Tree removal permits in Chatswood
- The online form, Apply to prune or remove a tree, lodged through a MyWilloughby account
- A site plan showing the trees, other affected trees, structures, boundaries and a north point
- The property owner's consent, which council requires on every application
- Time for public comment, since clearing applications appear on council's DA Tracker
- If approved, the permit shown on the front boundary 72 hours before the work and while it happens
- Room for replacement planting at 3:1, or council's offset scheme where the block has no space
Tree removal in Chatswood: what's local
Blue Gum Reserve
Willoughby says Blue Gum Reserve is 14.4 ha of bushland west of the Pacific Highway and north of Fullers Road. It links with Fullers Park and Lane Cove National Park, a corridor for birds and bats, and it's home to the Powerful Owl, listed as vulnerable in NSW.
Forest that once covered the ridge
Council's track notes for the walk from Chatswood West to Lane Cove National Park point out remains of the Blue Gum High Forest that once covered the North Shore ridge. That forest, led by Sydney blue gum and blackbutt, is now critically endangered.
Covered beyond the size test
Willoughby's permit rules also reach locally native species typical of the area's original vegetation, vegetation in a wildlife corridor or with known habitat value, and any visually prominent tree. Close to the reserve, assume a native is covered.
Twelve heritage areas
Willoughby has twelve Heritage Conservation Areas, and a property's setting in one includes its gardens and trees. Council won't issue a tree permit for heritage items or conservation areas: those need a development application.
Lines and wires
Ausgrid supplies Willoughby. A branch across a street line is Ausgrid's to deal with.
Neighbours' trees in Chatswood
Willoughby is plain about it: councils in NSW have no power to make a neighbour prune or remove a tree. Talk first, and keep a record of every conversation, note and email.
If that goes nowhere, the Land and Environment Court can hear the dispute, but it won't act unless it's satisfied you made a reasonable effort first. Once an application is in, a Court Commissioner visits the property to look at the trees. Whatever is ordered still has to follow council's rules.
Hiring an arborist in Chatswood
Near Blue Gum Reserve or the Lane Cove River bush, we'd get a consultant arborist's report before applying, even though Willoughby calls it optional for a first application. Council only accepts reports from an AQF Level 5 consultant who isn't financially tied to a removal or pruning company, so we'd ask that question before booking.