A Tree Management Application is required when proposing to prune a tree(s).

The majority of trees can be pruned or removed through the Tree Management Application process, which is simpler than a Development Application.

In the case of rental properties or multi-unit dwellings, consent of the Strata Management must be obtained prior to making an application to Council to prune the tree.  A copy of the resoulution of the Strata committee should also be attached. If the owners are a company, the signature of the Directors, the ABN and/or company seal should be provided.

The following fees apply in accordance with Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges.

A Development Application is required when proposing to prune or remove a tree(s) if the tree is part of a heritage item, the tree falls within a heritage conservation area or is listed on Council’s Significant Tree Register.

The purpose of a Tree Removal Development Application is intended as a process to resolve important tree issues (including tree safety issues) but cannot be used to proactively or retrospectively remove trees from a site in order to permit Exempt or Complying Development.

You will NOT need to submit a separate application for tree removal if tree removal is proposed as part of a Development Application for the construction of a building, swimming pool or other ancillary structures.

From 1 July 2020, all planning applications, including Development Applications and Complying Development Certificates for Strathfield Council will need to be electronically lodged online via the NSW Government Planning Portal.

Paper applications will no longer be accepted.

Council’s Duty Planners are available on 02 9748 9999 or council@strathfield.nsw.gov.au to provide advice and assistance.

In the case of rental properties or multi-unit dwellings, consent of the Strata Management must be obtained prior to making an application to Council to remove the tree.  A copy of the resolution of the Strata committee should also be attached. If the owners are a company, the signature of the Directors, the ABN and/or company seal should be provided.

A development application for the removal of trees will be notified to adjoining properties for a minimum of 14 days.

Fees apply in accordance with Council’s Schedule of Fees and Charges.

Part O – Tree Management of Strathfield Council’s Comprehensive Development Control Plan 2005 prohibits the following:

• Cutting down, removing, injuring or poisoning any part of a tree above or below ground, having a height greater than four (4.0) metres or a girth greater than half (0.5) metre measured at point one (1.0) metres above ground level.
• Undertaking works within 5 metres from the base of a tree
• Failing to plant, protect or care for a tree which is required to be planted, protected or cared for as a condition of consent.

Consent will generally NOT be given to remove or prune a tree for the following reasons:

• leaf, fruit, bark, or twig drop
• minor shading
• view improvement

Council consent is not required for:

• Pruning, control and eradication or removal of trees, which are listed as noxious weeds by the Department of Primary Industries for the Strathfield Local Government Area.  Refer to the website:  Department of Primary Industries for the Strathfield Local Government Area
• Exempt species area listed in Appendix 2 of the DCP unless the trees are or form part of a heritage item and/or are a contributory element to the heritage significance of a conservation area or where the tree is listed on Council’s Significant Tree Register.
• Removal of dead branches from a tree in accordance with AS 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees.

Owners must notify their neighbours of any proposed tree removal or pruning prior to commencement of work.

Property owners or agents/strata management may only apply to remove a tree wholly located within a property.

Council recommends that photos be taken by property owners prior to the removal of the above in order to confirm the identity of trees should the need arise.

Penalties for Breaches 

Substantial penalties and legal costs have been awarded to the Council for offences for unauthorised pruning and removal of trees. Where breaches are evident, the general policy of the Council is to prosecute.

If you remove, damage, or lop a tree without Council’s consent, you may be liable to a significant fine.

Please be aware that trees on public land, including Parks and nature strips are Council property.

As a site manager, contractor, property owner, business owner, rental property manager or strata committee member, you may also be liable to a penalty for engaging or allowing another person to remove, prune or lop a tree without Council’s consent.

The maximum penalty in the Land and Environment Court of NSW is $1.1 million plus orders, for each tree or offence.

Illegal Tree Pruning By Tree Lopping Contractors 

It has come to Council’s attention that residents are being approached by as yet unidentified tree contractors, proposing unsolicited tree works that are stated to not require Council approval or are said to fall within Council’s “10% rule” of acceptance and therefore not requiring a Tree Pruning Permit.

Typically they give a false first name, do not provide a business name, ABN number, or insurer and contact information, ask for cash payment (often in advance) and do not provide an invoice.  Their work is often incomplete, or creates tree hazards and tree health issues that did not previously exist.

Please note that within the Strathfield Council Municipality no such 10% or distance from trunk to building exemption rule applies.

Council is committed to maintenance and enhancement of its green canopy.

Perpetrators of illegal tree works are liable to prosecution as are those (the unsuspecting property owners) allowing such works to occur. The maximum penalty in the Land and Environment Court of NSW is $1.1 million plus orders, for each tree or offence.

Residents are requested to report these tree lopping contractors and if possible provide the street or address, business name that is on the vehicle, a truck description and most importantly the registration number.

Want to prune overhanging branches from a neighbour’s tree in the Strathfield area? You need to apply for permission. Find out more.

What you need to know

If you’d like to prune overhanging branches from a neighbour’s tree, you need to apply for permission. All trees of a certain size are protected in the Strathfield area. Although you don’t need your neighbour’s permission, you may want to tell them of your intentions beforehand as a courtesy.

We will also notify your neighbour of your application and they will be given 14 days to comment before it’s determined. If we approve your application, all pruning must be done on your property – the permit does not give you or your contractor permission to enter your neighbour’s place.

Only your neighbour can give you permission to prune the tree from their property.

Please note,  you can only apply to prune a neighbour’s tree. We will not accept your application if it relates to removing a neighbour’s tree. We cannot grant you permission to remove your neighbour’s tree without their consent.

Disputes over trees

Disputes over trees can sometimes arise between neighbours.  Please see this section of the website for further information: Trees on Neighbouring Property.