100 mm trunk at 500 mm high
A single or multi-trunked tree with a trunk diameter of 100 mm or more, measured 500 mm above ground level, is protected. That catches most established garden trees.
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Council tree removal guide. Permits lodged for you.
Sutherland Shire Council Tree Removal
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.
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Sutherland Shire Council tree removal
What Sutherland Shire protects, and what it takes to get a tree approved for removal.
Sutherland Shire's tree rules sit in Chapter 39 of its Development Control Plan. They catch more trees than most owners expect, and a few of the exemptions people rely on don't work the way they think. This page sets out the rules as Council publishes them, so you know where you stand before you spend money.
The short version: if the trunk is 100 mm across at 500 mm above the ground, the tree is protected unless it is on Council's exempt list. Trees close to the house are treated more favourably, but you still have to apply. Applications are normally decided within 28 business days, and a permit lasts two years.
The rules
Which trees are protected in Sutherland Shire.
All bushland vegetation
Any bushland vegetation, including mangroves, is protected whatever its size. On bush-edge blocks in Engadine, Heathcote, Grays Point, Bundeena and along the Georges and Woronora rivers, that matters.
Within 4 m of a creek
Any tree or riparian vegetation growing within 4 metres of a creek or watercourse is protected, again regardless of size.
Replacement planting
When Council approves a removal it sets replacement planting: 4 new trees for every 1 removed on a single dwelling, and 8 for 1 on dual occupancy, medium and high density, commercial, industrial and subdivision sites.
Exemptions
Work you can do without a permit — and the common misreadings.
Exempt species
Council's exempt list includes Camphor Laurel, Liquidambar, Canary Island Date Palm, Cocos (Queen) Palm, Radiata Pine, Lombardy Poplar, Silky Oak, Large-leaved and Small-leaved Privet, Rubber Tree, Weeping Fig, Umbrella Tree, Italian Cypress, Bunya Pine, Loquat, Black Mulberry, citrus, apple and Prunus species, plus listed weeds such as Lantana and bamboo. Check the exact species before you cut — a lookalike native is still protected.
Minor pruning
Pruning that removes no more than 10% of the canopy in any 12 months is exempt, as is cutting storm-damaged branches back to the nearest junction or collar, and cutting branches that directly overhang the roof of a house back to the nearest junction to clear the roofline (with the tree owner's agreement).
Within 3 m of the house — you still apply
Council will permit removal of a tree within 3 metres of a dwelling or swimming pool, but an application must still be made. The distance is measured from the external wall (or the edge of the foundation slab) to the trunk at 500 mm above ground. Decks, garages, sheds and fences don't count.
Immediately dangerous trees
A tree whose instability is obvious and which poses immediate danger to life or property can be removed without a permit — but you need evidence: a Council, Police or emergency services officer witnessing it, a report from an AQF Level 4+ arborist, or photos with statutory declarations from third parties. Keep the evidence.
Recent Shire work
Removals and stump grinding across the Shire.
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.
Arborist reports
Who can write the report Sutherland Shire accepts.
This is where Sutherland Shire differs from most councils. A report is optional with a first application, but it can make the difference, and if a permit is refused Council asks for an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist's report that includes a TRAQ risk assessment. Council also requires that the arborist be an independent consultant with no affiliation with a tree contracting company.
Because True Roots carries out tree work, we don't write reports for Sutherland Shire applications. What we do: look at the tree, tell you honestly whether it's likely to need approval and whether it's exempt, point you to an independent consulting arborist when a report will help, and carry out the approved work to the conditions on the permit — including the replacement planting.
The process
From first photo to finished job.
1. Send a photo and the address
We confirm the species, trunk size and distance from the house, and check the address against bushfire and bushland mapping.
2. Exempt or apply
If it's exempt we quote the work. If it needs a permit, you apply online through Council's eProperty portal or at the Council building, 4–20 Eton Street, Sutherland.
3. Council decides
Applications are normally determined within 28 business days of a complete application and payment. Permits are valid for two years.
4. We do the work
Fixed price, to the permit conditions, with the site cleaned up and the replacement trees planted if you want us to.
Bushfire areas
The 10/50 rule and hazard reduction.
Work carried out under the NSW Rural Fire Service 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code, or under an RFS hazard reduction certificate, is exempt from Council's tree controls. Whether your block is in a 10/50 entitlement area depends on the exact address, so check it with the RFS online tool first — see our 10/50 rule guide.
FAQ
Sutherland Shire tree removal questions.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Sutherland Shire?
Yes, if the trunk is 100 mm or more in diameter at 500 mm above ground, or it is bushland vegetation, or it is within 4 m of a creek — unless the species is on Council's exempt list or the work falls under another exemption such as the 10/50 code.
Can I remove a tree within 3 metres of my house without a permit?
No. Council will permit it, but you still have to apply and be approved. The 3 m is measured from the external wall or slab edge to the trunk, at 500 mm above ground, and doesn't apply to decks, garages, sheds or fences.
How long does a Sutherland Shire tree permit take?
Council says applications are normally determined within 28 business days from when a complete application is received and paid for. Permits are valid for two years.
How much pruning can I do without approval?
Minor pruning that removes no more than 10% of the canopy in any 12-month period is exempt, along with cutting storm-damaged branches and branches directly over the roof back to the nearest junction.
Is Camphor Laurel or a Cocos Palm protected in the Shire?
No — both are on Council's exempt species list, along with Liquidambar, Canary Island Date Palm, Radiata Pine, privet, Rubber Tree and Weeping Fig, among others. Confirm the species first.
Can True Roots write the arborist report for my application?
Not for Sutherland Shire. Council requires reports from an independent consulting arborist with no affiliation to a tree contracting company. We'll point you to one when a report will help, and do the approved work.
What happens if a tree is removed without approval?
Council says illegal tree work can lead to significant fines and enforcement action in the Local Court or the NSW Land and Environment Court.
Do I have to replant after removal?
Usually. Approved removals come with replacement planting — 4 trees for every one removed on a single dwelling, and 8 for 1 on larger developments.
Rules summarised from Sutherland Shire Council's Trees on private land page and DCP Chapter 39. Council rules change; always check the current version before starting work. Working near the Georges River boundary? See our Georges River Council guide. For work in Cronulla, Miranda, Caringbah and across the Shire, see tree services Sutherland Shire.