Tree removal permits in Tweed Heads
Tweed's current plan took effect on 1 June 2026, and its Section B2 sets the tree rules. Declared vegetation can't be cleared without council's approval unless an exemption applies, and clearing includes lopping a substantial part of a tree. So hard tree lopping on a declared tree can breach the plan, and council's page covers heavy canopy pruning too.
Declared vegetation includes:
Questions to ask an arborist in Tweed Heads
- Locally indigenous plants 4 metres or taller, or 10cm or more across the trunk at standard height
- Any tree, native or not, 40cm or more across the trunk at standard height (about 125cm around)
- Preferred koala food trees: swamp mahogany, forest red gum, tallowwood, small-fruited grey gum and Eucalyptus patentinervis
- Native bushland mapped by council, threatened species, and trees on the Significant Tree Register
Tree removal in Tweed Heads: what's local
On the border
Tweed Heads sits at the mouth of the Tweed River beside its Queensland twin, Coolangatta (postcode 4225). Cross the border and the Gold Coast rules apply. Tweed's rules follow your rates notice, not your nearest shops.
Figs that guided boats
The Significant Tree Register lists fig trees used as navigation markers at Tierney Park, Wupawn Place, Banora Point. Clearing or pruning a register tree needs a report by at least an AQF Level 5 arborist. See fig trees.
Big camphor laurels
NSW WeedWise says camphor laurel infestations are heavy in the Tweed. Being a weed doesn't settle it here: once any tree reaches 40cm across, Tweed's plan counts it as a large tree.
Canopy targets
Tweed's Cool Towns program aims for 35% urban canopy by 2030 and 40% by 2040, and removals are offset under council's Compensatory Planting Policy. Ask what replanting comes with an approval.
Tree removal in Tweed Heads: good to know
Measure the trunk
Run a tape around it 1.4 metres above the ground. Around 125cm or more means it's a large tree.
Name the species
Locally indigenous plants are the ones on council's Native Species Planting Guideline. An arborist can tell you, and can check the koala food tree list while they're there.
Apply online
Council takes applications to remove, prune or clear on private land through the form on its trees page. Questions go to council, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays.
Trees and power lines in Tweed Heads
Keep at least 8 metres from fallen lines or anything touching them, and assume they're live. Report it to Essential Energy, or 000 if life is at risk. For trees growing into the wires but not down, Tweed Council says Essential Energy does the pruning. Storm help at home is the NSW SES.
Hiring an arborist in Tweed Heads
Tape measure first. If the trunk is 125cm around or more, treat the tree as declared whatever it is. If it's a gum, find out the species before anything else, because forest red gum, tallowwood and swamp mahogany are on the koala food list. Then lodge with council and let the arborist quote on the approved work. Cutting first and asking later isn't a safe plan here: a stump can still be measured, and penalties apply.