Yes you can remove a tree in Lane Cove without a Council permit, but under certain conditions

Under what conditions?

The tree can be removed without council approval if;

  • A tree having a height not exceeding 4 metres and a trunk diameter not greater than 150mm (measured at 1 metre above the ground.
  • Pruning of dead branches. Council encourages that such pruning works are undertaken by a qualified Arborist necessary and in accordance with Australian Standards.
  • Pruning of tree branches that are within 2 metres of electric power lines as required by State Legislation (undertaken by a qualified Arborist)
  • Pruning or removal of fruit trees and flowering fruit trees.
  • Pruning and reshaping of Cypress Pines, but not greater than 10 % of the whole canopy.
  • Pruning or removal of Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp) with a height less than 6 metres.
  • Pruning or removal of any tree of a tree species that has been declared a noxious plant in the Lane Cove local government area under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
tree removal lane cover council man on a tree

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

Tree of Heaven
Cotoneaster
Rubber
Crepe Myrtle
Umbrella
Cocos Palm
African olive
Camphor Laurel

Tree Preservation Regulatory Controls

The regulatory controls are found in a clause copy of Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan 2009 (NSW)

It is used to preserve vegetation and trees in the city.

The objective is to ensure that amenities are preserved through the protection and preservation of trees and other vegetation.

The clause applies to several species of trees that fall under the council’s development control plan.

tree removal lane cove council a tall tree over a house

Lane Cove Street Trees

Street trees are an important part of Lane Cove and the council is very serious about making sure they are maintained and preserved. There are guidelines set for good management of street trees.

Requesting for a service;

The council sets procedures for selecting street trees based on the species, site location, restrictions, and planting area.

You can request a service to either prune or remove a street tree if the reasons are appropriate.

However, Ausgrid is a contractor and the only one authorised to do work on street trees.

In case a street tree that is in the public area is branching up to 3 metres to power lines, then Ausgrid should decide whether to prune or remove it.

Fines for illegal tree removal

Tree removal and pruning are managed by the Lane Cove Council Development Control Plan 2010.

Anyone who fails to adhere to the guidelines set will be prosecuted and fined. Fines can go to as high as $1, 100,000.

How to apply for a tree removal permit

http://ecouncil.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/trim/DocumentLink.asp?RecId=7919/14

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

Lane Cove Council contact details

Phone: 61299113555

Mailing Address: PO Box 20, Lane Cove NSW 1595

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

Lane Cove Tree Preservation order - TPO

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

http://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment/TreeManagement/Pages/PrivateTreesPreservationOrder.aspx

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.