Tree Removal & Pruning Guide
Standfast Tree Services specialise in the care, pruning, and removal of trees through safe tree care operations.
Established in 1979, we are one of the premier Sydney tree removal companies. Our team is highly qualified and insured, and managed by our AQF level 3 and 5 arborists. We pride ourselves on our strict safety protocols, and conform to all local laws and regulations.
Here are our credentials:
- Registered with Arboriculture Australia as a Consulting & Practicing Member no. #2154.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AFQ) level 3 & 5 arborists
- Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) registered user.
- Arboricultural Impact Assessments complying with AS 4970-2009
- Pruning work complies with AS 4373-2007, Pruning of amenity trees
Tree services
Our tree risk management can help you assess the condition of your tree, the potential for environmental damage, and its impact to nearby property.
Construction work is perhaps most common cause of tree damage. If the root network around your tree is damaged or disturbed, it can weaken or even kill your tree. If you’re planning construction work, or you are concerned about the health of your tree, speak to our arborist or book an assessment.
Arborist report
You may need council approval to prune or remove a tree. If your tree is not listed on your LGA’s exemption list (details below), you will need to apply for a permit or development approval.
Where a permit is required, some applications will require an Arborist report with details about the size, type and condition of your tree. As well as a detailed description of the proposed tree work and safety protocols.
Each Local Government Area has their own unique set of requirements. It’s important to be aware of the restrictions, and document any proof you may need at a later date to avoid any legislative penalties.
Standfast Tree Services has produced Arborist reports for all Sydney LGA’s. As tree removal specialists, we understand the requirements, and can prepare a report to include all the necessary information.
Arborist Reports include a site survey and tree assessment. We check for safety defects, and produce a report on our findings. Including a tree management plan inline with your desired objective.
To request an Arborist Report, contact our team who will schedule an appointment today.
Sydney tree removal
Removing a tree requires specialist training, knowledge of tree anatomy, and safe tree working protocols. As well as experience working at heights and operating heavy machinery.
Even in good conditions, removing a large tree is a dangerous job. While many claim to have the necessary experience and training, not all will stand up to scrutiny. Hiring a team run by a qualified and experienced arborist gives you the confidence that your project is run in accordance with safety protocols and regulations.
Tree removal permit & development approval
Before you prune or remove your tree it is important to check for local government restrictions. Some trees are heritage listed and require development approval, while others may need a council permit.
As a general rule, you can remove a tree that:
- Is dead or dying
- Poses an imminent danger to life or property
- Is covered by the 10/50 Legislation
Most councils allow some pruning and small tree removal without a permit. However, the amount that can be pruned, and the size of the tree will depend on the LGA’s Tree Preservation Order or Development Control Plan.
Even if your tree fits one of the above criteria, you may still need evidence as proof that your tree is exempt. Which may require a certified assessment and report from a qualified Arborist.
Tree removal restrictions & exemptions
See the links below for information about the restrictions in your area. Or alternatively, speak to one of our team who can give you advice about how to proceed.
- Northern Beaches
- Lower North Shore
- Upper North Shore
- Inner West
- Eastern Suburbs
- Hills District
- Western Sydney
Removing a tree without approval, or failing to prove that a tree you removed was exempt may result in heavy fines. It’s best to speak to our team. We will do a site inspection and quote, and advise you on your LGA restrictions, and if you need to apply for a council permit.
Noxious plants & undesirable species
The table below lists the plants and trees included on the NSW undesirable species list:
| Common Name | Botanical Name |
|---|---|
| African Tulip Tree | Spathodea campanulata |
| Angels’ Trumpet | Brugmansia suaveolens, Brugmansia x candida |
| Athel Pine | Tamarix spp. |
| Black Locust | Robinia pseudoacacia & vars. |
| Broad Leaf Pepper Tree | Schinus terebinthifolius |
| Cadaghi Gum | Corymbia torelliana |
| Camphor Laurel | Cinnamomum camphora |
| Canary Island Date Palm | Phoenix canariensis |
| Chinese Celtis | Celtis sinensis |
| Chinese Tallowood | Triadica sebifera |
| Cockspur Coral Tree | Erythrina crista-galli |
| Cocos Palm/Queen Palm | Syagrus romanzoffiana |
| Coffee | Coffea arabica |
| Cootamundra Wattle | Acacia baileyana |
| Coral Tree | Erythrina sykesii |
| Cotoneaster | Cotoneaster spp. |
| Evergreen Ash | Fraxinus griffithii |
| Giant Bird of Paradise | Strelitzia nicolai |
| Golden Rain Tree | Koelreutaria paniculata |
| Golden Willow Wattle | Acacia saligna |
| Green Cestrum | Cestrum parqui |
| Honey Locust | Gleditsia triacanthos cultivars |
| Ice Cream | Bean Inga edulis |
| Jacaranda | Jacaranda mimosifolia |
| Leucaena | Leucaena leucocephala |
| Loquat | Eriobotrya japonica |
| Mexican Fern Tree | Schizolobium parahyba |
| Mount Morgan Wattle | Acacia podalyrifolia |
| Night Scented Jasmine | Cestrum nocturnum |
| Norfolk Island Hibiscus | Lagunaria patersonia |
| Ochna | Ochna serrulata |
| African Olive | Olea europaea spp. Cuspidate |
| European Olive | Olea europaea spp. Europaea |
| Poplar | Populus spp. |
| Princess Tree | Paulownia fortunei, P. tomentosa |
| Privet – Large Leaf | Ligustrum lucidum |
| Privet – Small Leaf | Ligustrum sinense |
| Radiata Pine | Pinus radiata |
| Rhus Tree | Toxicodendron succedaneum |
| Rubber Tree | Ficus elastica |
| Silky Oak | Grevillea robusta |
| Slash Pine | Pinus eliottii |
| Tagasaste | Chamaecytisus palmensis |
| Tree of Heaven | Ailanthus altissima |
| Tung Oil Tree | Aleurites fordii |
| Umbrella Tree | Schefflera actinophylla |
| Wild Tobacco Tree | Solanum mauritianum |
| Weeping fig | Ficus benjamina |
| Hills Fig | Ficus hillii |
| Willows | Salix spp. |
| Yellow Bells | Tecoma stans |
NB: This list is some but not all of the trees that may be on your LGA exempt list. Likewise, some of the trees listed here may still require a council permit. See your LGA tree removal restrictions for more details.
Sydney tree removal cost
There are two general costs when removing a tree.
- Local Council permit fee
- Pruning and tree removal service fee
The cost of a permit will vary depending on your local government area. However, if your tree is on the LGA exemption list, or is dead, dying, dangerous, or covered by the 10/50 Legislation, then you do not need a council permit.
The cost for small tree removal starts from $400. Additional costs apply for:
- Larger trees
- Trees with safety defects
- Proximity to powerlines
- Difficult access
Small tree vs large tree removal
Some small trees are automatically exempt from requiring a council permit. This can save you hundreds of dollars in permit and application fees.
The height definition of a small tree can vary from one LGA to another. Whereas, additional exemptions may also apply to certain species.
In addition to permit fees, removing a small tree requires less labour and heavy machinery. Our team can remove up to ten small trees for every one large tree.
Here’s our tree size guideline:
- Small tree under 8m high with a trunk diameter less than 300mm.
- Medium tree 8-15m high with a trunk diameter of 300-500mm.
- Large tree over 15m high with a trunk diameter of more than 500mm.
Removing trees and vegetation under the 10/50 legislation
The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of Practice has been prepared in accordance with section 100Q of the Rural Fires Amendment (Vegetation Clearing) Act 2014. It allows people living in bushfire risk zones to remove trees and vegetation that may pose a fire safety risk.
The 10/50 scheme allows people in a designated area to:
- Remove trees within 10 metres of a home, without seeking council approval
- Clear underlying vegetation (but not trees) on their property within 50 metres of a home,
For more information about the 10/50 scheme and whether or not it applies to your property, see our guidelines for your LGA.
Tree pruning
Pruning your tree can be done at any time of the year. It typically involves removing dead, diseased, or weak branches, to improve the integrity and aesthetics of the tree. It can also help to improve airflow and light through the crown of the tree and to the surroundings.
A well maintained tree looks great and can add value to your property. A poorly maintained tree can form defects and cause a safety hazard to people and the surrounding infrastructure. Our level 5 arborist can help you plan which branches to remove to improve the heath, structure, and appearance of your tree.
Tree pruning on private property
Each local government area issues guidelines on what tree work requires a permit. Tree pruning restrictions apply to some tree species. You can check the restrictions and exempt list, or speak to our team for more information.
As a general rule, you do not need a permit to prune dead and dangerous branches. However, you may need to document the health and condition of the tree before you begin.
LGA’s also allow the pruning of a percentage of the trees canopy for general tree maintenance.
Small tree pruning
Pruning your tree while it is still young will help it to develop strong structure and form. Which can help to prevent the need for corrective pruning once it has matured.
While you can prune some small trees yourself, it is best if you know a bit about tree biology. Removing the wrong branch when it is small, can cause lasting damage to the tree’s long term health.
Large tree pruning
Larger trees should only be pruned by a qualified arborist. Working at heights and with dangerous equipment increases the risk of personal injury and property damage.
It’s important that all tree work is insured and performed under strict safety protocols. In the event of an accident, you need to know that any injury and liability is covered by your insurance policy.
Standfast Tree Services Insurance Policy Details
- $20 million public liability insurance with PAS Personnel, Policy no. 41 A573753 BPK
- Workers Compensation Insurance with iCare, Policy no. 115309801
- Motor – Fleet insurance with Global Transport & Automotive Insurance Pty Ltd, Policy no.CPG011954
- Professional Indemnity Insurance $5m, Policy no. HC-ME-SPC-02-120839