Can I remove a tree in Canada Bay without a permit?

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

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

Under what conditions?

The tree can be removed without council approval if;

  • The tree has a height less than, four (4) metres;
  • The tree has a trunk girth less than, 500mm at any point; or
  • The tree was dead or that the works were limited to the removal of dead branches;
  • The tree was one of the following exempt species
  • The tree is a declared noxious weed in the local government area of the City of Canada Bay under the Noxious Weed Act 1993.
  • The tree works were limited to the maintenance of a minimum clearance of five hundred (500) millimeters from domestic service leads as specified by Energy Australia, provided that the works were carried out by a qualified or experienced Arborist or Tree surgeon, in accordance with the Australian Standards for the Pruning of Amenity Trees AS 4373-1996.

Except if the tree is a cycad or mangrove, irrespective of its dimensions, except with the express written consent of the Council.

Camphor Laurel or Liquidambar where the outside edge of the trunk of such tree is located within 3 metres of any single story dwelling (not being an outbuilding eg. Garage, carport, shed, etc).

A fruit tree is grown for the purposes of fruit or fodder production except for Lilly Pilly and Blueberry Ash.

tree removal canada bay council tree work crane

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

Bamboo
Privet
Rubber
Evergreen Alder
Sugarberry
Umbrella
Willow
Indian Coral
Crista-Galli Coral Tree
Cocos Palm
Oleander
African olive
Cottonwood
Camphor Laurel
Liquidambar

How to apply for a tree removal permit

http://edas.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/dwroot/datawrks/stores/default/default/orig/docsetid/1790845/currentflag/1/dw_get

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

tree removal canada bay council tree lopper

Canada Bay Council Development Permit

Development in Canada Bay is a serious issue that will require various permits from the council. This is done to make sure that there is controlled development.

During development, you may also need to clear some vegetation which is where tree removal permits come in.

You can do online development applications by following the following link.

https://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/development/development-applications

Illegal removal of trees and pruning

Removal of trees that are regulated by the council without a permit is considered illegal.

You will have to pay huge penalties for cutting down a tree without a permit.

Illegal Dumping

The council is also very serious about illegal dumping which affects the city environment.

Penalties of illegal dumping are very high and you can pay between $2,000 and $15,000.

Dividing Fence Regulations

The Canada Bay Council has set rules and regulations that are designed to guide residents and deal with any disputes arising as a result of dividing fences.

As a result, you can easily find the laws on Dividing Fences Act 1991.

Follow the link below.

https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/

In case you have a dispute, you can go further and contact their Community Justice Centre

City of Canada Bay Council contact details

Phone: 99116555

Mailing Address: Locked Bag 1470, Drummoyne NSW 1470

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

City of Canada Bay 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.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/link.aspx?id=3523

FAQ's

There are a few ways to go about it. You should always go for a qualified arborist with plenty of experience. Ensure they have more than 20 reviews online and a minimum score of 4.5 stars or great.

We can match you with a top-voted tree felling 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.