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This page contains information about Northern Beaches tree removal and pruning. If you live in another Sydney region, or want general information about tree removal services, please refer see our Tree Removal and Pruning Guide.

At a glance:

Trees on private property are protected by the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 (SEPP).
The Northern Beaches Council sets out what you can and can’t do without a tree work permit.
There are hefty fines from $3,000 and up to $1,100,000 for damaging or removing a protected tree without permission.
Some tree work activities, or special circumstances may qualify for a permit exemption.
Exempt tree species and priority weeds can be removed without a permit.

Northern Beaches Council

Until recently the Northern Beaches region consisted of Manly, Warringah and Pittwater councils. These were amalgamated in 2016 to form the Northern Beaches council.

Here is a list of all the Northern Beaches suburbs:

Allambie Heights	Curl Curl	Narrabeen
Avalon	Davidson	North Narrabeen
Balgowlah Heights	Dee Why	Narraweena
Balgowlah	Duffys Forest	Newport
Bayview	Elanora Heights	North Balgowlah
Beacon Hill	Elvina Bay	North Curl Curl
Belrose	Fairlight	North Manly
Bilgola	Forestville	Oxford Falls
Bilgola Plateau	Frenchs Forest	Palm Beach
Brookvale	Freshwater	Queenscliff
Church Point	Great Mackerel Beach	Scotland Island
Clareville	Ingleside	Seaforth
Clontarf	Killarney Heights	Terrey Hills
Coasters Retreat	Lovett Bay	Warriewood
Collaroy Plateau	Manly Vale	Whale Beach
Collaroy	Manly	Wheeler Heights
Cottage Point	Mona Vale
Cromer	Morning Bay

Under the SEPP regulations the Northern Beaches Council can declare what circumstances require a tree removal and pruning permit. This may include:

Species of vegetation
Size of vegetation
Location of vegetation
The presence of vegetation in an ecological community or in the habitat of a threatened species.

Illegal Tree Removal

There are heavy penalties for intentionally damaging, poisoning, pruning, cutting, ringbarking or removing a protected tree.

On the spot fines of $3,000, and up to $1.1million if the case goes to The Land and Environment Court of NSW.

Northern Beaches Council offers rewards of up $10,000 for information about tree vandalism that leads to successful prosecution.

Don’t take the risk. Work with a professional tree service company who can help you understand the restrictions and guide you through your permit requirements.

Northern Beaches Permit Self-Assessment

Complete this short quiz to find out instantly if you need a tree work permit, or if you qualify for a permit exemption.

Start Assessment

Northern Beaches Tree Removal Permit

If you need a council permit, you can download a PDF form or complete the application online. Before you begin check to see if your tree is on the exempt tree species list. You will also need to complete a site plan with details and owners consent.

Cost For Northern Beaches Tree Removal

There are two costs when removing a tree. (1) The cost for a council tree removal permit, and (2) the cost to remove the tree.

The Northern Beaches council charge a $168 non-refundable application fee. This includes the first tree, with an extra $48 for each additional tree. You can also request an onsite appointment with the Council Officer. This appointment is optional and carries an additional fee of $93.

Once approved, the cost to remove a small tree starts from $400. If you want a tree removal price estimate, complete our online price estimate or contact us for a quote.

Northern Beaches Arborist Report

Your application may also require an independent AQF Level 5 Arborist report when:

You want to remove a native tree.
The tree supports local habitat.
Heritage listed trees.
Trees of large amenity and visual significance.
Your tree poses an imminent danger to life or property.

Tree Removal Exemptions

You do not need a council permit if you tree meets the following criteria:

Under 5 metres in height.
On the Northern Beaches Exempt Tree Species List
Can be removed under the 10/50 Legislation.
Located within two metres of an existing approved building (not including decks, pergolas, sheds, patios or the like, even if they are attached to a building).
Poses a danger to life or property. May require an arborist report that must be sent to the council.
Any tree listed as a priority weed under the Bio Security Act 2015 and identified in the Greater Sydney Regional Weed Management Plan.
Dead, and not required as the habitat of native animals (photo evidence required)

Northern Beaches Pruning and Clearing Vegetation Exemptions

You can also prune and clear vegetation for the following reasons:

Pruning of up to 10% of a tree’s canopy within a year and in accordance with Australian standards
The removal of deadwood
Removal of parasitic plant from any part of a tree
Under the 10/50 Legislation when the property is mapped in the 10/50 entitlement area.

Need Help? Book a Tree Removal Quote

Not sure what tree species you have, or if you need a council permit? We can help.

Call and speak to a member of our team. We may be able to tell answer your question over the phone. Or alternatively, we can book a site inspection and quote. Where we will identify your tree, advise you if your tree is on the exempt list, and tell you all the steps you need to complete to get started.