burwood without a council permit, but only under certain conditions.

The below is a summary of the Burwood councils Tree Preservation Order (TPO) on the removal of trees locally.

Under what conditions?

A Tree can be removed if it:

  • Has a height equal to and no exceeding 4m, or a branch spread equal to or not exceeding 2m,
  • Or a trunk diameter exceeding 150mm measured at a distance 1.4m above the ground.

Any tree outside these parameters will require council approval before removal

tree removal burwood council tree lopper

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

Bamboo
Privet
Rubber
Loquat
Sumac
Umbrella
Willow
Cottonwood
Black locust
Cocos Palm
Mulberry
Banana
Citrus
Fruit trees

Burwood Development Control Plan

It is a plan provided by Burwood city council indicating various regulations and directions on the handling of trees in the city.

Some of the guidelines include which trees should be removed with a permit or not.

tree removal burwood council man using a powersaw

What happens when you remove a tree without a permit where required?

Since there are certain guidelines put in place by the council through BDCP on trees, any removal of trees without a permit where it is required is considered an offence.

In case you are found guilty of such an offence, expect to pay heavy fines.

Trimming of trees also comes with its own rules, failure to comply with them, you will be prosecuted.

Requirements when applying for a tree removal permit

When making an application for a tree removal permit in Burwood, you should understand that there are several things that are required. That is why there is an application form.

The council will require you to prove that the tree you want to remove should be removed.

As a result, trees that require permits are regulated, you have to get a professional arborist to support your claim for your application to be approved.

The council is also responsible for doing an inspection on your property to gather enough evidence to support your claims before they can make a decision.

Find Arborists in Burwood Council

You click on the following link to find a list of tree loppers and arborists in Burwood.

https://www.treeloppers.net.au/allsuburbOrder.aspx?order=town&Council=BURWOOD

How to apply for a tree removal permit

http://www.burwood.nsw.gov.au/verve/_resources/Landscape__Urban_Design_-_Tree_Permit_Application_Form_2017-2018.pdf

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

Burwood City Council contact details

Phone: 0299119911

Mailing Address: PO Box 240 Burwood NSW 1805

Website: http://www.burwood.nsw.gov.au

Burwood 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.

http://www.burwood.nsw.gov.au/environment/our_environment/trees.html

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 arborist service in Sydney 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.

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.