What counts as a tree in Georges River?
Georges River's Tree Management Policy 2024, read with the Georges River DCP 2021, defines a tree by any one of three measures: 3 metres or more in height, a trunk 100mm or more in diameter measured at ground level, or a branch spread of 3 metres or more.
Because the trunk is measured at the ground, where it's widest, fairly young trees reach 100mm.
The policy then lists works that need approval. They include removing dying or dead trees, removing hazardous trees, pruning the live canopy, root pruning and installing root barriers. Deadwood pruning sits on the exempt works list, but that covers dead branches only, not a dead tree.
If a tree is about to fall
If anyone is in danger, call 000, and keep everyone out from under the tree. Georges River's policy allows removal of a tree an AQF5 arborist assesses as imminently dangerous, but the Exempt Tree Works Form must reach council within 72 hours of the removal, with photos of the problem, the level of risk and the arborist's statement. Miss it and council treats the removal as tree vandalism. Keep that evidence for at least 2 years.
What to have ready
- The Application to Prune or Remove Tree(s) on Private Property form, signed by the tree's owner.
- Evidence for any history the officer can't see on the day, like cracked walls, blocked sewers or branches that have fallen: a report from an AQF level 5 arborist, a building inspector or a structural engineer.
- The Section 10.7(5) Planning Certificate for the lot, which shows whether a tree on it is on the Significant Tree Register.
- For removal on risk grounds in a Heritage Conservation Area: an arboricultural report and Tree Risk Assessment from an AQF5 arborist.
- A spot for two replacement trees.
How to apply to Georges River
Lodge
At the Hurstville or Kogarah Service Centre, by post, or by email. Removing a tree on a State Heritage Item, Heritage Item or Interim Heritage Order needs a development application instead; pruning can still go on a tree permit.
Inspection
A council officer visits and does a Visual Tree Assessment (a check of the tree's health and structure), then issues a written permit setting out the approved work and conditions.
Timing
Council aims to finish within an eighteen week timeframe. Site access problems or missing information make it longer.
Replant
Approvals can require two replacement trees for each one removed, at least 45L pot size, planted within six weeks of the removal.
Review
You can ask for a review within 6 months of the decision, with information or reports you didn't supply the first time.
What happens without approval?
Georges River says penalty notices for tree offences range from $1,500 for individuals to $6,000 for corporations. In court, the maximum under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 is $1 million for an individual and $5 million for a corporation where significant environmental harm is caused or likely.
Council also says it regularly prosecutes people for removing or damaging trees without authority.
If we were in your shoes
Don't let anyone take down a dead tree here just because it's dead. Lodge first, or if it's genuinely about to fall, get an AQF5 arborist to assess it and make sure the 72-hour form goes in. If the problem has built up over years, gather the evidence before the officer visits, because the inspection only sees the tree on the day.
Want an arborist to look at it?
Tell us the job and your postcode, and a local arborist calls you to talk it through.