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Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Often. It depends on your state, your council and the tree.

Often, yes, but it depends on your state, your council and the tree, so check with your council for your address before anything is cut.

A worker in a helmet and earmuffs standing on a lawn, pruning a branch overhead with a long pole saw
A Canberra street under a full canopy of mature street trees

Why is there no single answer?

Each state or territory sets a framework and councils fill in the detail. In NSW, every council's development control plan says which trees need approval. Victoria uses planning scheme overlays, a statewide canopy tree clause and council local laws. South Australia applies a trunk-size test inside an overlay, and in the ACT the territory decides, with protection triggered by a tree's size.

So neighbouring councils can disagree. Ryde starts by treating all vegetation as protected, Boroondara wants a permit even for a dead canopy tree, and Noosa's planning scheme needs one to clear vegetation on any private land in the shire.

A dead or dangerous tree isn't a way around it. Under NSW's 2026 changes, protected trees that are dead or dying need approval there too.

How do I find out for my address?

  1. Pick your state below

    Each state page covers who protects trees there, neighbour disputes, bushfire clearing, power lines and storms.

  2. Find your council's rules

    We've written up many councils, and every council has its own tree page. If yours isn't listed, ring it or search its website.

  3. Check what's mapped over the block

    Overlays, heritage listings and significant tree registers add protection on top of the general rule. In Victoria, VicPlan shows the overlays for any address.

  4. Get it in writing first

    Have the council's answer by email before anyone cuts. If it asks for an arborist report, get that done first.

What if it's a neighbour's tree or a street tree?

Overhanging branches have their own rules in each state, covered in our neighbours' trees guide. A tree on the nature strip is the council's to deal with, so ask before touching it: see council street trees.

Pick your state

Tree removal permits and rules in New South WalesHow NSW tree rules work: the SEPP, council DCPs, the 2026 changes, 10/50, neighbours and power lines.Tree removal permits and rules in VictoriaVictoria's overlays, the new canopy tree rule, local laws, the 10/30 bushfire rule, neighbours and power lines.Tree removal permits and rules in QueenslandQueensland's state and council tree rules, the overhanging branch notice, QCAT, Energex, Ergon and cyclone season.Tree removal permits and rules in Western AustraliaWA's clearing permits, council tree policies, firebreak notices, neighbours' branches, Western Power and Horizon Power.Regulated and significant tree rules in South AustraliaSA's regulated and significant tree tests, where the overlay applies, what needs approval, fines and neighbours.Tree removal permits and rules in the ACTWhen an ACT tree is protected, what needs approval, how to apply, urgent removals, neighbours and Evoenergy.Tree removal permits and rules in TasmaniaTasmania's planning scheme codes, significant trees, the branch removal notice, TASCAT and TasNetworks.Tree removal permits and rules in the Northern TerritoryWhat's confirmed for NT trees: Darwin's verge trees, neighbours' branches, NTCAT, cyclones and Power and Water.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree: common questions

What happens if I remove a protected tree without approval?

The fines can be large. NSW lists penalty notices from $3,000 for an individual, ACT court penalties reach $80,000 for an individual, and Burnside in SA warns of fines up to $120,000.

More on do I need a permit to remove a tree

Tree removal near the house and gardenWhen removal beats pruning, how trees come down near houses, permits, stumps and what a quote should cover.Arborist reportsWhen councils ask for an arborist report, who can write one, and what a good report includes.Significant, protected and regulated treesRegisters, heritage listings, overlays and size tests, and how to check whether your tree is protected.Your neighbour's tree: branches, roots and disputesOverhanging branches, roots, leaves and disputes: what each state allows, and where disputes go.Council street trees and nature strip treesStreet and nature strip trees: who owns them, who to call, and what councils will and won't do.Is my tree dead, dying or just stressed?The signs of a dead or dying tree, a safe check from the ground, and why dead trees can still need approval.

Where this information comes from

Tree rules change, so check with your council before anything is cut. How we write and check these pages.