Mortdale based. Sydney wide. 15 years on the tools.
Land Clearing Sydney
AQF Level 5 arborists, our own machinery and council paperwork handled. Tell us about the job and we call you back the same day.
★ 5.0 from 71 Google reviewsAQF Level 5 arboristsISO 9001 certified$20M public liability
Residential land and block clearing across Sydney
Whether you’re preparing a block to build, opening up an overgrown yard, reducing bushfire fuel or clearing a development site, True Roots clears it with the right machinery and qualified arborists — then leaves the ground clean and ready for the next stage.
Because our team is led by AQF Level 5 arborists — not just machine operators — we can tell the difference between what must stay, what needs a permit, and what can simply go. That protects you from fines and re-work, and means trees worth keeping (and their root zones) aren’t accidentally destroyed. We clear for homeowners, builders, developers, strata and councils right across the St George area, the Sutherland Shire, Canterbury-Bankstown and greater Sydney.
Clearing a Sydney block for what comes next
Knock-down rebuilds and duplexes
Trees, stumps and roots cleared from the building footprint, with any trees your approval says to keep fenced off first.
Granny flats, pools and extensions
Part-block clears in a backyard, often through a narrow side gate, with the rest of the garden left untouched.
Overgrown blocks
Years of regrowth, dense undergrowth and woody weeds such as privet, lantana, camphor laurel and blackberry, and dead trees cleared back to open ground before a sale or a build.
Bush-edge blocks
Hazard reduction around homes next to bushland, checked against the NSW RFS 10/50 rules and your council’s rules first.
Development and commercial sites
Larger site clears run to the builder’s program, with tree protection and arborist sign-off where the consent requires it.
How much does land clearing cost in Sydney?
From our own 2026 jobs, a whole-block clear in Sydney is typically $6,000–$25,000 ex GST, depending mostly on how many trees there are and how big they are. Mulch left on site is free. Every job is quoted as one fixed price after we have walked the block.
| Job | Typical price (ex GST) | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Land clearing and vegetation removal (whole block) | $6,000–$25,000 | Number and size of trees, bushfire-zone work, invasive species. Mulch left on site is free. |
| Stump grinding (per stump) | $300–$900 | Ground below turf level; root treatment and backfill on request. |
| AQF Level 5 arborist report for council | $1,500–$2,000 | Only when council asks for one. Impact assessments for a development are quoted per site. |
What decides the price
- The trees. How many, how big, and whether any have to be taken down in sections near a house, fence or powerline.
- Access. Whether loaders and excavators can drive in, or everything has to come out through a narrow side gate.
- Stumps and roots. Grinding stumps below ground level, or pulling out root plates across a building footprint.
- Green waste. Mulch left on site costs nothing extra; carting it away adds to the price.
- Approvals. If council needs an application or an arborist report, it is quoted as its own line.
Removing just one or two trees? See tree removal prices.
Our land clearing machinery
Our own excavator, Avant loaders, chippers and trucks, run by our own crews and planned by an AQF Level 5 arborist.
How a land clearing job runs
1. Site assessment & quote
We walk the site, check access and what’s growing, and give you a clear fixed quote and timeline.
2. Check approvals
Our arborists flag protected trees, TPZs and anything needing council approval — so the clear is compliant.
3. Clear with the right gear
Our excavator, Avant loaders and chippers matched to the site — efficient work with care around what stays and your neighbours.
4. Mulch, remove & hand over
Green waste is mulched and recycled, debris removed, and the site left clean and ready for the next stage.
Do you need approval to clear land in Sydney?
Usually, for the trees. On urban land, the NSW Government says your local council manages clearing approvals; Local Land Services handles clearing on rural land. Under Chapter 2 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, each council sets out in its Development Control Plan which trees need a permit (NSW Planning). Our council approval table shows what some Sydney councils say.
Clearing for a new house, duplex or granny flat
If the clearing is part of a build, the trees are dealt with in the approval for that build. The NSW Planning Portal says removing trees to develop a site may be complying development, but protected trees cannot be removed as part of a Complying Development Certificate, and trees on a council’s significant tree register cannot be removed as part of complying development. Protected trees that stay need protecting during construction. We read your consent or CDC conditions before quoting, so only the trees it allows are removed.
The 10/50 bush fire rule
In a designated 10/50 entitlement area, the NSW RFS says you can clear trees within 10 metres of your home, and shrubs (but not trees) within 50 metres, without approval. You cannot clear trees on slopes over 18 degrees, and the Code does not allow clearing methods that disturb the soil profile, such as graders, ploughs or dozers. Check the RFS online tool on the day you clear. The 10/50 rule is not a way to clear a whole block.
Pipes and cables
Stump grinding, root removal and levelling all go below ground. A Before You Dig Australia enquiry is free and shows network services, but BYDA says domestic services do not usually appear on its plans, so tell us about any private pipes, irrigation or cables on the block.
Burning is not an option
Fire and Rescue NSW says open burning for any purpose is not allowed in the Sydney Basin without written authorisation. Cleared vegetation is chipped and either left as mulch or carted away for recycling.
Protecting the trees that stay
Machinery is the biggest risk to a tree you are meant to keep. Tree protection on development sites is set out in Australian Standard AS 4970:2025 (it replaced the 2009 edition, which some council checklists still cite), and councils apply it through consent conditions. Canterbury-Bankstown Council, for example, describes a fenced tree protection zone of 1.8 m chain wire mesh on steel posts, with no vehicle access, excavation or service trenches inside it, and, where other protection methods are proposed, usually requires an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist to design them or supervise their installation.
Our consulting arborist holds the AQF Level 5 Diploma of Arboriculture, so the same company can set out the protection, clear around it and sign it off. More on tree protection zones and arboricultural impact assessments.
Land clearing questions
How much does land clearing cost in Sydney?
From our own 2026 jobs, a whole-block clear is typically $6,000–$25,000 ex GST, depending mostly on the number and size of the trees, access, stumps and roots, and whether green waste is left as mulch (free) or carted away. You get one fixed price after we have walked the block.
What is the cheapest way to clear land?
Check first which trees need approval, so you only pay for applications you need. Keeping the mulch on site, leaving stumps outside the building area, and giving machines clear access all lower the price. Clearing everything in one visit costs less than coming back for each part.
Do I need council approval to clear land in Sydney?
Usually, for the trees. On urban land, your council manages clearing approvals, and its Development Control Plan sets which trees need a permit. Local Land Services handles clearing on rural land. We check the rules for your address before quoting.
Can trees be removed under a CDC for a new house or granny flat?
Sometimes. The NSW Planning Portal says removing trees to develop a site may be complying development, but protected trees and trees on a council’s significant tree register cannot be removed as part of a Complying Development Certificate. We read your CDC or DA conditions before quoting.
Does the 10/50 rule let me clear my block?
Only part of it, and only in a designated 10/50 area. The NSW RFS says you can clear trees within 10 m of your home and shrubs (not trees) within 50 m, no trees on slopes over 18 degrees, and no methods that disturb the soil profile, such as graders, ploughs or dozers. Check the RFS online tool on the day.
Can I burn the cleared vegetation?
Not in Sydney without written authorisation. Fire and Rescue NSW says open burning for any purpose is not allowed in the Sydney Basin without it. We chip the vegetation and leave it as mulch or cart it away.
What happens to the cleared trees and green waste?
Branches are chipped on site. You can keep the mulch for landscaping at no extra cost, or we cart it away to be recycled. Logs are removed, or left for firewood if you ask.
Do you remove stumps and roots before a slab is poured?
Yes. Stumps are ground below ground level and root plates are pulled out across the building footprint, so they do not cause problems under a slab or footings later. The block can then be levelled for the next trade (see stump grinding and site preparation).
How do you protect trees we are keeping?
Protected trees are fenced off before any machine goes in, following AS 4970:2025 and your consent conditions. Our AQF Level 5 consulting arborist can design and supervise the tree protection where council requires it.
Can you clear tight or hard-to-access sites?
Yes. We match the machine to the site, from compact loaders for narrow side access to our own excavator for open blocks, and protect fences, driveways and neighbouring trees as we go.
What about pipes and cables under the block?
We check Before You Dig Australia plans before digging. BYDA says domestic services do not usually appear on those plans, so tell us about any private pipes, irrigation or cables you know of.
How do I get a land clearing quote?
Send the suburb, rough block size, access width and a few photos using the form on this page, or call 0422 023 242. Site visits for quoting are free.
Where we clear land
Based in Mortdale, clearing blocks across Sydney. Local pages: Sutherland Shire · St George · Menai · Engadine · Heathcote · Hills District · Parramatta · Wahroonga · Pymble.
Services often booked with land clearing
Tree Removal Sydney
Safe removal of large or difficult trees before or during a site clear.
Stump Grinding Sydney
Grind out stumps left behind so the ground is level and build-ready.
Vegetation Management
Clearing regrowth, scrub and easements after the initial clear.
Arborist Reports
Council-ready reports where protected trees or development approvals are involved.
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.
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.