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 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 is 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.
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
Development and trees
When you want to do development work and you will affect trees you are required to obtain a permit.
However, in cases where you will be doing a maintenance pruning a permit is not required.
The following activities on non-exempt trees will require a permit.
- Tree removal
- Destruction or killing of trees
- Limb or branch lopping
- Topping or ringbarking.
Management of Council Trees
It does not matter whether the trees are growing in front of your property or not. All work involving council trees is done by the council.
Pruning and any other management work is done under Tree Management Policy.
Penalty for work without permit
Working on trees without the required permit is considered an offence by Tea Tree Gully council.
Anyone found guilty will pay fines amounting up to $120,000.
What is the average cost of Tree Removal in Tea Tree Gully?
Tree removal cost mostly varies depending on the size of the tree, location, and even time of removal.
When removing on an off-season you will pay less as compared to the high-seasons.
You should expect to pay between $225 and $3,900 per tree.
However, the average cost as per 2019 was $871.
How to apply for a tree removal permit
Go to the this online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.
Tea Tree Gully City Council contact details
Phone: (08) 8397 7444
Website: https://www.teatreegully.sa.gov.au
Tea Tree Gully Council Tree Preservation order - TPO
The above is a summary for your local Councils tree preservation order.
Please follow this link for the full document.
