Which trees count in Campbelltown?
Council's definition is broad. A tree is a perennial plant with at least one self-supporting stem that passes any one of three tests: more than 3 metres tall, an outside circumference (the distance around the trunk) of at least 500mm at ground level, or a branch and foliage crown spread of at least 4 metres.
The crown test catches wide, low trees that a height rule alone would miss. And council's guide says clearing includes pruning, so a heavy prune can need approval as well as a removal.
The rules come from Part 11 of the Campbelltown (Sustainable City) Development Control Plan 2015 and Chapter 2 of the NSW Biodiversity and Conservation SEPP 2021. Our NSW permit page covers the state layer.
Why does the approval pathway matter so much here?
Campbelltown sorts protected vegetation into four types: Declared Trees, Heritage Declared Vegetation, Other Declared Vegetation and Biodiversity Declared Vegetation. Each has its own guide and its own approval route.
Where more than one could apply, council works down a fixed order: a development application first, then a Native Vegetation Panel permit for larger native clearing, then a council vegetation permit, then a tree permit.
Council says it prefers an arborist with an AQF 5 qualification (the consulting level) to work out which one fits. The arborist can email council a site plan or marked-up aerial photo, photos of the tree, the reason for the work, and whether there are hollows, wildlife or a slope over 20%.
Trees on council's Significant Tree Register, listed for visual, historic, botanical, cultural or commemorative value, may need a permit for any pruning or removal.
What Campbelltown may ask you to attach
- A site plan showing each tree (this one is mandatory)
- Authorisation from all owners, or their legal representatives
- A qualified arborist's report if any tree is more than 10 metres tall
- A plumber's report if roots are damaging pipes
- A structural engineer's report if the tree is damaging a building
How to apply
Confirm the pathway
Have an AQF 5 arborist, or council, confirm which of the four protection types applies to the tree.
Choose the right form
The private tree pruning or removal application covers up to 4 trees. Dead, dying or dangerous trees have a separate application that captures the first 4 trees and can review up to 14 in one go. Both can be lodged online or at the Civic Centre front counter.
Expect an inspection
By applying, you consent to council officers entering the land without prior notice to look at the tree.
Wait for the outcome
After its first inspection, council says it will tell you the outcome within 10 business days, with urgent applications put first.
Dead, dying or dangerous trees
In Campbelltown these run through a council declaration, not the owner's own judgement. Lodge the dead, dying or dangerous tree application and leave the tree alone until council replies.
If a branch has come down in a storm and anyone is in danger, call 000. For large fallen branches, council points people to the SES. Its own storm clean-up help only starts once the NSW Government officially declares a storm.
What if a tree is cleared without approval?
Council says illegal tree clearance is an offence against the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, and the person responsible is liable to prosecution. Offenders can also be made to plant new trees and vegetation and look after them until they're mature.
NSW announced tougher penalties on 20 October 2026, including proposed court penalties of up to $500,000 for individuals. They were proposals, not law, when we checked on 3 November 2026.
Campbelltown City Council tree removal permits: what to do next
We'd ask an AQF 5 arborist to look at the tree and confirm the pathway with council before touching a form. With four protection types in play, the wrong application just means starting again. If the tree is over 10 metres, you'll need their report anyway, so it's one visit instead of two.
Want an arborist to look at it?
Tell us the job and your postcode, and a local arborist calls you to talk it through.