Mortdale based. Sydney wide. 15 years on the tools.
Tree Removal Sydney
Large, dangerous and tight-access removals, rigged down in sections or craned out over the house. AQF Level 5 arborists, $20M public liability, council permits handled. Fixed price, site left clean.
★ 5.0 from 70 Google reviewsAQF Level 5 arboristsISO 9001 certified$20M public liability
Safe, insured tree removal across Sydney
True Roots removes trees of every size across Sydney — from a small backyard tree to large, dangerous and storm-damaged removals near houses, fences and powerlines. AQF Level 5 arborists, $20M insurance, the right machinery, and a fixed price with the site left clean.
Removing a tree safely is about planning, not just cutting. We assess access, what’s below the canopy and how the tree needs to come down, then rig and lower it in sections where needed to protect your property and your neighbours.
Every quote is clear and fixed — no vague estimates. We handle council requirements and arborist reports where they’re needed, remove the timber and debris, and can grind the stump and tidy the area so you get the space back ready to use.
Tree removal services we provide
Large & dangerous tree removal
Big gums, pines and figs, leaning or unstable trees, and removals tight to houses, fences and powerlines — rigged and lowered safely in sections.
Residential & small tree removal
Backyard trees, dead or unwanted trees and overgrown growth removed cleanly, with the site raked and left tidy.
Storm & emergency removal
Storm-damaged, fallen and hazardous trees made safe and removed fast — 24/7 emergency response across Sydney.
Removal, stump & clean-up
Full service: tree down, timber and debris removed, stump ground out and the area left ready for lawn, garden or paving.
How much does tree removal cost in Sydney?
These are typical prices from our own 2026 jobs, per tree, excluding GST. Every job is quoted as one fixed price once we have seen the tree, in person or from clear photos.
| Job | Typical price (ex GST) | What moves it |
|---|---|---|
| Small tree or palm removal (under 5 m) | $300–$900 | Front-yard access is the cheap end; rear access or a stump adds to it. |
| Medium tree removal (5–10 m) with stump ground | $1,500–$4,000 | Sectional dismantle near a driveway, boundary or pool, waste removed. |
| Large or hazardous tree removal (10 m+) | $5,000–$25,000+ | Rigging or crane over the house, two to three days, traffic control where needed. |
| 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 | Needed when council asks for one. Impact assessments for a development (AS 4970) are quoted per site. |
More than one tree, an arborist impact assessment for a development, or a council application all add to the total. Two trees the same height can be priced very differently once access and what sits under them are counted.
What decides the price
- Size and species. Hardwood gums are heavy and slow to rig; palms and small ornamentals are quick.
- What is underneath. A tree over open lawn can be dropped in sections. A tree over a roof, pool or neighbour has to be roped down piece by piece, which takes far more crew time.
- Access. A crane or loader in the street shortens a job. A narrow side path means everything is carried out by hand.
- Council paperwork. If council needs an application or an arborist report, it is quoted as its own line.
Full breakdown, with worked examples, in our tree removal cost guide.
Recent Sydney tree removals
Photos from our own jobs. Client addresses are never published.
How a tree removal job runs
1. Free quote
We assess the tree, access and risk on-site or from a few photos, and give you a clear fixed price.
2. Approvals if needed
We tell you if the tree needs council approval or an arborist report — and handle it for you.
3. Safe removal
The crew rigs, cuts and lowers the tree safely, protecting your property and neighbours.
4. Clean & stump
Timber and debris removed, optional stump grinding, and the site swept and left tidy.
How a tree is taken down safely
Straight fell
Only where there is open ground to drop the whole tree in one controlled fall. Fastest and cheapest, but rare on a suburban block.
Sectional dismantle
A climber works down the tree, dropping pieces into a cleared drop zone. The standard method next to fences, sheds and gardens.
Rigging and lowering
When a roof, pool or paved area sits underneath, every section is tied off and lowered on ropes instead of dropped.
Crane or elevated work platform
For very large or dead trees that are unsafe to climb, or trees near powerlines. Sections are lifted out over the house, often in far less time.
The safety rules that apply
Tree work in NSW is covered by the SafeWork NSW Tree works Code of Practice, which commenced on 27 March 2026 and replaced the 1998 Amenity Tree Industry code. Among other things it says workers must not enter the drop zone while tree material is being felled or dropped, operators of an elevated work platform with a boom of 11 metres or more must hold a high risk work licence, and crane operators must hold a high risk work licence where the crane requires one.
On the day
The crew arrives with the gear planned for your job: climbers, rigging, the chipper, and the stump grinder if stump grinding is in your quote. The drop zone is fenced off and kept clear, and every piece is lowered or dropped to plan. Branches are chipped on site and you can keep the mulch. Logs are taken away or left as firewood if you ask. The yard is raked and blown down before we leave.
Qualified, insured and properly equipped
Qualified & insured
AQF Level 5 arborists with $20M public liability and workers compensation — safe, accountable removals every time.
Access & rigging specialists
The right machinery and rigging for tight blocks, backyards and trees over houses — without wrecking your yard.
Fixed price, clean finish
A clear quote with no surprises, debris removed and the site left tidy — not a half-finished job and a mess.
Dead, dangerous and storm-damaged trees
A dead tree is not automatically exempt. Inner West Council says removing a dead tree needs Council consent. Ku-ring-gai Council says no work can be carried out on a dead tree until Council confirms in writing that it is dead and not needed as habitat. Other councils have their own rules, so we check yours first.
A tree that is about to fail is handled differently. Georges River Council, for example, exempts imminently dangerous trees assessed by an AQF Level 5 arborist, as long as Council is sent an Exempt Tree Works Form within 72 hours of the removal. Our consulting arborist holds the AQF Level 5 Diploma of Arboriculture and can make that assessment.
If a tree has just come down: keep everyone clear and treat any wires as live. Ausgrid says to stay at least 8 metres (two car lengths) away from fallen powerlines and call 13 13 88; in Endeavour Energy areas call 131 003; call 000 if anyone is hurt. For storm damage to your roof, the NSW SES is on 132 500. Then call us on 0422 023 242, 24 hours.
More: 24-hour emergency tree removal and storm-damaged trees: what to do first.
Do you need council approval to remove a tree in NSW?
Often, yes. In Sydney’s urban areas, tree removal is controlled by Chapter 2 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, and each council sets out in its own Development Control Plan which trees need a permit. See NSW Planning: vegetation in non-rural areas. That is why the answer changes from one council to the next.
What some Sydney councils say
| Council | What the council page says |
|---|---|
| City of Sydney Our City of Sydney guide | Applications cost $98 and are assessed within 28 days. All tree work must be done by an arborist with at least AQF Level 3. Most removal permits require a replacement tree. Maximum penalties reach $2 million for companies and $500,000 for individuals. |
| Georges River Our Georges River guide | A tree is 3 m or taller, 100 mm or more in diameter at ground level, or has a 3 m branch spread. Imminently dangerous trees assessed by an AQF Level 5 arborist are exempt, but Council must be sent an Exempt Tree Works Form within 72 hours of the removal. Cutting roots also needs approval unless exempt. |
| Inner West Our Inner West guide | No consent is needed for a tree within 1 m of a house on the same lot, measured from the centre of the tree at 1.4 m above ground. Removing a dead tree does need consent. Arborist reports are not mandatory but can help an application. |
| Ku-ring-gai Our Ku-ring-gai guide | A tree is 5 m or taller, or has a trunk of 150 mm or more at ground level. No work can be carried out on a dead tree until Council confirms in writing that it is dead and not needed as habitat. |
| Mosman | All pruning needs consent unless the species is exempt, and Council generally will not approve removing trees to improve views. |
| Hunters Hill | Hedges can be cut back less than 500 mm, with branches under 30 mm, without a permit. Heritage items and significant trees need a development application, even for exempt species. |
| The Hills | Consent is needed to remove a tree or prune more than 10% of it. Removing, damaging or lopping without consent can bring a fine of up to $1.1 million. |
| Sutherland Shire Our Sutherland Shire guide | Pruning must follow Australian Standard AS 4373. Applications are normally decided within 28 business days and permits last two years. |
| Canterbury-Bankstown Our Canterbury-Bankstown guide | Applications are made online. Trees on a heritage item, in a Heritage Conservation Area or on a Biodiversity Site need a development application instead. |
The 10/50 bush fire rule
In a designated 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area, the NSW RFS says you can clear trees within 10 metres of your home without approval, and shrubs (but not trees) within 50 metres. It only applies to land inside the mapped area and to lawfully approved homes, not to trees on slopes over 18 degrees, and you should check the RFS online tool on the day you clear and keep a copy of the result. For trees covered by a council tree preservation order, the RFS says you do not need to advise council when clearing under the 10/50 Code.
Checked against each council’s and agency’s own website in October 2026. Rules change, so we confirm them for your address before any work starts. If a permit needs an arborist report, see arborist reports.
How to hire a tree removal company in NSW
This checklist comes from SafeWork NSW’s fact sheet on hiring tree work contractors and Hornsby Council’s advice on engaging a tree contractor. Use it on every company you call, including us.
- Qualifications. SafeWork NSW says contractors usually have someone with a Certificate II in Arboriculture for ground work and a Certificate III to supervise tree climbing, and that a tree assessment should come from an arborist with a Diploma of Arboriculture. City of Sydney requires at least AQF Level 3 for all tree work in its area.
- Insurance. Ask for a certificate of currency for workers compensation and public liability (and professional indemnity if they are giving advice). Hornsby Council recommends public liability of at least $20 million.
- A written quote. It should show the business ABN, contact details, exactly what work will be done and the cost. Hornsby suggests getting three quotes and paying only when the work is finished properly.
- A safe method. The contractor should be able to explain how they will do the job safely. Tell them about any underground tanks, gas, electricity or plumbing near the tree.
- Council approval. Check whether your council needs to approve the work before it starts. See the council table above.
- Warning signs. Be wary of anyone who turns up unannounced with a today-only deal, asks for cash up front, offers to drive you to the bank, or pressures you to sign.
How True Roots answers that checklist
- An AQF Level 5 consulting arborist (Diploma of Arboriculture, AHC50524, about 15 years in arboriculture) plans complex removals.
- $20M public liability and icare workers compensation, with certificates of currency sent with every quote.
- A written, fixed quote under our ABN that lists the work, the clean-up and any stump grinding.
- ISO 9001 certified quality management. Council checked before a saw starts.
Concerns about a tree contractor’s safety can be reported to SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.
Tree removal questions
How much does tree removal cost in Sydney?
From our own 2026 jobs, excluding GST and per tree: a small tree or palm under 5 m is usually $300–$900, a medium tree of 5–10 m with the stump ground is $1,500–$4,000, and a large or hazardous tree over 10 m is $5,000–$25,000 or more. More than one tree, a council application or an arborist impact assessment adds to the total. You get one fixed price after we have seen the tree.
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in NSW?
Often, yes. Under Chapter 2 of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, each Sydney council decides in its Development Control Plan which trees need a permit, so the rules change from council to council. We check your council’s rules for your address before quoting and can handle the application.
What trees can be removed without permission in NSW?
It depends on your council. Common exemptions include trees under the council’s size threshold, listed exempt species and, in Inner West, trees within 1 m of a house. In a designated 10/50 area the NSW RFS lets you clear trees within 10 m of your home without approval. Check your council’s own page or ask us to check before anything is cut.
Can I remove a dead tree without approval?
Not always. Inner West Council says removing a dead tree needs consent, and Ku-ring-gai Council says no work can be carried out on a dead tree until it confirms in writing that the tree is dead and not needed as habitat. Check with your council first.
How long does a tree removal take?
A small tree is usually done in a few hours. A large tree that has to be rigged down over a house can take one to three days. Your quote states the expected time so you can plan around it.
Do you remove the stump and clean up?
Clean-up is included in every quote: branches chipped, timber removed and the yard raked. Stump grinding is quoted as its own line and is cheapest done on the same day, while the machine is already on site.
What happens to the branches and timber?
Branches are chipped on site and you can keep the mulch for garden beds. Trunk wood is taken away, or left cut into rounds for firewood if you ask.
Will the removal damage my lawn or driveway?
Heavy sections are lowered on ropes rather than dropped onto paving, and ground protection goes down where machines cross soft lawn. Anything that could mark the site is discussed with you before work starts.
What is the cheapest way to get a tree removed?
Check first whether your tree is exempt from council approval, so you are not paying for an application you do not need. Easy front access costs less than a rear yard reached through a narrow side path. Keeping the mulch on site and leaving the stump in, if you do not need the ground cleared, also lowers the price. Be wary of anyone asking for cash up front, one of the NSW Fair Trading warning signs listed in our hiring checklist.
When should a tree be removed rather than pruned?
Usually when it is dead, has a structural defect such as a large split or decay that pruning cannot fix, is causing damage to a house or pipes that cannot be managed another way, or has become unsafe after a storm. Many problem trees can be kept with pruning instead. An arborist inspection tells you which applies.
Can you just remove one dangerous limb?
Yes. Not every problem tree needs to come down. Removing one limb or reducing the crown can fix the risk for much less. Our arborists will tell you when pruning is the better option. See tree pruning.
What about a tree on the boundary or my neighbour’s tree?
Council rules still apply to a neighbour’s tree. City of Sydney, for example, needs an application even to prune overhanging branches and does not allow cutting back to the property line. We can quote both owners on a shared tree. See overhanging trees and neighbour rights in NSW.
Can you remove a dangerous tree urgently?
Yes. We answer 24 hours on 0422 023 242. Keep everyone clear, treat any wires as live, and send photos with your suburb. See emergency tree removal.
How do I get a quote?
Send photos of the tree from a couple of angles, your suburb and how wide the side access is, using the form on this page, or call 0422 023 242. Site visits for quoting are free.
Where we remove trees in Sydney
Our crews are based in Mortdale and work across Sydney every week. Local pages with suburb-specific council rules:
Sutherland Shire
Sutherland · Kirrawee · Jannali · Como · Gymea · Miranda · Caringbah · Cronulla · Sylvania · Kareela · Engadine · Heathcote · Menai · Alfords Point · All of the Shire
North Shore
Mosman · Hunters Hill · Wahroonga · Pymble
West
Related services
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 Google70 reviews, every one from a real job. Read them.
Need a tree removed in Sydney?
Send a photo and your suburb, or book an on-site visit. We’ll give you a clear, fixed price — and if it’s dangerous, we can move fast.
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.