Which trees does Willoughby protect?
- Taller than 4 metres.
- A trunk girth over 600 millimetres, measured around the trunk (not across it) at 1.4 metres above the ground.
- A crown spread (the width of the leafy top) over 3 metres.
- A locally native species that belongs to the area's original vegetation.
- Vegetation in a wildlife corridor, or with known habitat value.
- A tree that's visually prominent from the street or neighbours and adds to the area's character.
Why a modest tree can still be covered
These triggers come from Willoughby Development Control Plan Part G: Vegetation Management 2023, and a tree needs to meet only one. The last three catch trees that would slip under the size test, so a mid-sized native in a back garden can still need a permit.
Some work is beyond a permit altogether. For a heritage item or heritage conservation area listed in the Willoughby LEP, an Aboriginal object or place, or anything on the Willoughby Natural Heritage Register, council won't issue one. That work needs a development application.
Council's tree officers also say plainly what they usually won't approve: removing healthy, stable trees, or removal for views, light, leaf and fruit drop, bird droppings, insects, branches over the boundary, or sewer trouble that has another solution.
How to apply in Willoughby
Set up MyWilloughby
Applications go through the online service called Apply to prune or remove a tree, which needs a MyWilloughby account.
Draw a site plan
Show the property, the tree or trees, other trees affected, buildings, boundaries and a north point. The owner's consent is required on every application.
Add evidence if you have it
An arborist report is optional for this application. If you include one, council accepts it only from a Consultant Arborist with at least AQF Level 5, working to AS 4373 and AS 4970, with no financial tie to a removal or pruning company.
Expect public comment
Applications to clear vegetation go on council's website for comment and show in the DA Tracker. One of council's qualified arborists assesses yours.
Put the permit on display
If it's approved, the permit must be on your front boundary 72 hours before the work starts and for as long as it runs. Approved removals also carry replacement planting at 3:1, or an offset planting scheme where there's no room.
What happens if trees are cut without approval?
Willoughby says tree offences under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 can carry a penalty of up to $1.1 million. It also offers rewards of up to $10,000 for information leading to a successful court prosecution for some tree or bushland vandalism.
If you see work happening that looks unapproved, council's rangers take reports.
Willoughby City Council tree removal permits: what to do next
If your reason is views, leaf drop or shade, we'd talk to an arborist about pruning to AS 4373 before chasing a removal, and check with council whether that pruning needs a permit too. If the tree is failing or damaging the house, a Consultant Arborist's report is the evidence that carries weight here, so get it before you lodge.
Want an arborist to look at it?
Tell us the job and your postcode, and a local arborist calls you to talk it through.