Council tree removal guide. Permits lodged for you.
Tree removal & council approval in the Georges River area, Sydney
What the council allows, when you need a permit and how we lodge it. AQF Level 5 arborists, $20M public liability, fixed prices and the site left clean.
★ 5.0 from 71 Google reviewsAQF Level 5 arboristsISO 9001 certified$20M public liability
Georges River Council tree removal rules catch most homeowners by surprise — this guide covers when a permit applies, what it costs and how True Roots handles the whole Georges River Council tree removal process from application to cleanup.
Georges River: what we handle for you
A tree is protected once it is 3 m tall, 100 mm across at ground level or has a 3 m spread. Deadwooding and hedge trimming are exempt; a dead tree is not automatically exempt.
An imminently dangerous tree can be removed first and reported within 72 hours, but only with an AQF Level 5 arborist confirming the hazard — which we provide and lodge on the Exempt Tree Works Form.
Camphor Laurel under 6 m, Cocos palm and a short list of others can go without an application. We check the list before you pay for a report.
Unlawful removal starts at $1,500 for an individual and $6,000 for a company. Our report and application are $1,500–$2,000 ex GST; removals from $300 (palm) to $25,000+ (craned gum).
Tree work that’s compliant with Georges River Council.
Removing or heavily pruning a tree across the Georges River Council area — Hurstville, Mortdale, Oatley, Penshurst, Peakhurst, Lugarno and beyond — usually needs council approval. True Roots handles the work and the paperwork.
Georges River Council protects many trees under its tree management rules and Development Control Plan, even on private property. Removing a protected tree without approval can mean significant fines, so it pays to get it right.
As AQF Level 5 arborists we assess whether your tree is protected, prepare the council-ready arborist report or impact assessment required, and can lodge or support your application — then carry out the removal, pruning and stump grinding safely and cleanly. We’re local, Mortdale-based, and work across the Georges River area every week.
Council-compliant tree services.
Council-compliant removal
Protected-tree assessment, approval and safe removal — done by the book.
Arborist reports
Removal justifications, impact assessments and tree protection plans written to each council’s requirements.
Pruning & maintenance
Pruning to Australian Standards, within council rules.
Stump grinding
Stumps ground flush so you can reclaim or rebuild the space.
The local team councils and homeowners trust.
We know the rules
Georges River Council’s tree rules and DCP — we assess and document correctly.
We do the paperwork
Council-ready reports prepared and lodged, so you’re not stuck navigating it alone.
Local & insured
Mortdale-based, $20M insured, ISO 9001 — minutes away across St George.
Good to know.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in the Georges River area?
Usually, yes — Georges River Council protects trees over a set size or species, even on private land. We check whether yours is covered and prepare the report the council requires.
Which trees are protected?
It comes down to height, trunk size and species thresholds set by the council. We assess your specific tree and tell you exactly where it stands.
What’s the penalty for removing a protected tree?
Fines can run into the thousands of dollars per tree, plus possible replanting orders. We make sure every removal is approved and documented first.
How long does council approval take?
Council says it aims to complete the assessment and issue a permit within an eighteen-week timeframe, though dead or dangerous trees can often be actioned faster under an exemption with Council’s written confirmation.
Can you handle the council application for me?
Yes — we prepare the arborist report and can lodge or support your application end to end.
What our clients say
Real reviews from Sydney clients, quoted from our Google profile. Long reviews are shortened; tap Read more for the full review on Google.
Reviews …Really great service, professional, safe and accommodating. Difficulties of access easily overcome, good people to deal withRead more
David G.October 2026Jimmy and the guys were excellent at their job—very fast and very tidy. I highly recommend them, and I certainly wouldn't hesitate to use them again in the future. "True Roots" are the best.
Nomikos R.October 2026Removed 4 bunches of palm nuts and tidied everything up. Great job.
Matthew K.October 2026Jimmy and his crew were fast, efficient and professional! He was so helpful in removing a tree in our yard that was a safety hazard. I highly recommend True Roots and would not hesitate to use them again if needed.
Liz B.June 2026Jimmy and his team were excellent. Fast, reliable, well-priced and impressive work. Great to see such a good, local tree removal business and arborist in Mortdale and operating in the St George area. You will not be disappointed using these guys.
Jamie D.April 2026Great service! I liked how they cleaned up after they chopped down our tree. Efficient and very competitive pricing. I would happily book them again in the future.
Celia L.April 2026Jimmy and the two men working with him were professional, hard working and efficient with their time. They removed a large bougainvillea adjacent to the pool. I was very impressed with how well they did this, especially given how thorny it…Read more
Jan B.March 2026I recently hired True Roots to remove a large gum tree from my property, and I couldn’t be more impressed with their service. From the initial consultation to the final clean-up, the team of arborists were professional, efficient, and…Read more
Joseph2025Jimmy was amazing; right from the beginning, he was informative, professional and willing to work within our budget. We could not be happier with what he has delivered for us. We removed all our side trees and replaced them with hedges and…Read more
JJ2025Highly recommend the Team from True Roots, the boys came in and removed a Black Butt that was overhanging our house. Very competitive pricing and managed to squeeze us in. The stump was ground back and all waste was removed. Very professional and skilled workers. Will definitely use them again in the future.
Ben G.2024Highly recommend! James and the boys did an amazing job cutting down a large tree in my yard. Super professional, efficient, and left everything clean and tidy. Great service, and I’m really happy with the results. Will definitely call again for any future tree work! Thanks Andrew
Andrew M.2024Qualified, insured and accountable
- AQF Level 5 arboristDiploma of Arboriculture (AHC50524), TAFE NSW, 2024. About 15 years in arboriculture.
- ISO 9001 certifiedQuality management system certified to ISO 9001.
- $20M public liabilityPlus icare workers compensation. Certificates of currency sent with every quote.
- Australian StandardsTree pruning and trimming to AS 4373, tree protection on building sites to AS 4970.
- Indigenous-ownedOwned and operated by an Indigenous director. Registered NSW Government supplier on buy.nsw.
- 5.0 on Google71 reviews, every one from a real job. Read them.
Sorting a tree in the Georges River area?
Call True Roots — we’ll handle the council approval and the tree work, start to finish.
Get a free quote
Tell us what you need done and we will call you back to arrange a look. Every job is assessed individually - no two trees are the same.
Urgent or unsafe tree? Call 0422 023 242 - we answer 24 hours.