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ToggleCan I remove a tree without a council permit?
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.
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?
If you are doing maintenance pruning on significant or regulated trees, then pruning approval is not required.
However, in case it is not maintenance pruning then you will need to obtain a permit from the council.
What does maintenance pruning entail?
Here are the practices considered maintenance pruning.
- If the pruning does not exceed 30% of the tree’s crown
- If the work is done to remove diseased or dead wood
- In case the work is done to remove branches posing a risk to buildings
- Removing of branches posing a risk to residents
Applying to remove a tree that is not in your land
Yes. It is possible to apply for a removal permit for a tree that is not on your land.
However, your application must be followed by written consent from the property owner.
Penalties to illegal pruning/removal
Any tree work without the required permit is considered an offence.
Anyone found guilty will pay fines of as high as $120,000.
Criminal convictions may also apply in some cases.
Finding Arborist in Walkerville
Finding tree arborists in Walkerville is very easy. All you have to do is know where to look and when to look.
As a result, we have compiled a good guide to help you easily narrow down to an affordable arborist.
Follow this link.
https://www.gotreequotes.com.au/tree-removal/sa/walkerville-5081/
How to apply for a tree removal permit
https://www.walkerville.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Development%20Application%20Form.pdf
Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.
Walkerville City Council contact details
Phone: (08) 8342 7100
Website: https://www.walkerville.sa.gov.au
Walkerville Council Tree Preservation order - TPO
The above is a summary of your local Councils tree preservation order.
Please follow the link for the full document.
https://www.walkerville.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/Tree%20Management%20Policy.pdf
FAQ's
There are a few ways to go about it. You should always go for a qualified arborist with plenty of experience. Make sure they have more than 20 reviews online and have a minimum score of 4.5 stars or great.
We can match you with a top-voted tree removal service in Adelaide here. Just enter your postcode and a few details about your tree job and get 3 obligation-free quotes from the local top voted contractors.
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.