Yes, but under certain conditions.
Under what conditions?
A tree can be removed without council approval if it is neither a Regulated Tree, or a Significant Tree.
A tree is a Regulated Tree if it meets the following criteria:
- The tree has a trunk circumference of 1.0m 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 1.0m or more and an average circumference of 310mm or more measured at a point 1.0m above natural ground level.
A tree is a Significant Tree if it meets the following criteria:
- The tree has a trunk circumference of 2.0 metres or more measured at a point 1.0 metre above natural ground level
- Trees with multiple trunks, it is those with trunks with a total circumference of 2.0 metres or more and an average circumference of 625 millimetres or more measured at a point 1.0 metres above natural ground level)
- Any tree identified as a significant tree in Part 10 of the Code.
A number of tree species are exempt from regulated tree controls. Please see the tree exemption list below.
In addition the above, there is no need to see council approval if, other than in relation to a tree declared as a significant tree in the Code, to remove a tree if:
- tree is located within 3 m of an existing dwelling or an existing in-ground swimming pool (other than in relation to a Willow Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Angophora or Corymbia);
- the tree’s species is listed in a notice from the Minister for Planning on the SA Planning Portal;
- the tree belongs to a class of plants declared by the relevant Minister under Part 9, Division 1 of the Landscape South Australia Act 2019 (declared pest plants);
- the tree may not be cleared without the consent of the Native Vegetation Council under the Native Vegetation Act 1991; or
- the tree has been planted as part of woodlots, orchards or other plantations created for the purposes of harvesting the trees or produce
Please refer to https://plan.sa.gov.au/our_planning_system/programs_and_initiatives/significant_and_regulated_trees for more information.
Does my council have an exempt tree list?
| Box Elder | Acer negundo |
| Silver Maple | Acer saccharinum |
| Tree of Heaven | Ailanthus altissima |
| Evergreen Alder | Alnus acuminate subsp. Glabrata |
| European Nettle Tree | Celtis australis |
| Chinese Nettle Tree | Celtis sinensis |
| Camphor Laurel | Cinnamomum camphora |
| Monterey Cypress | Cupressus macrocarpa |
| (Figs), other than () | Ficus spp. |
| Morton Bay Fig (located more than 15 m from a dwelling) | Ficus macrophylla |
| Narrow-leaved Ash | Fraxinus angustifolia |
| Desert Ash | Fraxinus angustifolia ssp. Oxycarpa |
| Radiata / Monterey Pine | Pinus radiata |
| London Plane | Platanus x acerifolia |
| White Poplar | Populus alba |
| Lombardy Poplar | Populus nigra var. italica |
| Black Locust | Robinia pseudoacacia |
| Weeping Willow | Salix babylonica |
| Willow (Chilean/ Evergreen/ Pencil) | Salix chilensis ‘Fastigiata’ |
| Crack Willow | Salix fragilis |
| White Crack Willow, Basket Willow) | Salix x rubens |
| Golden Weeping Willow | Salix x sepulcralis var. chrysocoma |
| Peppercorn Tree | Schinus areira |
| Prickly-leaved Paperbark | Melaleuca styphelioides |
| Norfolk Island Hibiscus | Lagunaria patersonia |
Please ensure you view the Latest Version of the Ministers Schedule under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Regulations 2017 Regulation 3F(4)(b) to confirm that this list is still current.
Development and trees
When you want to do development work and you will affect trees you are required to obtain a permit.
However, in cases where you will be doing a maintenance pruning a permit is not required. Maintenance pruning must not remove more than 30% of the crown of the tree (and does not occur more than every 5 years) and is required to remove dead or diseased wood.
The following activities on Regulated or Significant trees will require a development approval:
- Tree removal
- Destruction or killing of trees
- Limb or branch lopping
- Topping or ringbarking.
Management of Council Trees
It does not matter whether the trees are growing in front of your property or not. All work involving council trees is done by the council.
Pruning and any other management work is done under Tree Management Policy.
Penalty for work without permit
Working on trees without the required permit is considered an offence by Tea Tree Gully council.
Anyone found guilty will pay fines amounting up to $120,000.
What is the average cost of Tree Removal in Tea Tree Gully?
Tree removal cost mostly varies depending on the size of the tree, location, and even time of removal.
When removing on an off-season you will pay less as compared to the high-seasons.
You should expect to pay between $225 and $3,900 per tree.
However, the average cost as per 2019 was $871.
How to apply for a tree removal permit
Tea Tree Gully City Council contact details
Phone: (08) 8397 7444
Website: https://www.teatreegully.sa.gov.au
