Yes, but under certain conditions.
Under what conditions?
A tree can be removed without council approval if;
- The tree has a trunk circumference of 2.0m or less measured at a point 1.0m above natural ground level
- Trees with multiple trunks, it is those with trunks with a total circumference of 2.0m or more and an average circumference of 625mm or more measured at a point 1.0m above natural ground level.
A number of tree species are exempt from regulated tree controls. Please see the tree exemption list below.
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 dwelling in Medium or High Bushfire Protection Areas.
- The trees are located within 10 meters of an existing dwelling or 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 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 Island Hibiscus
Prickly-leaved Paperback
Radiata Pine / 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 about tree pruning?
Tree pruning is also controlled by the council. The council allows you to prune without a permit for the following cases.
- When doing maintenance pruning. This means that you will be pruning less than 30% of the tree crown. This is also when the operation is done to remove diseased, dead or branches posing a risk to building or residential areas.
- Details should be provided to the council before the work is done.
A pruning permit is required under the following circumstances.
- When pruning more than 30% of the tree’s crown.
- When pruning branches that are not diseased, dead or posing danger to the public.
- When pruning roots and it will affect the appearance and the health of the trees.
What about emergency cases?
It is possible to do work on regulated and significant trees during emergency tree removal cases even without the council’s permit.
However, in such cases, the owner of the said tree must make an application through the council as soon as the work is done.
In most cases, such work is done by the State Emergency Service.
Taking Ownership of Nature Strips
The council offers a chance for residents to take part in the maintenance of nature strips.
As a result, it is possible to plant trees on your nature strip.
Follow the link below.
https://www.prospect.sa.gov.au/council/city-maintenance/nature-strips
How to apply for a tree removal permit
http://www.prospect.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=1682
Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.
Prospect City Council contact details
Phone: (08) 8203 7203
Prospect 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.
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.
