Arborists and tree removal in South Australia

Is your tree regulated?

The Regulated and Significant Tree Overlay covers metropolitan Adelaide, townships in the Adelaide Hills Council area and parts of Mount Barker. Since 16 May 2024, a tree there is regulated with a trunk circumference of 1 metre or more, and significant at 2 metres or more.

Work on either needs approval under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. That isn't only removal: cutting branches, topping, lopping and excessive pruning can all count.

Older websites still quote the earlier, bigger thresholds, so go by the current ones. Tree removal permits in SA covers what counts as approved pruning and how to apply.

Fines, for owners and for tree workers

City of Burnside says fines of up to $120,000 may apply for work on a regulated or significant tree without approval. It reports a tree business owner convicted in October 2023 and fined $7,000 plus costs over a regulated tree.

So a careful arborist asks about approval before quoting a big tree. If one doesn't, ask them, and get the answer in writing.

Who keeps trees off the lines?

SA Power Networks is responsible for the clearance zone around public powerlines, including private trees hanging over the road reserve. It trims once a year in bushfire-risk areas and every three years elsewhere.

Past the connection point, private poles and lines are the owner's. SA Power Networks says to keep trees from overhanging or touching them, using a qualified tree trimming contractor.