Yes, it is possible to remove a tree in Hunter Hill Council district without a permit, but only under certain conditions.
Under what conditions?
The tree can be removed without council approval if;
- Any vegetation which has a height of 4 metres or less.
- Any vegetation which has a stem diameter of 200mm or less, measured 1.4 metres above ground level (existing).
- Is not on a property that adjoins Buffalo Creek Reserve or Boronia Park Reserve.
- Vegetation on lands which are defined by the Hunters Hill LEP 2012 as having biodiversity or high biodiversity significance.
- Trees which are listed as a heritage item by the Hunters Hill LEP 2012.
- Trees which are listed by the Hunters Hill Significant Tree Register.
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
Bamboo
Privet
Rubber
Coral Tree
Silky Oak
Umbrella
Willow
Lombardy Poplar
Tree of Heaven
Cocos Palm
Oleander
How to apply for a tree removal permit
http://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/files/ApplicationForms/TreeVegetationManagement2017.pdf
Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.
Track your application
The Hunter’s Hill Council gives room for people to track their application when waiting for a response. Here is a link to follow once you have applied for a permit to track your application.
Are there fines for illegal tree removal?
Illegal tree removal is when you remove trees that require a permit without obtaining one. Fines for cutting down trees without a permit are heavy. You may also be required to replace the trees.
Hunter’s Hill Council contact details
Phone: 61298799400
Mailing Address: PO Box 21, 22 Alexandra Street, Hunters Hill NSW 2110
Website: http://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au
What does Hunter’s Hill Tree Preservation Order do?
It is an order that was written and introduced in 1982 by the Hill Council.
The order requires people to obtain approval from the city council for lopping, ringbarking, cutting down and removal of any tree with a height more than 3.5m or whose trunk is more than 300mm in width.
Hunter’s Hill Tree Preservation order - TPO
The above is a summary of your local Councils tree preservation order. Please follow the link for the full document.
http://www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au/Page/Page.aspx?Page_Id=100
FAQ's
There are a few ways to go about it. You should always go for a 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 Melbourne here. Just enter your postcode and a few details about your tree job and get 3 obligation-free quotes from the 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.
