Mosman Municipal Council tree removal rules
Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Mosman Municipal 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 Mosman Municipal Council?
Trees about 5m tall or 45cm trunk (circumference at 300mm above ground level) or larger are generally protected and need approval.
Trees in Mosman are protected under SEPP 2021 if 5m tall or 450mm circumference (measured 300mm above ground), and require Council permit for removal unless exempt species (including Camphor Laurel, Citrus, Cocos Palm, Coral Tree, Cotoneaster, Cypress species, Leyland Cypress, Mulberry, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Oleander, Paw Paw, Privet, Prunus, Rubber Tree, Umbrella Tree, Wild Olive, Willow), dead wood, or under 10/50 clearing scheme.
When you may not need approval
- Camphor Laurel
- Citrus trees
- Cocos Palm
- Coral Tree
- Cotoneaster
- Cypress varieties
- Hackberry
- Hibiscus
- Leyland Cypress
- Mulberry
- Oleander
- Paw Paw
- Privet
- Prunus
- Rubber Tree
- Umbrella Tree
- Wild Olive
- Willow
- biosecurity-declared plants
- dead wood on private land
How to apply
Complete online application with supporting documentation; Council's Tree Management Officer reviews and determines within 10 working days; appeals available with independent arborist report and additional fee.
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 Mosman Municipal Council?
Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.