Tree removal laws in South Australia

South Australia uses one statewide rule. A 'Regulated tree' — a tree with a trunk circumference of 1 metre or more (about 32cm diameter) measured 1 metre above the ground — generally needs development approval to remove or prune. A 'Significant tree' (2 metres circumference or more, about 64cm diameter) is protected even more strongly. These thresholds were lowered on 16 May 2024. The rules apply across Greater Adelaide and many regional council areas — always confirm your council is a designated area.

In SA, a 'regulated tree' (trunk circumference 1m+ / about 32cm diameter at 1m height) generally needs development approval to remove — with exemptions for small trees, certain species, and trees within 3m of a dwelling.

Usually yes — a genuinely dead, dying or imminently dangerous tree can often be removed without prior council approval in South Australia. But this is council-dependent and the exemption falls away for heritage or registered trees, so most councils expect evidence: get a qualified arborist's report and keep dated photos before the tree comes down. If the danger is immediate, make the area safe and call an arborist — and your electricity distributor first if powerlines are involved.

Even where an exemption would normally apply, approval can still be required because of: Significant trees (2m+ circumference) are protected even where a regulated tree might be exempt. Tree-damaging activity near a regulated/significant tree (e.g. building close to it) can also need approval. Federal EPBC Act for nationally listed species/communities. When any of these apply, assume the tree is protected and check before removing it.

Tree removal in Australia typically ranges from about $150–$500 for a small tree to $1,000–$3,000+ for a large gum, and $3,000–$15,000 for very large or difficult jobs near buildings or powerlines. The price depends on size, access, and whether stump grinding and green-waste removal are included — the only way to know yours is a free on-site quote from a local arborist.

Tree removal in South Australia is governed by Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 + Planning and Design Code — Regulated and Significant Trees. Your local council administers the day-to-day rules — always confirm the current requirements before removing a tree.