Yes you can remove a tree in Lane Cove without a Council permit, but under certain conditions
Under what conditions?
The tree can be removed without council approval if;
- A tree having a height not exceeding 4 metres and a trunk diameter not greater than 150mm (measured at 1 metre above the ground.
- Pruning of dead branches. Council encourages that such pruning works are undertaken by a qualified Arborist necessary and in accordance with Australian Standards.
- Pruning of tree branches that are within 2 metres of electric power lines as required by State Legislation (undertaken by a qualified Arborist)
- Pruning or removal of fruit trees and flowering fruit trees.
- Pruning and reshaping of Cypress Pines, but not greater than 10 % of the whole canopy.
- Pruning or removal of Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp) with a height less than 6 metres.
- Pruning or removal of any tree of a tree species that has been declared a noxious plant in the Lane Cove local government area under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
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
Tree of Heaven
Cotoneaster
Rubber
Crepe Myrtle
Umbrella
Cocos Palm
African olive
Camphor Laurel
Tree Preservation Regulatory Controls
The regulatory controls are found in a clause copy of Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan 2009 (NSW)
It is used to preserve vegetation and trees in the city.
The objective is to ensure that amenities are preserved through the protection and preservation of trees and other vegetation.
The clause applies to several species of trees that fall under the council’s development control plan.
Lane Cove Street Trees
Street trees are an important part of Lane Cove and the council is very serious about making sure they are maintained and preserved. There are guidelines set for good management of street trees.
Requesting for a service;
The council sets procedures for selecting street trees based on the species, site location, restrictions, and planting area.
You can request a service to either prune or remove a street tree if the reasons are appropriate.
However, Ausgrid is a contractor and the only one authorised to do work on street trees.
In case a street tree that is in the public area is branching up to 3 metres to power lines, then Ausgrid should decide whether to prune or remove it.
Fines for illegal tree removal
Tree removal and pruning are managed by the Lane Cove Council Development Control Plan 2010.
Anyone who fails to adhere to the guidelines set will be prosecuted and fined. Fines can go to as high as $1, 100,000.
How to apply for a tree removal permit
http://ecouncil.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/trim/DocumentLink.asp?RecId=7919/14
Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.
Lane Cove Council contact details
Phone: 61299113555
Mailing Address: PO Box 20, Lane Cove NSW 1595
Website: http://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/
Lane Cove Tree Preservation order - TPO
The above is a summary of your local Council’s tree preservation order. Please follow the link for the full document.
http://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment/TreeManagement/Pages/PrivateTreesPreservationOrder.aspx
