Georges River Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Georges River Council area — which trees are protected, the main exemptions, and how to apply for approval. This is the authoritative summary we keep for this council; always confirm against the official source linked below.
Legal basis: State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021, Ch. 2 (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) + each council's Development Control Plan (DCP).
Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.
Which trees are protected in Georges River Council?
Trees about 3m tall or 10cm trunk (diameter at ground level) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Trees 3m tall OR 100mm diameter OR 3m branch spread are protected; residents apply with fee for council arborist visual assessment; imminently dangerous trees need AQF5 arborist documentation within 72 hours; exempt species list in Council's Tree Management Policy (page 12) and minor pruning/deadwood removal are exempt—but AS 4373-2007 reference unsupported and emergency services exemption absent from fetched source.
When you may not need approval
- Dead, dying or dangerous trees
- Works by authorised emergency services (Council, SES, Rural Fire Service)
- Exempt species: Bamboo, Cocos Palm, Coral Tree, Rubber Tree, Silky Oak, Oleander, Lombardy Poplar, Common Willow, Umbrella Tree, Privet, Tree of Heaven, Wild Olive, Leighton Green, Honey Locust, Black Mulberry, Rhus Tree, Cootamundra Wattle
- Minor pruning to AS 4373-2007 standards
How to apply
Complete the Application to Prune or Remove Tree(s) on Private Property form, lodge at the customer service centre with application fee, and Council will conduct a Visual Tree Assessment before issuing a written permit with conditions.
Other rules that can override the above
- RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing scheme — in a designated bush-fire area you may be able to clear trees within 10m of your home (and underlying vegetation within 50m) without council approval. Check eligibility with the NSW RFS online tool; it does not override threatened-species or federal law.
- Heritage items and heritage conservation areas — trees are usually protected regardless of size and most exemptions fall away.
- Threatened species, endangered ecological communities and Aboriginal places — exemptions generally do not apply.
- Federal EPBC Act — separate Commonwealth approval can be required if removal would significantly impact a nationally listed species or community.
Do I need a permit in Georges River Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.