Liverpool City Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Liverpool City 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 Liverpool City Council?
Trees about 3.5m tall or 40cm trunk (diameter at 1m) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Protected tree requires at least one threshold: height >3.5m, canopy spread >4m, or trunk diameter ≥400mm at 1m; permit required for removal on private property via application form.
When you may not need approval
- dead/dying/dangerous trees not required as native fauna habitat
- domestic fruit trees
- within 3m of dwelling/garage/pool
- RFS 10/50 Code removals
- listed pest species (willow, poplar, rubber, coral)
How to apply
Download and complete Prune or Remove a Tree on Private Property Application Form at liverpool.nsw.gov.au; pay $42 administration fee (waived for healthcare/pensioner cardholders) plus $16.40 per tree assessment fee; contact Council at 1300 362 170 or lcc@liverpool.nsw.gov.au.
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 Liverpool City Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.
Suburbs in Liverpool City Council
- Ashcroft
- Austral
- Badgerys Creek
- Bradfield
- Bringelly
- Busby
- Carnes Hill
- Cartwright
- Casula
- Cecil Hills
- Cecil Park
- Chipping Norton
- Denham Court
- Edmondson Park
- Elizabeth Hills
- Green Valley
- Greendale
- Hammondville
- Heckenberg
- Hinchinbrook
- Holsworthy
- Horningsea Park
- Hoxton Park
- Kemps Creek
- Len Waters Estate
- Leppington
- Liverpool
- Luddenham
- Lurnea
- Middleton Grange
- Miller
- Moorebank
- Mount Pritchard
- Pleasure Point
- Prestons
- Rossmore
- Sadleir
- Silverdale
- Voyager Point
- Wallacia
- Warwick Farm
- Wattle Grove
- West Hoxton