Do I need council approval to remove a tree on my own property in Australia?

Usually yes. In most urban areas you need your local council's approval to remove or heavily prune a protected tree, unless an exemption applies (such as a dead or dangerous tree). The size threshold and exemptions are set by each council, so they differ suburb to suburb. Use our free checker to see what likely applies at your address.

Is this site an arborist?

No. We're a free information and referral service. We publish tree-removal rules and connect you with licensed local arborists for quotes — you contract directly with them.

🌳 Free council rules for every Australian suburb

Can I remove this tree? Check your council's rules.

Tree-removal rules change suburb to suburb. Find out in 30 seconds whether you likely need council approval, a bushfire-clearing exemption, or nothing at all — then get free quotes from licensed local arborists.

Check my tree free →Browse rules by state

✓ 540 councils across Australia✓ Official sources cited✓ Free, no obligation