Can I remove a tree in Lake Macquarie Council without a council permit?

Yes, but under certain conditions.

Under what conditions?

  • The tree is within five metres of the outermost projection of a lawfully used Building.
  • The tree is within one metre of a sealed driveway to a lawfully used building (that is not exempt or complying with development) and is on the same allotment as the building, or
  • The tree is dead
  • The tree is a risk to human life or property.

Note: Evidence to support removal should be forwarded to Council in accordance with Section 3 of these Guidelines.

Council’s Tree Assessment Officer may undertake a site inspection to verify that these conditions are satisfied.

tree removal lake macquarie council arborist climbing tree

Approval is required when

  1. A tree which is listed in Council’s Significant Tree Register;
  2. Tree/s or native vegetation listed as Heritage Items or located within a Heritage Conservation Area; or
  3. A Norfolk Island Pine Tree (Araucaria heterophylla) that is greater than three metres in height, or that has a trunk diameter of 75 mm or greater, measured at ground level.

Note: Evidence to support removal should be forwarded to Council in accordance with Section 3 of these Guidelines.

Council’s Tree Assessment Officer may undertake a site inspection to verify that these conditions are satisfied.

What is a Tree Removal Assessment Tool?

The Lake Macquarie council provides its residents with a means to help them determine whether a tree can be removed.

The tool is a system that is easy to work with and by answering a few questions you get your answer.

Here is a link to the Tree Assessment tool.

https://www.lakemac.com.au/Services/Tree-pruning-and-removal/Tree-removal-decision-tool

Once you have determined that your tree can be removed, then you can go ahead and submit your tree removal application to the council.

What about pruning?

Pruning is considered a tree work that is regulated by the council.

As a result, when you want to prune regulated trees you will also have to acquire a permit from the council.

tree removal Ipswich council tree surgeon on a tree

What is a Tree Pruning Assessment Tool?

This is an online system introduced by the council to enable you to determine whether you can prune a tree on your private property.

The system works by asking you some questions which makes the whole process very simple.

Here is a link to the Tree Pruning Assessment tool.

https://www.lakemac.com.au/Services/Tree-pruning-and-removal/Tree-pruning-decision-tool

Tree Application Fees and Charges

The following are fees you should expect to pay when making an application for tree work.

  • Tree preservation application fee for the tree not exceeding ten – $138 per application.
  • Tree preservation application fee for trees exceeding ten – $280 per application.
  • Review of application determination for trees not exceeding ten – $75 per application.
  • Review of application determination for trees exceeding ten – $138 per application.

How to apply for a tree removal permit

https://lakemac.com.au/downloads/CFC7C61EF85B98A871170EF71B0FFD430BCEA6B4.pdf

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

Lake Macquarie Council contact details

Phone: 02 4921 0333

Mailing Address: Box 1906, Hunter Regional Mail Centre NSW 2310

Website: https://www.lakemac.com.au/

Email: council@lakemac.nsw.gov.au

Lake Macquarie 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://lakemac.com.au/downloads/6F525DB71395CCE9DF27DC7A095F70EA19E94FCA.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 on the Central Coast 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.