Can I remove a tree in The Hills without a council permit?

Yes it is possible to remove a tree in The Hills without a permit from council, but only under certain conditions.

The below is a summary of the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for Yarra Council and their rules for tree removal.

Under what conditions?

A tree may be removed without council permission if the tree;

  1. Is a perennial plant with a self-supporting woody stem
  2. Is smaller than 6m in height
  3. Has a spread less than 3m
  4. Has a trunk diameter of more than 300mm measured at the base.
  5. Within 3m of an Existing Approved Dwelling or Ancillary Structure
  6. Dead or Dangerous Trees
tree removal The Shire Hills council cut trees

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 table below

Common Name

Box Elder
Tree of Heaven
Rubber
Evergreen Alder
Silk Tree
Umbrella
Alexandara Palm
Bangalow Palm
Hackberry
Cocos Palm
Oleander
African olive
Fiddlewood
Cotoneaster
Pencil Pine
Weeping Fig
Indian Rubber Tree
Honey Locust
Kaffir Plum
Norfolk Island Hibiscus
Broad Leaved Privet
Small Leaved Privet
Sweet Pittosporum
Lombardy Poplar
False Acacia/Black Locust
Weeping willow
Broadleaf Pepper Tree
Brazilian Mastic
Athel Tree
Leyland Cypress

Trees of the following species may be pruned or removed without development consent if the height of the tree is less than 10m:

Common Name

Bunya Bunya Pine
Hoop Pine
Norfolk Island pine
Camphor Laurel
Monterey Cypress
Coral Tree
Liquidambar
White Cedar
Monterey Pine/Radiata Pine

Streets Tree Planting

The Hills Shire Council recognizes the importance of trees along their nature strip within the streets.

As a result, the council supplies interested individuals with trees to be planted on the streets.

If you are interested in planting trees on the streets you can contact them, get free trees to plant and guidelines on how and which trees to plant.

Follow this link
https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Services/Environmental-Management/Trees/Street-Tree-Planting

tree removal The Hills Shire council man cutting a tree

Illegal removal of trees

This is where you remove trees requiring permits without obtaining one. It is an offence and you can be prosecuted.

You will be fined for some no exceeding $1, 100,000. In other cases you may have to replace the trees as well.

Tree Emergencies on Public Land

There are several scenarios in which a tree emergency can be experienced on Public Land.

This is most if the tree is interfering with power lines or buildings. You can contact the council to take action.

https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Services/Environmental-Management/Trees/Trees-on-Public-Land

How to apply for a tree removal permit

https://tinyurl.com/yazhx6ks

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

The Hill Shire Council contact details

Phone: 61298430555

Mailing Address: PO Box 7064, Baulkham Hills BC 1755

Website: https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au

The Hill Share Tree Preservation order - TPO

The above is a summary for your local Councils tree preservation order. Please follow the link for the full document.

https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Services/Environmental-Management/Trees/Trees-on-Private-Land

FAQ's

There are a few ways to go about it. You should always go for 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 in Sydney here. Just enter your postcode and a few details about your tree job and get 3 obligation free quotes from 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.