Yes, but under certain conditions
Under what conditions?
A tree can be removed without council approval if;
- The tree has a trunk circumference of 2.0m or less measured at a point 1.0m above natural ground level
- Trees with multiple trunks, it is those with trunks with a total circumference of 2.0m or more and an average circumference of 625mm or more measured at a point 1.0m above natural ground level.
A number of tree species are exempt from regulated tree controls. Please see the tree exemption list below.
In addition to the above, there is no need to see council approval if:
- A tree that is dead
- The tree is within 20 meters of a dwelling in Medium or High Bushfire Protection Areas.
- The trees are located within 10 meters of an existing dwelling or existing in-ground swimming pool unless it is one of the two following species of trees:
a) Agonis flexuosa (Willow Myrtle)
b) Eucalyptus (any tree of the species)
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 table below
Common Name
Box Elder
Silver Maple
Tree of Heaven
Evergreen Alder
European Nettle Tree
Chinese Nettle Tree
Camphor Laurel
Monterey Cypress
Moreton bay fig
Narrow-leaved Ash
Desert ash
Norfolk Island Hibiscus
Prickly-leaved Paperback
Radiata Pine / Monterey Pine
London Plane
White poplar
Lombardy Poplar
Black locust
Weeping willow
Evergreen Willow
Crack Willow
Basket Willow
Golden Weeping Willow
Peppercorn Tree
Botanical name
Acer negundo
Acer saccharinum
Citrus × sinensis
Citharexylum spinosum
Celtis australis
Citrus
Cinnamomum camphora
Araucaria heterophylla
Ficus macrophylla
Fraxinus angustifolia
Fraxinus angustifolia ssp.
Ligustrum
Melaleuca styphelioides
Pinus Radiata
Platanus x acerifolia
Populus alba
Pinus radiata
Robinia pseudoacacia
Hevea brasiliensis
Salix chilensis
Salix fragilis
Salix X rubens
Salix
Schinus areira
What about pruning?
Pruning like tree removal is considered a crucial tree work that needs monitoring.
As a result, the council puts the same regulations for pruning as for tree removal. You have to obtain a permit to work on significant and protected trees.
Removal of Council Trees
The council of Port Adelaide Enfield is in charge of trees growing in parks, streets and other public areas.
As a result, they are responsible for any work involving such trees.
Any removal or pruning required on council trees is done through the council. Tree removal or pruning of council trees can be done under the following conditions.
- Any infested trees
- When trees are posing a danger to the public.
- When a tree damages private property or poses a risk.
- Trees posing a danger to infrastructure such as power lines.
- When there is a need for development through the council
- Pruning of damaged trees.
You are also allowed to contact the council in case you want a certain tree to be pruned. However, you have to submit facts to consider your request.
Removal of a neighbour’s tree
In a case where you need your neighbour to remove a tree, you have to discuss the matter with him to come to an agreement.
However, in cases where your neighbour is not cooperating, you can only get help from a magistrate’s court if you can prove it is a case of private nuisance.
How to apply for a tree removal permit
https://www.portenf.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=2419
Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.
Port Adelaide Enfield City Council contact details
Phone: (08) 8405 6600
Website: https://www.portenf.sa.gov.au
Port Adelaide Enfield Tree Preservation order - TPO
The above is a summary of your local Councils tree preservation order. Please follow the link for the full document.
