Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Brisbane area?

Yes, usually — Brisbane requires approval to remove or significantly prune a protected tree under its Development Control Plan, unless an exemption (such as a dead or dangerous tree) applies. Check the details on this page and confirm with the council.

What trees are exempt in Brisbane?

Emergency tree removal with photographic evidence within 10 days Trees less than 20cm trunk diameter in specific contexts (dead trees/limbs, boundary fences) Routine pruning of non-significant vegetation (max 20% foliage removal per 12 months) Utility maintenance pruning Non-protected garden vegetation

Brisbane tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Brisbane 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.

Check my tree

Legal basis: Planning Act 2016 + council local laws and Vegetation Protection Orders; Vegetation Management Act 1999 (mainly rural/native vegetation).

● Researched· last checked 2026-06-29official source ↗

Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.

Which trees are protected in Brisbane?

Trees about 30cm trunk (diameter at 1.4m above natural ground level; garden trees over 30cm require permit; Schedule 2 species 60-100cm thresholds) or larger are generally protected and need approval.

Brisbane protects vegetation through multiple layers: Significant Urban Vegetation (SUV mapped areas), Significant Landscape Trees (Schedule 2 species with 60-100cm thresholds), Significant Native Vegetation (SNV mapped areas), Waterway/Wetland Vegetation, and Vegetation Protection Orders. Protection based on geographic zones, vegetation registers, species-specific thresholds, GIS mapping—NOT universal size cut-off. Garden trees over 30cm trunk diameter also protected. Most residential trees fall under protection via SUV classification.

When you may not need approval

Emergency tree removal with photographic evidence within 10 days
Trees less than 20cm trunk diameter in specific contexts (dead trees/limbs, boundary fences)
Routine pruning of non-significant vegetation (max 20% foliage removal per 12 months)
Utility maintenance pruning
Non-protected garden vegetation

How to apply

Permit required for all protected vegetation removal on private land. Council assesses against tree health/structure, risks to life/property, vegetation values. Case-by-case decision within 20 working days. Penalties range from infringement notices to prosecution.

Other rules that can override the above

Council Vegetation Protection Orders / significant tree registers.
State Vegetation Management Act (native vegetation).
Federal EPBC Act.

Brisbane tree removal rules

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Which trees are protected in Brisbane?

When you may not need approval

How to apply

Other rules that can override the above

Do I need a permit in Brisbane?

Suburbs in Brisbane