Tree Laws & Regulations

Tree Pruning & Removal Regulations

Before removing or pruning a tree, it's essential to know your local council's rules. Browse the regulations for your area below, then check whether the 10/50 bushfire clearing code applies to your property.

Central Coast Council

Central Coast Development Control Plan 2022 (Ch. 3.5)

Central Coast Council Development Control Plan (2022), Chapter 3.5, Tree and Vegetation Management

Pruning & Removal Rules

Pruning of up to 10% of the tree's foliage area once each growing season is exempt, provided it follows AS 4373-2007 and only removes branches no more than 50mm in diameter. Anything beyond this requires a Private Tree Works Application.

Exemptions (no consent required)

  • •Trees within 3 metres of an approved structure (measured 1.4m above ground between wall and trunk)
  • •Dead trees or dead branches (pruned to AS 4373)
  • •Branches overhanging the roofline of an approved structure, or within 3m of powerlines / 1m of telecom wires
  • •Weed species listed under Schedule 3 of the Biosecurity Act 2015
  • •Species on Council's Undesirable Species List
  • •Non-native shrubs and groundcover maintained as lawn or garden

These exemptions do not apply to threatened species, habitat trees, endangered ecological communities, or heritage items. Keep evidence (photos and, where required, an AQF3/AQF5 arborist record) for at least 6 months.

View DCP View SEPP Legislation
Bushfire Clearing Code

The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Rule

The 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Entitlement is a NSW government scheme administered by the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS). If your home is in an eligible bushfire-prone area, you may clear:

  • 10mTrees — remove any tree within 10 metres of your home.
  • 50mVegetation — clear underlying vegetation within 50 metres of your home.

This entitlement can override your council's Tree Preservation Order in eligible zones — meaning you may not need council consent for clearing that qualifies. However, it does not apply to threatened species, endangered ecological communities, or heritage items, and you must retain evidence of your eligibility.

Use the official RFS 10/50 tool below to check whether your property is in an eligible area before any clearing.

Official RFS 10/50 Clearing Tool

Check if you're in a 10/50 Vegetation Entitlement Clearing Area