Tree Removal in the Sutherland Shire: Council Rules

Sutherland Shire generally requires permission for private-tree removal unless a defined exemption applies. Pruning, heritage trees and urgent-risk cases have different requirements.

Pruning and exemptions

Council's private-tree guidance (opens in new tab) directs owners to DCP Chapter 39, clauses 4.3 and 4.4, for exempt species and work. Private-land pruning must meet the relevant conditions, including owner consent and the specified pruning standard.

Heritage pruning can require a Heritage Minor Works Notification and, for non-exempt work, a tree permit. Protected ecological or Aboriginal-heritage circumstances may require a development application.

Imminent-risk trees need evidence

Council's published urgent-risk process specifies an appropriately insured arborist with at least AQF Level 4, an inspection, photographs and a completed SEPP Exempt Imminent Risk Form. The owner and arborist must retain the records for at least two years.

Arrange the required independent assessment separately from AA's physical tree work. A tree-work quote is not certification under the urgent-risk process.

For a dead tree without an immediate hazard, check the ordinary exemption or application requirements; urgency should not be assumed.

Applications and replacement trees

Use the tree-permit form and online application links on Council's private-tree page. Include the proposed work, tree locations, reasons, consent and requested evidence. Wait for Council's inspection and determination before work begins. Permits normally last two years. Council's replacement requirements generally call for two trees on site or four off site per removal, as specified in the determination. A request to report a problem tree is not a tree-permit application.

An optional Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) report has its own consultant requirements. These are separate from the urgent-risk form and any report required to review a refusal. Confirm which report is needed before commissioning one.

Choosing the work

Deadwood removal, roof clearance and canopy reduction are different pruning applications. Whole-tree removal may be appropriate where retention is unsuitable and permission allows it. Grinding the stump is a separate option for the remaining above-ground obstruction.

See AA's Sutherland Shire service area, or use the Sydney council guide for another authority.

Confirm current requirements with Council before work.