Yes it is possible to remove a tree in The Hills without a permit from council, but only under certain conditions.
The below is a summary of the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for Yarra Council and their rules for tree lopping.
Under what conditions?
A tree may be removed without council permission if the tree;
- Is a perennial plant with a self-supporting woody stem
- Is smaller than 6m in height
- Has a spread less than 3m
- Has a trunk diameter of more than 300mm measured at the base.
- Within 3m of an Existing Approved Dwelling or Ancillary Structure
- Dead or Dangerous Trees
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
Tree of Heaven
Rubber
Evergreen Alder
Silk Tree
Umbrella
Alexandara Palm
Bangalow Palm
Hackberry
Cocos Palm
Oleander
African olive
Fiddlewood
Cotoneaster
Pencil Pine
Weeping Fig
Indian Rubber Tree
Honey Locust
Kaffir Plum
Norfolk Island Hibiscus
Broad Leaved Privet
Small Leaved Privet
Sweet Pittosporum
Lombardy Poplar
False Acacia/Black Locust
Weeping willow
Broadleaf Pepper Tree
Brazilian Mastic
Athel Tree
Leyland Cypress
Botanical name
Acer negundo
Ailanthus altissima
Hevea brasiliensis
Alnus jorullensis
Albizia julibrissin
Schefflera actinophylla
Archontophoenix alexandrae
Archontophoenix cunninghamiana
Celtis
Syagrus romanzoffiana
Nerium oleander
Olea europaea
Citharexylum spinosum
Cotoneaster
Cupressus sempervirens
Ficus benjamina
Ficus elastic
Gleditsia triacanthos
Harpephyllum caffrum
Lagunaria
Ligustrum lucidum
Ligustrum sinense
Pittosporum undulatum
Populus nigra
Robinia pseudoacacia
Salix babylonica
Schinus terebinthifolia
Pistacia lentiscus
Tamarix aphylla
Cupressus × leylandii
Trees of the following species may be pruned or removed without development consent if the height of the tree is less than 10m:
Common Name
Bunya Bunya Pine
Hoop Pine
Norfolk Island pine
Camphor Laurel
Monterey Cypress
Coral Tree
Liquidambar
White Cedar
Monterey Pine/Radiata Pine
Streets Tree Planting
The Hills Shire Council recognizes the importance of trees along their nature strip within the streets.
As a result, the council supplies interested individuals with trees to be planted on the streets.
If you are interested in planting trees on the streets you can contact them, get free trees to plant and guidelines on how and which trees to plant.
Follow this link
https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Services/Environmental-Management/Trees/Street-Tree-Planting
Illegal removal of trees
This is where you remove trees requiring permits without obtaining one. It is an offence and you can be prosecuted.
You will be fined for some no exceeding $1, 100,000. In other cases you may have to replace the trees as well.
Tree Emergencies on Public Land
There are several scenarios in which a tree emergency can be experienced on Public Land.
This is most if the tree is interfering with power lines or buildings. You can contact the council to take action.
https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Services/Environmental-Management/Trees/Trees-on-Public-Land
How to apply for a tree removal permit
Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.
The Hill Shire Council contact details
Phone: 61298430555
Mailing Address: PO Box 7064, Baulkham Hills BC 1755
Website: https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au
The Hill Share Tree Preservation order - TPO
The above is a summary for your local Councils tree preservation order. Please follow the link for the full document.
https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Services/Environmental-Management/Trees/Trees-on-Private-Land
FAQ's
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.
