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.

Lake Macquarie City Council

Lake Macquarie Development Control Plan 2014 (Tree Management)

Lake Macquarie Development Control Plan 2014, Tree Management provisions, under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021

Pruning & Removal Rules

A permit is required to remove or prune most trees, supported by an AQF Level 5 arborist report where required. Approved permits remain valid for two years.

Exemptions (no consent required)

  • •Dead, dying, or imminently dangerous trees (with photographic evidence)
  • •Declared noxious weeds under the Biosecurity Act
  • •Trees within 3 metres of an approved dwelling or in-ground pool (measured 1.4m above ground)
  • •Trees under 3m tall, or with a trunk circumference under 500mm (measured 1m above ground)
  • •Pruning of no more than 10% of the canopy, carried out to AS 4373
  • •Fruit trees (other than native fruit trees)

A permit does not cover threatened species, endangered ecological communities, heritage items, or trees on waterfront land — separate approvals may be required. Penalties for unauthorised tree work can reach $1.1 million.

View DCP View SEPP Legislation
City of Newcastle

Newcastle Urban Forest Technical Manual (DCP 2023)

Newcastle Urban Forest Technical Manual (Part A, Private Trees), applied through the Newcastle Development Control Plan 2023

Pruning & Removal Rules

A permit is required to remove or significantly prune most trees, supported by a Level 5 Arborist Report. Approved permits remain valid for five years.

Exemptions (no consent required)

  • •Storm-damaged or imminently dangerous trees (submit the Storm Damaged Tree Removal Form within 5 days)
  • •Dead or dying trees that are not habitat trees and not on heritage-listed land
  • •Trees within 3 metres of a dwelling, building over 20m², or pool
  • •Trees under 3m tall, or with a trunk circumference under 450mm (single trunk) / 300mm per trunk (multi-trunk)
  • •Shrubs under 5m that are not part of a native vegetation community
  • •Species listed in Table C3.01 of the Urban Forest Technical Manual

A permit does not cover threatened species, endangered ecological communities, native vegetation communities, heritage items, or trees within 100m of a SEPP 14 wetland — a separate Native Vegetation Removal Permit is required.

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