Central Coast Council and Tree Removal Rules
Why do we need rules to protect our trees? We have incredible indigenous flora in Australia, and they form parts of habitats essential for wildlife and the health of our environment. Tree roots also play an important role in maintaining soil health and the integrity of the landscape. For example, a tree helps soil remain in place by protecting it from wind and water, preventing runoff. Removing them can lead to erosion and cause nutrient loss. This is why we have tree removal rules in place.
Do I always need council approval to remove a tree?
If you’ve got a tree on your property that you want to be removed, it’s not as simple as calling in an arborist to chop it down. If you live on the Central Coast, there are council rules in place that may limit your options. If you live on Central Coast, you don’t need the approval to cut down a tree if –
- The tree is under 3m in height
- The tree is within 3m of a Council approved structure (pool, house, building)
- The tree is an exempt species and considered to be a weed
- The tree is part of a current approved DA (Development Application)
- The tree is dead
- Pruning of branches directly over a Council approved building
- Pruning of branches interfering with service wires
In some cases though, you still need to consult with a qualified Arborist to make sure you stay out of trouble.
Can I remove a tree located within 3m of my house?
For the average property, the rule of thumb is that if the tree is located within three metres of an existing approved structure such as your house, you can remove it. That’s if it falls within the criteria determined by the Central Coast Council.
The council will require the species of tree you plan on removing to be identified as part of your application. If it falls into one of these categories, it’s unlikely you will get permission to remove it.
- The tree is a threatened species
- It is a habitat tree for threatened fauna species
- It’s part of an endangered ecological community
You can find the information on the Central Coast Council website or consult us to investigate whether or not any of the tree removal rules are valid in your particular case.
Can I remove tree species that are considered to be a weed?
Yes, you can remove any species considered to be a weed. The removal of trees on the below list is exempt from Central Coast Council approval however photographic evidence of the species will need to be provided. See councils exempt works evidence form here.
Photographic evidence includes:
- Photo of the tree (whole tree)
- Close up of bark, flowers, foliage, and fruit. (Fruit & flowers may not be present).
- Resident to retain a minimum of 12 months
| Common Name | Botanical Name |
| Black Locust/False Acacia | Robinia pseudoacacia |
| Box Elder | Acer negundo |
| Broad Leaved Privet | Ligustrum lucidum |
| Broad Leaved Pepper Tree | Schinus terebinthifolius |
| Brunnings Golden Cypress | Cupressus macrocarpa ‘Brunniana Aurea’ |
| Camphor Laurel | Cinnamomum camphora |
| Chinese Tallow Tree | Triadica sebifera |
| Cocos palm | Syagrus romanzofianum (formally Arecastrum romanzofianum) |
| Coral Tree | Erythrina species |
| Cotoneaster species | Cotoneaster species |
| Flamegold Tree | Koelreuteria elegans |
| Golden wreath wattle | Acacia saligna |
| Honey locust | Gleditsia triacanthos |
| Indian Hawthorn | Rhaphiolepis indica |
| Narrow Leaved Privet | Ligustrum sinense |
| Norfolk Island Hibiscus | Lagunaria patersonii |
| Phoenix Palm | Phoenix canariensis |
| Radiata Pine | Pinus radiata |
| Rattlepod | Crotalaria lunata |
| Rhus tree | Toxicodendron succedaneum |
| Rubber Tree | Ficus elastica |
| Running Bamboo | Phyllostachys spp |
| Sweet Viburnum | Viburnum odoratissimum ‘Awabuki’ |
| Tecoma | Tecoma stans |
| Tree of Heaven | Ailanthus altissma |
| Umbrella Tree | Schefflera actinophylla |
| Willows | Salix spp.(excludes S.babylonica, S.X calodendron & S. x reichardtii) |
| African olive | Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata |
Note, if a tree is blocking your solar panels, it doesn’t mean you can remove it – this is a common question we come across.
Can I remove a tree if poses a risk to my property?
There are many cases in which a tree has grown to a size where it poses a risk to your property, or indeed your family. This is another consideration that will be taken into account by the Central Coast council. For example, tree removal rules state that you can prune branches within three meters of power or within one meter of telecommunication wires.
However, the process needs to be undertaken by an approved AUSGRID contractor. Note where a tree is directly overhanging the roofline of an unapproved structure, you also need a pruning specification written by an AQF3 Arborist. If the tree is dying or dead, you will need a written confirmation by an AQF3 Arborist too.
How do you go about removing a tree and still adhere to the tree removal rules?
In most cases, you need a written assessment from a qualified arborist, which we can assist you with. In some cases, you don’t need evaluation. For example, if the tree is one of the undesirable species defined by the Central Coast Council, or if you are pruning non-native shrubs.
You also don’t need permission if you are pruning no more than 50mm in diameter or any branches that are overhanging your roof. However, be careful before you haul out an axe – you need to be aware that there may be still paperwork required. In most cases, even if you don’t need an assessment, you still need to provide the council with photographic evidence and exempt works evidence, which you can download from the Central Coast Council website.
Understanding the 10/50 Rule
The 10/50 rule was determined by the rural fire service and was implemented in a bid to lower the fire hazard posed by trees. The ruling was initiated in response to the 2013 bushfires, which destroyed many unprepared properties. The rule allows people in a designated 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Entitlement Area to clear trees on their property within 10 metres of a home, without seeking approval, and clear underlying vegetation such as shrubs (but not trees) on their property within 50 metres of a home, without seeking approval. You should check online if you are in the 10/50 area, as the rules change quite often. To be sure, re-confirm your eligibility under the 10/50 scheme on the day you are removing trees or pruning trees. You can do that on the rural fire services website, or we can look it up for you.
So, what happens if you remove a tree without approval?
Both you, as the client, and the tree removal company you hire, could face significant fines. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons your application to remove a tree may be turned down.
How much does a Tree Work Application Cost?
Tree Works Application cost is $200 (up to 2 trees) and then $100 for each tree up to 5 trees only and not part of a vegetation community (complex). This form is to be used with the tree information on Council’s website. Please call us on 02 4384 6486 for advice.
Assess A Tree For Removal: How We Can Help
If you have a protected tree on your property, but you are concerned it is dead, dying or unsafe, you may be able to remove it. If you are unsure, you’ll need to approach the council and put forward your case. We can come out and assess the health of the tree and determine its safety. It may need to be removed or pruned to make it safe again. We can also stabilise it until you get council approval to remove it.
Contact Us – your local tree and garden specialist on the Central Coast NSW, for all your garden maintenance, tree planting, tree pruning and tree removal needs.