Ryde Council has fairly relaxed rules when it comes to the removal and pruning of trees on your property. Below we have outlined a summary of the tree removal policy.
These rules state which trees are protected and which can be removed. There is also an exemption list of trees that can be removed regardless of size.
Below I have also added a link to the tree preservation order for the Ryde council.
TPO: Click here to see the larger council version or keep reading to view the rules summary.
Tree maybe be removed without council permit if;
- Within 3m of a building or structure bigger than 25 sqm
- Not on the Council’s register of significant trees
- Not higher than 8m if the development is for a new house – as
long as the tree is not required to be retained as a condition of consent for the subdivision, and - Not higher than 6m for alterations and additions to a house.
Trees or vegetation may be removed as part of a complying development for new or additions to existing commercial and industrial buildings if it is:
- Within 3m of the development, and
- Not on the Council’s register of significant trees,
- or, not higher than 8m.
10/50 Vegetation clearing – Fire hazard reduction
Law provides owners of properties, within a nominated Vegetation Clearing Entitlement Area, to remove trees and other vegetation within certain distances of their homes without the need to seek any formal approval.
Fact sheet: Vegetation clearing 10/50 laws
Exemption list of trees
Ryde City Council has a list of trees it considers a local pest and allows you to remove no matter the size and location. You may remove these trees in Ryde without council permit.
Common name
Golden Wreath Wattle
Box Elder
Tree of Heaven
Evergreen Alder
Cocos Palm
Bamboo
Hackberry
Camphor Laurel
Cotoneaster
Coral Tree
Coral Tree
Weeping Fig
Rubber tree
Norfolk Island Hibiscus
Broad leaf Privet
Narrow leaf Privet
Oleander
African Olive
Poplars
Golden Robinia
Willows
Umbrella tree
Athel tree
Rhus tree
Botanical name
Acacia saligna
Acer negundo
Ailanthus altissima
Alnus jorulensis
Syagrus romanzoffianum
Bambusa spp. Rhizomatous
Celtis sinensis
Cinnamomum camphora
Cotoneaster sp.
Erythrina Cockscomb
Erythrina x sykesii Indian
Ficus benjamina
Ficus elastica
Lagunaria patersonii
Ligustrum lucidum
Ligustrum sinense
Nerium oleander
Olea europaea africana
Populus spp.
Robinia pseudoacacia
Salix spp.
Schefflera actinophylla
Tamarix aphylla
Toxicodendron spp.
Fines for illegal removal in Ryde Council area
If you remove any protected tree in the Ryde council area you can be subject to a $3,000 on the spot fine or up to 1.1 million dollar fine if the matter is taken to court.
Tree removal permit application form
If your tree is considered protected by the rules and policy outlined above, you will need to make an application for a tree removal permit from the council. The process is quite quick and painless. You will need to click the below link to fill in the application as well as pay the small fee required.
City of Ryde Council contact details
Phone: 99528222
Mailing Address: Locked Bag 2069 North Ryde NSW 1670
Website: http://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au
City of Ryde Council Tree Preservation order - TPO
To go directly to the source and read the tree preservation order for yourself, please follow the below link. If you are still unsure, make sure you either contact a local arborist/tree service or contact the council directly.
