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 the 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.
Several 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
adiata 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 tree pruning?
Tree pruning is an activity that falls under tree damage.
As a result, all other rules imposed on tree removal apply also in pruning.
Trees Damaging Activities per the Council
Any of the following activities are considered damaging by the council.
Anyone who wishes to do any of the activities below on significant or regulated trees must obtain development approval.
- Limb or branch lopping
- Removal
- Destruction or killing
- Topping or ringbarking
- Root damage
Illegal tree removal penalties
Anyone who is found guilty of removing significant or regulated trees without the required permit will suffer a penalty not exceeding $120,000.
Application fee
For the West Torrens Council, whenever you want to remove a tree you have to get a permit.
It is also called a development permit.
The fees are as follows.
Any development costing up to $5,000 – $67
Any development costing more than $5,000 – $142
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.
West Torrens City Council contact details
Phone: (08) 8416 6333
Website: http://www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au
West Torrens 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.
