Yes, but under certain conditions
Under what conditions?
The tree can be removed without council approval if;
- Any tree with a height equal to or smaller than 5 metres above ground level;
- Any tree that is under 5 metres in height above ground level that has a trunk diameter of more than 300mm at ground level;
- Any tree with a crown spread equal to or smaller than 3 metres;
- Any palm tree with a stem length equal to or smaller than 4 metres above ground level;
What about Pruning?
Pruning is treated the same way as removal since it falls under the tree works category.
You have to follow the guidelines listed above even if you want to prune a tree in the inner west.
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 the table below or refer to the full document here.
Does my council have an exempt tree list?
Yes, see the table below
Common Name
Willow
Tree of Heaven
Rubber
Bamboo
Cotoneaster
Umbrella
Sumac
Leyland cypress, all cultivars
Loquat
Cocos Palm
Weeping Fig
African olive
Norfolk Island Hibiscus
Privet
Mulberry
Oleander
What is Tree DCP policy?
It is also called the Tree Development Control Plan policy, which is meant to make it easy to deal with inappropriate or dangerous trees by replacing them.
Here are some new guidelines as per Tree DCP.
- Any trees growing within a distance of 2 meters to a garage or any primary dwelling can be replaced. That is by obtaining a permit with a requirement for the replacement and tree to be planted.
- Allows movement of most of the tree applications from any Development Application into a less expensive and simpler permit system.
- The introduction of a review mechanism will give residents a chance other than appealing decisions through the Land and Environment Court. It will be headed by the CEO of the Council’s determinations.
Development Tree Removal Permit
When you are doing development, you are required to obtain a permit if you are to remove trees following under the following categories.
- In case the trees fall under the heritage trees list. Here is a link to the list.
- If the trees are within an Aboriginal object or place.
How to apply for a tree removal permit
Go to the online form here, and fill it out to formally request tree removal approval.
Marrickville Council contact details
Phone: 0293925000
Mailing Address: PO Box 14, Petersham NSW 2049
Website: http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au
Marrickville 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.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/en/environment/in-your-community/tree-management/
