Sydney Tree Encyclopedia

Identify the tree in your yard, understand how it behaves, and find out whether your council needs to approve its removal. Filter by your suburb to see the rules that actually apply to your address.

Tree species

Sydney councils

Species exempt somewhere

Since 2009

Serving Sydney

69 of 69 trees

ExoticWeed

African Olive

Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata

Narrow leathery leaves that are dark grey green above and silvery below.

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ExoticWeed

Athel Tree

Tamarix aphylla

Fine grey green branchlets with tiny scale like leaves that give a feathery pine like appearance without being a conifer.

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ExoticWeed

Bamboo

Bambusa and Phyllostachys species

Hollow jointed canes in clumps or spreading stands.

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NativePalm

Bangalow Palm

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana

A slender ringed grey trunk topped by a smooth green crownshaft and arching feather shaped fronds.

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EucalyptNative

Blackbutt

Eucalyptus pilularis

Named for the dark rough fibrous bark on the lower trunk, which gives way abruptly to smooth white or cream bark on the upper trunk and branches.

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Native

Blueberry Ash

Elaeocarpus reticulatus

A slim upright small tree with leathery serrated leaves that often turn red before dropping individually.

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Native

Bottlebrush

Callistemon species

Named for the dense cylindrical flower spikes that look exactly like a bottle brush, usually crimson but also pink, white or green depending on the species.

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ExoticWeed

Box Elder

Acer negundo

Unusual among maples for its compound leaves with three to seven leaflets rather than a single lobed leaf.

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ExoticWeed

Broad-Leaf Privet

Ligustrum lucidum

Glossy pointed leaves in opposite pairs, with large sprays of small cream flowers in summer that carry a heavy sweet scent, followed by dense clusters of blue black berries.

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Native

Broad-Leaved Paperbark

Melaleuca quinquenervia

Thick spongy bark in papery cream and beige layers that peel off in sheets, which is the giveaway.

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Native

Brush Box

Lophostemon confertus

Short rough brown bark on the lower trunk giving way to smooth pinkish brown above.

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NativePalm

Cabbage Tree Palm

Livistona australis

A tall slender solitary palm with a ringed grey trunk and a crown of large fan shaped fronds on spiny stalks.

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ExoticWeed

Camphor Laurel

Cinnamomum camphora

A massive domed tree with glossy leaves that smell strongly of camphor when crushed, and pale new growth flushes in pink and bronze.

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ExoticPalmWeed

Canary Island Date Palm

Phoenix canariensis

A very thick trunk patterned with diamond shaped old frond scars, topped by a massive crown of long stiff fronds.

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Exotic

China Doll

Radermachera sinica

Glossy finely divided compound leaves giving a soft lacy appearance, on a fast growing upright tree.

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ExoticWeed

Chinese Hackberry

Celtis sinensis

Leaves with a distinctly lopsided base and teeth only on the upper half of the margin, which is the key identifier.

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Native

Coastal Banksia

Banksia integrifolia

Leaves are dark green above and distinctly silver white underneath, which flashes in the wind.

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ExoticPalmWeed

Cocos Palm

Syagrus romanzoffiana

A tall grey ringed trunk with no green crownshaft, topped by long arching feather fronds.

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NativeWeed

Cootamundra Wattle

Acacia baileyana

Fine feathery silver blue foliage and masses of bright golden ball flowers in winter and early spring.

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ExoticWeed

Coral Tree

Erythrina x sykesii

Thick corky bark studded with sharp conical thorns, and stout brittle limbs.

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ExoticWeed

Cotoneaster

Cotoneaster glaucophyllus

A large arching shrub or small tree with small grey green leaves, clusters of white flowers in spring and masses of orange red berries through autumn and winter that persist for months.

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Exotic

Crepe Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

Smooth mottled bark that peels to reveal cinnamon and cream tones, and multi stemmed sculptural trunks.

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ExoticWeed

Evergreen Alder

Alnus jorullensis

A fast growing upright tree with glossy serrated leaves and small woody cone like fruit that persist on the branches.

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Native

Forest Oak

Allocasuarina torulosa

Fine drooping needle like foliage that turns bronze or rusty in cold weather, and corky furrowed bark.

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EucalyptNative

Forest Red Gum

Eucalyptus tereticornis

Smooth mottled bark in white, grey and blue, shedding in irregular plates, often with a short rough collar at the base.

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Exotic

Frangipani

Plumeria rubra

Thick blunt grey branches that look almost sculptural when bare through winter, with large leaves clustered only at the tips.

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ExoticPalm

Giant Bird of Paradise

Strelitzia nicolai

Huge paddle shaped banana like leaves on tall clumping stems, with dramatic white and blue boat shaped flowers.

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ExoticPalm

Golden Cane Palm

Dypsis lutescens

A clumping palm with many slender yellow green canes rising from a single base, each ringed like bamboo, topped with arching feather fronds.

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ExoticWeed

Golden Robinia

Robinia pseudoacacia ‘Frisia’

Compound leaves with many small oval leaflets, golden yellow in the Frisia cultivar and green in the species.

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NativeWeed

Golden Wreath Wattle

Acacia saligna

Long narrow drooping blue green phyllodes rather than true leaves, and large bright golden ball flowers in spring.

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EucalyptNative

Grey Ironbark

Eucalyptus paniculata

Hard, deeply furrowed dark grey to black bark that persists over the entire trunk and branches and does not shed.

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ExoticWeed

Honey Locust

Gleditsia triacanthos

Fine compound leaves that cast light dappled shade and turn clear yellow in autumn.

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Native

Illawarra Flame Tree

Brachychiton acerifolius

Unmistakable in summer when the tree drops its leaves and covers itself in brilliant scarlet bell flowers.

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Exotic

Jacaranda

Jacaranda mimosifolia

Fine, twice divided fern like leaves and a spreading vase shaped crown.

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EucalyptNative

Lemon-Scented Gum

Corymbia citriodora

A tall slender tree with powdery smooth white to pale pink bark and a distinctly narrow crown.

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Exotic

Leyland Cypress

Cupressocyparis leylandii

A dense upright conifer with flattened sprays of scale like foliage, usually planted in a row as a screen.

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Native

Lilly Pilly

Syzygium smithii

A dense rounded tree or large shrub with glossy leaves and colourful flushes of pink or bronze new growth.

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Exotic

Liquidambar

Liquidambar styraciflua

Star shaped five lobed leaves that colour brilliantly in red, orange and purple through autumn.

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ExoticWeed

Lombardy Poplar

Populus nigra ‘Italica’

A tall narrow column of upright branches, quite unlike any other tree in a Sydney garden.

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Exotic

London Plane

Platanus x acerifolia

Unmistakable camouflage bark that flakes away in plates to leave a patchwork of cream, olive and grey.

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ExoticFruitWeed

Loquat

Eriobotrya japonica

Large leathery leaves with deep parallel veins and a rusty felted underside.

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Exotic

Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

Large thick glossy leaves, dark green above with a rusty felted underside, and enormous fragrant cream flowers up to 250mm across through summer.

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Native

Moreton Bay Fig

Ficus macrophylla

An immense spreading tree with huge glossy leaves up to 250mm long, dark green above and rusty brown beneath.

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ExoticFruit

Mulberry

Morus nigra

Large rough heart shaped leaves on a low spreading tree with a broad gnarled trunk.

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Exotic

Norfolk Island Hibiscus

Lagunaria patersonia

A neat conical tree with grey green leaves that are pale and felted beneath.

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Exotic

Norfolk Island Pine

Araucaria heterophylla

A perfectly symmetrical tree with branches in regular horizontal tiers and a straight dominant leader.

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Native

Old Man Banksia

Banksia serrata

Gnarled twisted form with thick warty grey bark.

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ExoticWeed

Oleander

Nerium oleander

Narrow leathery leaves in whorls of three along the stem, and clusters of pink, white or red flowers through the warmer months.

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Exotic

Ornamental Pear

Pyrus calleryana

A tidy upright teardrop shape covered in white blossom in early spring, before the leaves.

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Native

Port Jackson Fig

Ficus rubiginosa

A broad spreading tree with leathery dark green leaves that are often rust coloured and furry underneath.

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ExoticWeed

Radiata Pine

Pinus radiata

Needles in bundles of three, a coarse fissured dark bark and large woody cones that persist on the branches for years.

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Native

Red Bloodwood

Corymbia gummifera

Persistent rough, tessellated bark in reddish brown squares over the whole trunk and branches, quite different from the smooth barked gums it grows beside.

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ExoticWeed

Rhus Tree

Toxicodendron succedaneum

Compound leaves with nine to fifteen leaflets that turn a spectacular scarlet in autumn, which is why it was planted.

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ExoticWeed

Rubber Tree

Ficus elastica

Thick glossy oval leaves up to 300mm long, with a pointed pink sheath over each new leaf.

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EucalyptNative

Scribbly Gum

Eucalyptus haemastoma

Smooth white to pale grey bark marked with distinctive dark meandering scribbles left by the larvae of the scribbly gum moth.

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Exotic to SydneyNative

Silky Oak

Grevillea robusta

Fern like divided leaves with a silvery grey underside, on a tall upright tree.

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ExoticWeed

Small-Leaf Privet

Ligustrum sinense

Smaller duller leaves than Broad-Leaf Privet, often with fine hairs on the twigs.

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EucalyptNative

Spotted Gum

Corymbia maculata

Smooth bark shed in patches, leaving a dappled cream, grey and pink mottled trunk that is unmistakable.

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EucalyptNative

Swamp Mahogany

Eucalyptus robusta

Thick, soft, spongy red brown stringy bark over the whole trunk.

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EucalyptNative

Sydney Blue Gum

Eucalyptus saligna

A tall straight trunk with smooth blue grey to white bark that sheds in long ribbons, usually over a short stocking of rough bark at the base.

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EucalyptNative

Sydney Peppermint

Eucalyptus piperita

Finely fibrous grey brown bark on the trunk and larger branches, with smooth white branchlets above.

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Native

Sydney Red Gum

Angophora costata

A sculptural tree with a smooth salmon pink to orange trunk that sheds each summer to reveal fresh bright bark, and heavy twisting limbs.

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ExoticWeed

Tree of Heaven

Ailanthus altissima

Very large compound leaves up to a metre long with eleven to twenty five leaflets, each with a distinctive notch and gland near the base.

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Native

Tuckeroo

Cupaniopsis anacardioides

A neat rounded tree with compound leaves made of four to ten leathery rounded leaflets.

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Native

Turpentine

Syncarpia glomulifera

Thick fibrous stringy bark in a distinctive reddish brown, soft enough to press a thumb into.

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ExoticWeed

Umbrella Tree

Schefflera actinophylla

Large glossy leaves with seven to sixteen leaflets radiating from a central point like an umbrella.

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Native

Water Gum

Tristaniopsis laurina

A small neat tree with smooth mottled bark that sheds in patches to reveal cream and grey tones.

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ExoticWeed

Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina

Small glossy pointed leaves on gracefully drooping branchlets, forming a dense weeping canopy.

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ExoticWeed

Willow

Salix species

Long slender weeping branches with narrow leaves, usually beside water.

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No trees match those filters

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Council tree rules at a glance

Every council sets its own size thresholds, pruning allowances and exempt species. These are the rules we work to across our service area, with links to the official pages. Rules last checked September 2026.

Northern Beaches

Northern Beaches · 35 species exempt

Ku-ring-gai

North Shore · 17 species exempt

Hornsby Shire

Hornsby Shire · 22 species exempt

The Hills Shire

The Hills District · 2 species exempt

Blacktown City

Western Sydney · 0 species exempt

North Sydney

Lower North Shore · 12 species exempt

Willoughby

Lower North Shore · 5 species exempt

Lane Cove

Lower North Shore · 20 species exempt

City of Ryde

North Shore · 21 species exempt

Hunters Hill

Lower North Shore · 7 species exempt

City of Sydney

Inner Sydney · 14 species exempt

Inner West

Inner Sydney · 17 species exempt

Woollahra

Eastern Suburbs · 15 species exempt

Waverley

Eastern Suburbs · 11 species exempt

Randwick

Eastern Suburbs · 19 species exempt

Bayside

Southern Sydney · 8 species exempt

Georges River

Southern Sydney · 19 species exempt

Strathfield

Inner West · 7 species exempt

Burwood

Inner West · 0 species exempt

Canterbury-Bankstown

Southern Sydney · 10 species exempt

Full rules by council

Northern Beaches Northern Beaches

Protected tree definition

Native trees and any tree 5m or taller are protected unless they sit on the exempt species list. Heritage items and heritage conservation areas override every exemption.

Pruning you can do without approval

Reasonable pruning of up to 10% of the canopy in any 12 calendar months, to AS 4373-2007. Deadwood and mistletoe removal is also exempt.

Near a building

Trees within 2m of an existing building can be removed without approval.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dead trees can be removed without approval with photographic evidence. Storm-felled or partially failed trees are also exempt.

Worth knowing

Removal of any tree under 5m in height is exempt, which covers a lot of everyday hedge and screen work.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

African Olive, Bangalow Palm, Box Elder, Broad-Leaf Privet, Camphor Laurel, Canary Island Date Palm, Chinese Hackberry, Cocos Palm, Cootamundra Wattle, Coral Tree, Cotoneaster, Crepe Myrtle, Evergreen Alder, Golden Cane Palm, Golden Robinia, Golden Wreath Wattle, Honey Locust, Illawarra Flame Tree, Jacaranda, Leyland Cypress, Liquidambar, Lombardy Poplar, Loquat, Mulberry, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Oleander, Radiata Pine, Rubber Tree, Silky Oak, Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Tuckeroo, Umbrella Tree, Weeping Fig, Willow

Extra conditions

All Ficus except Moreton Bay, Port Jackson and Sandpaper Fig are exempt, and all palms except the Cabbage Tree Palm.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Exempt tree species list · 1300 434 434

Ku-ring-gai North Shore

Protected tree definition

A tree 5m or more in height, or with a trunk diameter of 150mm or more measured at ground level. Ku-ring-gai applies this threshold tightly and uses an address mapping tool to check biodiversity overlays.

Pruning you can do without approval

Pruning of branches and roots not more than 50mm in diameter, to AS 4373-2007. Completely dead branches can be removed.

Near a building

Trees within 3m of an existing dwelling, measured from the centre of the trunk to the external wall. Branches directly overhanging the roof of a residence or commercial building may be cut back to the nearest branch junction. Carports and detached garages do not count.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dead trees are not automatically exempt. Council must confirm in writing that the tree is dead or dying and not required as fauna habitat.

Worth knowing

The 50mm pruning limit is much tighter than most neighbouring councils. Check the address mapping tool before quoting.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

African Olive, Box Elder, Broad-Leaf Privet, Chinese Hackberry, Cocos Palm, Coral Tree, Cotoneaster, Evergreen Alder, Golden Robinia, Golden Wreath Wattle, Liquidambar (exempt under 12m), Lombardy Poplar, Loquat, Rhus Tree, Rubber Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree

Extra conditions

Species on the NSW State Priority Weeds list are also exempt.

Official pages

Council tree rules · DCP Part 13 Tree and Vegetation Preservation · 02 9424 0000

Hornsby Shire Hornsby Shire

Protected tree definition

Trees 3m or more in height, or any tree within mapped native vegetation. Biodiversity mapping, heritage and endangered ecological communities override the exemptions.

Pruning you can do without approval

Live branches can be pruned only where they are causing a nuisance, up to 10% of the leaf canopy area, once annually, to AS 4373-2007. Deadwood removal is exempt.

Near a building

Trees whose trunk base at ground level sits within 3m of the foundation of an approved building. Detached garages, carports and other ancillary buildings are excluded.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dead trees are exempt provided they are not habitat for native wildlife.

Worth knowing

Hornsby runs an online tree decision tool that gives a written answer for a specific address. Worth using before any Hornsby quote.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

Box Elder, Broad-Leaf Privet, Camphor Laurel, Chinese Hackberry, Cocos Palm, Cootamundra Wattle, Coral Tree, Cotoneaster, Evergreen Alder, Golden Robinia, Golden Wreath Wattle, Honey Locust, Lombardy Poplar, Loquat, Mulberry, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Rhus Tree, Rubber Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree, Willow

Extra conditions

All edible fruit and nut trees are exempt except natives such as Lilly Pilly, Blueberry Ash and Macadamia. Biosecurity Act listed species are also exempt.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Hornsby DCP 1.2.6 Tree and Vegetation Preservation · 02 9847 6666

The Hills Shire The Hills District

Protected tree definition

Trees are covered by Council's Tree Preservation Order unless specifically exempted in the Tree Management Guidelines. Consent is required to prune more than 10%, to remove a non-exempt tree, or to alter soil levels within 3m of the trunk.

Pruning you can do without approval

Pruning up to 10% of the tree is exempt. Anything beyond that needs consent.

Near a building

The Tree Management Guidelines include a provision for trees close to an approved dwelling or ancillary structure. Confirm the current distance with Council before removal.

Dead and dangerous trees

Confirm with Council. Evidence of tree condition is normally required.

Worth knowing

The Hills publishes its species exemptions inside the Tree Management Guidelines rather than on the website, so confirm species status with Council before quoting a removal as exempt.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

Loquat, Mulberry

Extra conditions

Priority weeds and trees grown for their fruit are exempt. The full species exemption list sits in Council's Tree Management Guidelines, which is why most species below show as confirm with Council.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Tree Management Guidelines · 02 9843 0555

Blacktown City Western Sydney

Protected tree definition

A prescribed tree is more than 3m in height and/or has a trunk diameter of more than 200mm measured 1.0m above ground level.

Pruning you can do without approval

Minor maintenance pruning and deadwood removal do not require a permit.

Near a building

No published proximity to building exemption. Assess against the size thresholds.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dead trees are exempt with photographic evidence. Dying trees need a consulting arborist report, and dangerous trees need an arborist declaration of imminent failure.

Worth knowing

Blacktown does not publish an exempt species list. Every tree is assessed on its own merits, so the size thresholds are what decide the answer.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

None listed on Council’s website.

Extra conditions

Blacktown assesses trees individually rather than by species, so species status below is driven purely by the size thresholds.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Information Sheet 3.7 Tree protection and removal · 02 9839 6000

North Sydney Lower North Shore

Protected tree definition

Trees on private land are protected unless the work falls inside a listed exemption. Heritage land removes several species exemptions.

Pruning you can do without approval

Branches no more than 100mm in diameter, less than 10% of existing crown volume, and either joining the trunk no more than 2.4m above ground or within 1m of an existing building including eaves and gutters. AS 4373 applies.

Near a building

Pruning within 1m of existing buildings including eaves and gutters is covered by the maintenance pruning exemption.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dead trees are exempt where verified by an arborist holding AQF Certificate 3 or higher. Deadwood pruning from living trees is exempt.

Worth knowing

Hedges under 5m can be maintained freely. Hedges 5m and over must be done by an AQF3 arborist or Cert 3 horticulturist to AS 4373.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

African Olive, Bamboo, Box Elder, Broad-Leaf Privet, Chinese Hackberry, Cocos Palm, Coral Tree, Rubber Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree, Willow

Extra conditions

Some species exemptions do not apply on heritage listed land. Biosecurity risk species under 10m are also exempt.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Managing trees on private land · 02 9936 8100

Willoughby Lower North Shore

Protected tree definition

A long lived perennial plant greater than 3m in height, or that will reach 3m at maturity, with one or relatively few main stems.

Pruning you can do without approval

Selective pruning of up to a total of 10% of an individual tree's canopy over a five year period. Keep records of the work. AS 4373 applies.

Near a building

No published proximity to building exemption. Apply the pruning and species exemptions instead.

Dead and dangerous trees

Confirm with Council before removing a dead tree on private land.

Worth knowing

The 10% allowance is measured over five years, not twelve months. That is the strictest maintenance pruning allowance of any council on this list.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

Broad-Leaf Privet, Camphor Laurel (exempt under 10m), Canary Island Date Palm (exempt under 7m), Cotoneaster, Lombardy Poplar, Small-Leaf Privet, Willow

Extra conditions

The guidelines list 27 exempt and undesirable species plus anything declared a biosecurity risk. The Canary Island Date Palm limit is measured on trunk height, not overall height.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Vegetation Management Guidelines Volume 2 · 02 9777 1000

Lane Cove Lower North Shore

Protected tree definition

A permit is needed for any tree over 4m in height, with a canopy spread over 5m, or with a trunk diameter over 150mm measured 1m above ground. Root pruning of roots 40mm and over also needs approval.

Pruning you can do without approval

Pruning of dead branches is fee free. Branches within 3m of street power lines or 0.5m of service wires are exempt.

Near a building

No published proximity to building exemption.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dead or dying trees are fee free once Council confirms the condition, excluding native animal habitat.

Worth knowing

Lane Cove's exempt species still need a Fee-Free Tree Works Permit lodged with four photos. It costs nothing but the paperwork is not optional.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

African Olive, Box Elder (exempt under 6m), Broad-Leaf Privet, Camphor Laurel (exempt under 10m), Canary Island Date Palm (exempt under 6m), China Doll, Chinese Hackberry, Cocos Palm, Coral Tree, Cotoneaster, Crepe Myrtle (exempt under 6m), Evergreen Alder (exempt under 10m), Giant Bird of Paradise, Jacaranda (exempt under 6m), Leyland Cypress, Liquidambar (exempt under 10m), Lombardy Poplar, Loquat, Mulberry, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Oleander, Rhus Tree, Rubber Tree, Silky Oak (exempt under 6m), Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree, Willow

Extra conditions

Bananas and exotic fruit trees such as citrus, peaches and plums are also on the fee free list.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Fee-Free Tree Works Permit species list · 02 9911 3555

City of Ryde North Shore

Protected tree definition

All vegetation in the City is prescribed, subject to the exemptions. Trees under 4m in height with a trunk under 150mm at breast height are exempt.

Pruning you can do without approval

Less than 10% crown removal per 12 months, branches with no hollows and a maximum of 60mm diameter.

Near a building

Trees within 3m of a dwelling or outbuilding on the same property.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dead or dying from natural causes, risk assessed by a qualified arborist and confirmed by Council.

Worth knowing

Significant, heritage and ecologically important trees override every species exemption. Check the Significant Tree Register for Ryde, Eastwood and Marsfield jobs.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

African Olive, Bamboo, Box Elder, Broad-Leaf Privet, Camphor Laurel (exempt under 10m), Chinese Hackberry, Cocos Palm, Coral Tree, Cotoneaster, Evergreen Alder, Golden Robinia, Golden Wreath Wattle, Lombardy Poplar, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Oleander, Rhus Tree, Rubber Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree, Weeping Fig, Willow

Extra conditions

State, regional and local priority weeds are also exempt.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Tree applications and fees · 02 9952 8222

Hunters Hill Lower North Shore

Protected tree definition

Prescribed vegetation is anything 4m or more in height, or with a stem diameter of 200mm or more measured 1.4m above ground level.

Pruning you can do without approval

Hedge maintenance is exempt where the cut back is less than 500mm and the branches are less than 30mm thick.

Near a building

No published proximity to building exemption.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dead trees and dead branches can be removed. Notify Council first and supply evidence the tree is dead.

Worth knowing

Hunters Hill has a large heritage conservation area footprint. Heritage properties and Significant Tree Register listings need a DA, not a permit, whatever the species.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

Broad-Leaf Privet, Camphor Laurel (exempt under 10m), Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Wreath Wattle, Liquidambar (exempt under 10m), Lombardy Poplar (exempt under 10m), Oleander, Rubber Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Willow

Extra conditions

Noxious weeds are exempt. Camphor Laurel, Liquidambar and Poplar lose their exemption at 10m and over.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Prescribed vegetation · 02 9879 9400

City of Sydney Inner Sydney

Protected tree definition

Trees on private land are protected unless the work is covered by an exemption. Significant Tree Register and heritage listings override every species exemption.

Pruning you can do without approval

No more than 5% of the canopy, to Australian Standards. Branch size limits apply by category: 100mm for road and footpath clearance, 50mm near buildings and service lines.

Near a building

Pruning to a maximum of 1m clearance from a building, branches up to 50mm.

Dead and dangerous trees

A report from an arborist with a minimum AQF Level 3 must identify the imminent risk, before the work or immediately after emergency work.

Worth knowing

5% is the lowest maintenance pruning allowance of any council on this list. Plan City of Sydney pruning jobs around it.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

African Olive, Bamboo, Broad-Leaf Privet, Camphor Laurel (exempt under 10m), Chinese Hackberry (exempt under 10m), Cocos Palm, Coral Tree (exempt under 10m), Cotoneaster, Golden Robinia, Honey Locust, Liquidambar (exempt under 10m), Mulberry, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Rubber Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree, Willow

Extra conditions

Citrus, banana and white cedar are also exempt with no height limit.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Apply to prune or remove a tree · 02 9265 9333

Inner West Inner Sydney

Protected tree definition

A prescribed tree is 4m or more in height, has a trunk over 150mm at breast height, has a canopy spread of 2m or more, or is a palm or tree fern with a clean stem of 4m or more.

Pruning you can do without approval

Branches under 100mm diameter, up to a maximum of 10% of the canopy annually. Canopy lifting to 2.5m above ground level is also exempt.

Near a building

Removal is exempt for a tree within 1m of the wall of a residential dwelling on the same lot, measured from the centre of the trunk at 1.4m. Not available for heritage items or in heritage conservation areas.

Dead and dangerous trees

Deadwood pruning is exempt provided the deadwood has no hollows and is not fauna habitat.

Worth knowing

The 1m from dwelling removal exemption is unusually generous and worth checking on every Inner West job.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

Athel Tree, Bamboo, Box Elder, Broad-Leaf Privet, Cocos Palm, Coral Tree, Cotoneaster, Evergreen Alder, Golden Robinia, Honey Locust, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Oleander, Rhus Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree, Willow

Extra conditions

Priority weeds listed by NSW DPI are also exempt. Exemptions do not apply in heritage conservation areas or to heritage items.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Tree Management DCP · 02 9392 5000

Woollahra Eastern Suburbs

Protected tree definition

Any vegetation with a branch spread greater than 3m or a height greater than 5m, plus heritage listed trees and Significant Tree Register entries. Root pruning of roots over 50mm is also controlled.

Pruning you can do without approval

Branches 50mm or under, giving a maximum 2m clearance to roofs, buildings or powerlines. Deadwood and leafless deciduous trees are exempt.

Near a building

Covered by the 2m clearance pruning exemption above.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dead trees and dead branches are exempt. Imminently dangerous trees need Level 5 arborist documentation.

Worth knowing

Seven days written notice to Council is required before removing an exempt species. Do not skip it.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

African Olive, Bamboo, Broad-Leaf Privet, Camphor Laurel (exempt under 10m), Chinese Hackberry (exempt under 10m), Cocos Palm, Coral Tree, Giant Bird of Paradise, Honey Locust, Leyland Cypress, Lombardy Poplar (exempt under 10m), Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Oleander, Rubber Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree, Willow

Extra conditions

Banana is also exempt. Group B species lose the exemption at 10m and over.

Official pages

Council tree rules · DCP Chapter E3 Tree Management · 02 9391 7000

Waverley Eastern Suburbs

Protected tree definition

A permit is required for trees 3m or more in height or with a canopy spread of 3m or more, plus anything on the Significant Tree Register, heritage listed or in a heritage conservation area.

Pruning you can do without approval

Trees under 5m can be pruned without a permit. Dead branches, palm fronds and palm fruit are exempt. Hedges can be pruned up to 20% of height and width in any 12 months.

Near a building

No published proximity to building exemption.

Dead and dangerous trees

Deadwood pruning is exempt. Urgent safety work on storm damaged trees is exempt with evidence on request.

Worth knowing

Exempt species still require seven days notice by email before removal. The 3m trigger is the lowest on this list.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

African Olive, Broad-Leaf Privet, Chinese Hackberry, Cocos Palm, Giant Bird of Paradise, Oleander, Rhus Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree, Willow

Extra conditions

Citrus species are also exempt. Trees under 3m in both height and canopy spread need no permit at all.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Tree Management Guidelines · 02 9083 8000

Randwick Eastern Suburbs

Protected tree definition

Any palm, cycad or tree fern regardless of size, plus any tree 6m or more in height, with a canopy 4m or more wide, or a trunk circumference over 1m measured 1m above ground.

Pruning you can do without approval

Deadwooding, formative pruning of young trees and powerline clearance to AS 4373-2007.

Near a building

Removal within a building footprint and up to 2m from external walls, where covered by development consent.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dead trees are exempt unless they are habitat for protected fauna.

Worth knowing

Palms, cycads and tree ferns are protected at any size in Randwick. Only the Cocos Palm escapes on the exempt species list.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

African Olive, Bamboo, Broad-Leaf Privet, Chinese Hackberry, Cocos Palm, Coral Tree, Cotoneaster, Evergreen Alder, Leyland Cypress, Lombardy Poplar, Mulberry, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Oleander, Rhus Tree, Rubber Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree, Willow

Extra conditions

Ochna is also exempt. Heritage conservation areas and Significant Tree Register listings need development consent rather than a permit.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Tree Management Technical Manual · 1300 722 542

Bayside Southern Sydney

Protected tree definition

Trees at least 3m in height, or with a diameter at breast height of 200mm or more, or 600mm circumference for a multi trunked tree.

Pruning you can do without approval

Minor pruning up to 2m from building edges with branches under 50mm. Pruning near power or telecommunications lines to a maximum 500mm clearance with branches up to 50mm.

Near a building

Covered by the 2m from building edge pruning exemption.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dying, dead and hazardous trees are exempt.

Worth knowing

The former Botany Bay Council area is now Bayside. Old Botany Bay forms and rules are superseded, so quote against the Bayside DCP.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

African Olive, Bamboo, Camphor Laurel (exempt under 5m), Cocos Palm (exempt under 5m), Coral Tree (exempt under 5m), Cotoneaster, Mulberry, Oleander, Rubber Tree, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree

Extra conditions

Citrus and fruiting Prunus and Pyrus are also exempt. Exemptions do not apply to heritage listed or significant trees.

Official pages

Council tree rules · DCP Part 3L Landscaping and Tree Management · 1300 581 299

Georges River Southern Sydney

Protected tree definition

Vegetation 3m or more in height, or 100mm or more in diameter measured at ground level, or with a branch spread of 3m or more.

Pruning you can do without approval

Hedge pruning and reshaping is exempt. Removal of deadwood only, to AS 4373.

Near a building

No published proximity to building exemption.

Dead and dangerous trees

Deadwood removal is exempt. Imminently dangerous trees need an AQF5 arborist assessment with documentation supplied within 72 hours.

Worth knowing

The 100mm at ground level trigger is very low. Most established garden trees in Hurstville and Kogarah are captured.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

African Olive, Bamboo, Broad-Leaf Privet, Camphor Laurel (exempt under 6m), Canary Island Date Palm (exempt under 6m), Chinese Hackberry (exempt under 6m), Cocos Palm, Cootamundra Wattle, Coral Tree, Cotoneaster, Golden Robinia, Honey Locust, Lombardy Poplar, Mulberry, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Oleander, Rhus Tree, Rubber Tree, Silky Oak (exempt under 6m), Small-Leaf Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree, Willow

Extra conditions

Fruit and fodder trees are exempt, excluding natives such as Macadamia, Lilly Pilly and Blueberry Ash. Priority weeds are also exempt.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Tree Management Policy 2024 · 02 9330 6400

Strathfield Inner West

Protected tree definition

Trees with a height greater than 4m or a girth greater than 0.5m measured 1m above ground level. Works within 5m of the base of a protected tree also need consent.

Pruning you can do without approval

Removal of dead branches to AS 4373-2007, clearances to gutters and clearance for pedestrian movement.

Near a building

Gutter clearance pruning is exempt. There is no blanket proximity removal exemption.

Dead and dangerous trees

Deadwood pruning is exempt in any tree.

Worth knowing

The works within 5m of the trunk rule catches excavation, paving and landscaping, not just the tree itself.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

Broad-Leaf Privet, Loquat, Mulberry, Rhus Tree, Rubber Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Umbrella Tree

Extra conditions

Commercial fruit tree varieties are exempt. The full exempt species list sits in Appendix 2 of the DCP, so confirm anything not shown here. Heritage items, heritage conservation areas and Significant Tree Register listings override the exemptions.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Trees FAQs · 02 9748 9999

Burwood Inner West

Protected tree definition

Trees with a height of 4m or more, a branch spread of 2m or more, or a trunk diameter over 150mm measured 1.4m above ground. Heritage properties need consent for any tree work at any size.

Pruning you can do without approval

Exemptions sit in Section 6.1 of the Burwood DCP. Confirm before treating any pruning as exempt.

Near a building

Confirm with Council against BDCP Section 6.1.

Dead and dangerous trees

Confirm with Council. Certification from a qualified arborist is normally required.

Worth knowing

Burwood does not publish its exemption list on the website, so confirm species status against BDCP Section 6.1 before quoting a removal as exempt.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

None listed on Council’s website.

Extra conditions

Burwood's exemptions are held in BDCP Section 6.1 rather than on the website, so treat every tree over the size thresholds as needing approval until Council confirms otherwise.

Official pages

Council tree rules · BDCP Preservation of Trees or Vegetation · 02 9911 9911

Canterbury-Bankstown Southern Sydney

Protected tree definition

The Tree Management Order controls private trees 5m and over in height. Trees under 5m are exempt.

Pruning you can do without approval

Approved work must be carried out by an AQF3 arborist to Australian Standards.

Near a building

Trees within 3m of the wall of the primary dwelling, measured 1.4m above ground. Garages, sheds and other secondary structures do not count.

Dead and dangerous trees

Dangerous trees are exempt where removal is the only reasonable option to avoid an imminent threat to human life or property.

Worth knowing

Council will not approve removal for leaf drop, wildlife presence, shading, fruit or sap, or minor root damage to structures. Frame the application around something else.

Species in this encyclopedia that are exempt

Bamboo, Broad-Leaf Privet, Camphor Laurel (exempt under 10m), Canary Island Date Palm (exempt under 4m), Cootamundra Wattle, Golden Wreath Wattle, Lombardy Poplar, Loquat, Mulberry, Rubber Tree, Small-Leaf Privet, Willow

Extra conditions

The Tree Management Order carries around 43 exempt species. Fruit trees, wattles, bamboo, willows, poplars, privets and rubber trees are named. The Canary Island Date Palm limit is measured on trunk height. Check the Order for anything not shown here.

Official pages

Council tree rules · Tree Management Order · 02 9707 9000

Frequently asked questions

Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Sydney?

In most cases yes. Every council covered in this encyclopedia protects trees on private land once they pass a size threshold, which ranges from 3m in height in Waverley, Georges River, Willoughby, Hornsby, Bayside and Blacktown up to 6m in Randwick. Exemptions exist for listed species, dead trees, small trees and trees close to a dwelling, but they vary a great deal between councils.

What happens if I remove a protected tree without a permit?

Councils in NSW can issue penalty notices and pursue prosecution in the Land and Environment Court, with penalties reaching into the tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars. Councils also commonly require replacement planting. It is always cheaper to check first.

Are dead trees exempt everywhere?

No. Northern Beaches and Blacktown accept photographic evidence, while Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove and Georges River require Council to confirm the tree is dead before removal, and several councils require an AQF3 or AQF5 arborist assessment. Dead trees that are fauna habitat are frequently not exempt at all.

How much of a tree can I prune without approval?

Ten per cent of the canopy in a twelve month period is the most common allowance, used by Northern Beaches, Hornsby, The Hills, North Sydney, Ryde and Inner West. City of Sydney allows only 5 per cent, and Willoughby allows 10 per cent over a five year period. Ku-ring-gai limits exempt pruning to branches under 50mm.

Who owns the tree on my nature strip?

Council owns verge and street trees in every LGA on this list. You cannot prune or remove them under a private tree permit, and unauthorised work on a public tree attracts significant penalties. Contact the council’s street tree team instead.

All trees in this encyclopedia

Broad-Leaved Paperbark

Brush Box

Cabbage Tree Palm

Camphor Laurel

Canary Island Date Palm

Giant Bird of Paradise

Norfolk Island Hibiscus

Image credits (61 photographs)

Photographs are reproduced from Wikimedia Commons under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licences. Illustrations are original artwork.

African Olive: Photo by Forest & Kim Starr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Athel Tree: Photo by Chris English via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Bamboo: Photo by Dvellakat via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bangalow Palm: Photo by Carlquist, Sherwin John, 1930-2021 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Blackbutt: Photo by John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bottlebrush: Photo by Yercaud-elango via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Box Elder: Photo by Jules Verne Times Two via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Broad-Leaf Privet: Photo by Taken by Fanghong via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Broad-Leaved Paperbark: Photo by Forest & Kim Starr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Brush Box: Photo by JMK via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Cabbage Tree Palm: Photo by John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Camphor Laurel: Photo by Calistemon via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Canary Island Date Palm: Photo by Jebulon via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

China Doll: Photo by Forest and Kim Starr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 us

Coastal Banksia: Photo by John Tann from Sydney, Australia via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Cocos Palm: Photo by John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Cootamundra Wattle: Photo by John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Coral Tree: Photo by cultivar413 from Fallbrook, California via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Cotoneaster: Photo by Rjcastillo via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Crepe Myrtle: Photo by John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Evergreen Alder: Photo by Alejandro Bayer Tamayo from Armenia, Colombia via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Forest Oak: Photo by Mark Marathon via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Forest Red Gum: Photo by Geekstreet via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Frangipani: Photo by Adityamadhav83 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Giant Bird of Paradise: Photo by A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Golden Cane Palm: Photo by Forest & Kim Starr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0

Golden Robinia: Photo by Norbert Nagel via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Golden Wreath Wattle: Photo by SAplants via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Grey Ironbark: Photo by Forest and Kim Starr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 us

Honey Locust: Photo by Bostonian13 via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Illawarra Flame Tree: Photo by Nicholas Blumhardt via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Jacaranda: Photo by Jules Verne Times Two via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Lemon-Scented Gum: Photo by WU Hung Ting miucu via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Leyland Cypress: Photo by Crusier via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Lilly Pilly: Photo by Akos Kokai via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Liquidambar: Photo by Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

London Plane: Photo by Herzi Pinki via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Loquat: Photo by JMK via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Magnolia: Photo by Riverbanks Outdoor Store from New Port Richey, FL, United States via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Moreton Bay Fig: Photo by Codex via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Mulberry: Photo by Calistemon via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Norfolk Island Hibiscus: Photo by Margaret Donald from Sydney, Australia via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Norfolk Island Pine: Photo by Panthus via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Oleander: Photo by Nicholas Frisardi via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Port Jackson Fig: Photo by John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Radiata Pine: Photo by David Baron from Palo Alto, California, USA via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Red Bloodwood: Photo by Mike Bayly via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5

Rhus Tree: Photo by harum.koh from Kobe city, Japan via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Rubber Tree: Photo by Teresa Grau Ros from Barcelona, Catalunya via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Scribbly Gum: Photo by Margaret Donald from Sydney, Australia via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Silky Oak: Photo by Haoreima via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Small-Leaf Privet: Photo by Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Spotted Gum: Photo by John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Swamp Mahogany: Photo by Forest and Kim Starr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 us

Sydney Blue Gum: Photo by John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sydney Red Gum: Photo by Mayumi Kataoka via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tuckeroo: Photo by Forest and Kim Starr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 us

Turpentine: Photo by Forest and Kim Starr via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0 us

Umbrella Tree: Photo by John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Water Gum: Photo by Krzysztof Golik via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Weeping Fig: Photo by John Robert McPherson via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Important note on council rules

This encyclopedia is a practical guide for Sydney property owners, not legal advice. Council tree rules change, and exemptions are frequently overridden by heritage listings, heritage conservation areas, significant tree registers, biodiversity mapping, endangered ecological communities and conditions attached to development consent. Always confirm the current rules with your council for your specific address before any tree work begins, or ask us to check it for you.

Not sure where your tree stands?

Our arborists work across 20 Sydney councils every week. We will identify the species, check the rules for your address and handle the permit application if one is needed.

Sydney Tree Encyclopedia

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Council tree rules at a glance

Full rules by council

Frequently asked questions

All trees in this encyclopedia

Important note on council rules

Not sure where your tree stands?

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