Tree Removal Rules in Randwick Council

Randwick City Council covers some of Sydney's most recognisable eastern suburbs, and if you are thinking about removing a tree on your property, there are controls you need to be aware of before any work begins.

Why Randwick Council protects trees

The Randwick local government area includes suburbs such as Randwick, Coogee, Maroubra, Kensington, Kingsford, Clovelly, Malabar, and La Perouse. The area spans coastal environments, established residential streets, and pockets of significant native vegetation.

The council's tree preservation controls exist to maintain canopy cover, protect environmental values, manage urban heat, and preserve the character of residential neighbourhoods. Trees on private property are included in these controls, not just street trees or those on public land.

What the tree preservation controls generally cover

Randwick Council's controls typically protect trees that exceed certain size thresholds defined in the council's Development Control Plan. The specific measurements — usually based on trunk diameter, height, or canopy spread — determine whether a tree falls within the protected category.

Key points:

• both native and exotic trees can be protected
• the controls apply to private property as well as public land
• significant pruning, not just removal, may require approval
• vegetation near coastal areas or in environmentally sensitive zones may have additional protections
• the thresholds should be confirmed against the current planning instruments

A tree does not need to be rare or heritage-listed to be protected. If it meets the size threshold, the controls are likely to apply.

When you are likely to need approval

Approval is generally required when:

• the tree meets or exceeds the size thresholds in the council's controls
• the tree is within an environmental protection zone or near the coast
• the property is in a heritage conservation area
• you are proposing removal or significant structural pruning
• the tree is identified as significant in local planning instruments

In the Randwick area, properties near the coast or within established residential streets are particularly likely to have trees that fall under the controls.

Exemptions: when approval may not be required

Some tree work may be exempt from the formal approval process, but exemptions are specific and should be verified:

• Dead trees — a tree that is genuinely dead may be exempt, though evidence of the tree's condition before removal is advisable
• Immediate danger — trees posing an imminent risk to life or property may be dealt with as an emergency, with documentation and notification expected
• Trees below the size threshold — small trees that do not meet the minimum dimensions in the controls
• Certain exempt species — some councils exclude particular species from protection, but this must be confirmed

Do not assume an exemption applies without checking. If the tree turns out to have been protected, the fact that you believed it was exempt does not prevent a penalty.

Coastal and environmental considerations

Parts of the Randwick LGA border the coast and include areas of significant environmental value. Trees and vegetation in these zones may be subject to additional protections under state environmental planning policies, not just the council's local controls.

Properties near:

• the coastline
• Malabar Headland
• Randwick Environment Park
• Botany Bay foreshore areas

may face stricter controls on vegetation removal. The interaction between state and local planning instruments can be complex, and it is worth confirming which rules apply to your specific site.

How to apply for tree removal approval

The general application process involves:

1. Confirm the tree is protected — check the council's current size thresholds and planning controls
2. Document the tree and the issue — photographs of the whole tree, the problem area, the tree's location on the property, and any visible damage or defects
3. Submit an application — Randwick Council has a process for tree removal permit applications, typically available through the council's website
4. Include supporting evidence — an arborist report is particularly useful for trees that appear healthy or where the reason for removal is not immediately obvious
5. Wait for assessment — the council reviews the application and issues a determination

Timeframes

Processing times vary. Simple applications for clearly dead or dangerous trees may be dealt with relatively quickly. Applications involving healthy trees, environmental sensitivities, or heritage considerations generally take longer.

Allow several weeks and start the process early. If the tree work is connected to a renovation or building project, factor the approval timeline into your project schedule.

Replacement planting

Randwick Council may require replacement planting as a condition of any approval granted. This is consistent with the council's goal of maintaining and growing canopy cover across the area.

Conditions may include:

• the number of replacement trees required
• species preferences, often favouring locally native plants suited to the coastal environment
• minimum size at planting
• planting locations on the property

These conditions are part of the formal approval and need to be followed through.

Penalties for unauthorised removal

Unauthorised removal of a protected tree can result in fines and remediation orders. The penalties are set by legislation and council policy and can be significant.

In addition to the immediate financial penalty, unauthorised removal can create complications for future development applications on the property. The council may also require replacement planting at a ratio that exceeds what would have been required if approval had been sought in the first place.

How an arborist can help

A qualified arborist can assist by:

• Assessing the tree — determining its health, structural condition, species, and whether it meets protection thresholds or exemption criteria
• Preparing a report — a professional arborist report provides the evidence the council needs to assess the application
• Identifying alternatives — pruning, canopy management, or root treatment may address the issue without requiring full removal
• Supporting the application — ensuring the application is complete and presents the case clearly

In the Randwick area, where coastal conditions and environmental overlays add complexity, professional advice is particularly valuable.

Frequently asked questions

Can I remove a tree in my Randwick backyard without council approval?

Only if the tree falls below the protected size threshold or qualifies for a specific exemption. Most established trees on private property in the Randwick area are likely to require approval.

What if the tree is dropping branches or appears unstable?

A tree that shows signs of structural failure or instability should be assessed promptly. If the risk is imminent, emergency work may be appropriate, but you should still document the situation and notify the council as required.

Do environmental protections apply to my property?

If your property is near the coast, a waterway, or an area of environmental significance, additional vegetation controls may apply beyond the standard tree preservation order. Check the planning maps or contact the council.

What happens if my neighbour removes a tree that shades my property?

If your neighbour removes a protected tree without approval, that is a matter between the neighbour and the council. You can report the removal to the council if you believe it was unauthorised.

Practical next step

If you have a tree on your Randwick property that you are considering removing, start by getting the right advice. Send us photos and a brief description, and we can help you understand whether council approval is needed and how to approach the process.

Helpful next pages:

• Tree Removal Sydney
• Tree Pruning Sydney
• Do You Need Council Approval to Remove a Tree in Sydney?