Tree removal in Nowra: good to know
| Town, village and other non-rural land | Land zoned RU1 to RU4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Who you ask | Shoalhaven City Council | Local Land Services |
| The rules | DCP Chapter G4, Tree and Vegetation Management | The NSW Land Management Framework |
| What counts as a tree | Over 5 m tall, over 5 m across the crown, or a trunk over 500 mm around at 1 m | Depends on how the land is mapped, so ask |
| How to apply | The NSW Planning Portal, with council's Owners Consent form | Ring Local Land Services |
Storm damage and fallen trees in Nowra
Council says all tree removal works must be done by an arborist with level three qualifications. Ask to see that before you book, along with insurance. Our guide to checking an arborist covers what the levels mean.
Hollows and nests change the job. If an approved tree has them, an animal handler must be there to move any native animal before the tree comes down. Council also says poisoning a tree is not an accepted alternative to removal.
Heritage, scenic protection and biodiversity values can add restrictions on some land, so ask council's Environmental Services team if your street might be affected. Since NSW's 2026 changes, protected dead and dying trees need a permit too. The state picture is on our NSW permit page.
Tree removal in Nowra: what's local
Endeavour Energy, not Essential
Shoalhaven is on Endeavour Energy's list of councils in its franchise area. Endeavour says you're responsible for keeping trees on your property clear of the service line, and that only qualified, authorised contractors should prune within three metres of its network.
Bush fire prone land
Shoalhaven's bush fire prone land map is council's, signed off by the RFS Commissioner. Check yours with the RFS online tool or on the property's Section 10.7 planning certificate before planning any clearing.
Bigger blocks, bigger clearing
Acreage and bush blocks often need more than a single tree permit. Our land clearing in Nowra page sets out who decides and what to check.
Council's street trees
Trees on public land aren't covered by the private tree rules. Council's Tree Management Officers look after them.
If a storm brings a tree down
Call 000 if anyone is hurt or trapped. Ring the NSW SES if a fallen tree is blocking a road, door or driveway, or might come down on the house. The SES says not to try removing trees or branches after a storm yourself. For a fallen power line, call Endeavour Energy and stay 8 metres away.
Tree jobs you can do yourself in Nowra
You can
- Measure the tree roughly against the 5 metre test, and photograph it from a few angles
- Check your zoning on the planning certificate
- Look for hollows, nests and cracks from the ground
- Prune small branches you can reach with both feet on the ground, after checking council's rules
Leave to an arborist
- Any removal, which council says needs a level three arborist
- Anything within three metres of a power line
- Hollow trees, where an animal handler has to be organised
- Storm-damaged trees with hanging or split branches
Hiring an arborist in Nowra
Sort the zoning before anything else, because it decides who you're asking. On town land, get the permit through the Planning Portal before the arborist books a date, and make sure the arborist you choose holds the level three qualification council asks for. On rural land, a call to Local Land Services first saves a lot of grief later.