Facts About Tree Removal in Sydney

Australia is blessed with a wide variety of tree species that even grow in private properties across the country. However, the City of Sydney listed a total of 2,674 trees in their latest Register of Significant Trees. These trees are either rare or too old and are nominated by the heritage experts.

All trees are equally important but over the years, they somehow die and sometimes are too risky to keep. But that is exactly why tree removal Sydney services are necessary. These tree removal procedures are done with utmost safety and are handled by licenced and insured experts.

Now, before getting your tree removed by expert tree removers, you should first know about these things.

A permit from your local city council is required

Sydney trees are protected by the city council and breaching this policy may require heavy fines. So the first thing that you should do before deciding to have your tree removed is to apply for a permit. However, there are certain exemptions to the rules which apply depending on the tree species, condition of the tree, or if it poses an imminent risk to human life or property.

Now, how would you know if a tree needs to be removed on your property without needing a permit? Here are some indications according to the City of Sydney Council:

• Obvious instability of the root system
• Soil heaving or cracking
• Root decay
• Storm damage
• Splitting branches

Apart from these reasons, you should contact your local council and prove your tree's condition by submitting the following:

• Detailed records of the tree (with photos)
• Proof of level of risk
• A report from a qualified arborist with AQF Level 3 in Arboriculture

There are certain tree species that do not require a permit

If the species of your tree to be removed is not on the list of Sydney Development Control Plan 2012, the Register of Significant Trees or the City's Heritage Tree List, then it can be removed immediately.

Some of the exempted tree species include:

• Tree of heaven
• Bamboo sp (all species and cultivars)
• Citrus sp (all varieties)
• Cotoneaster
• Rubber tree
• Wild honey locust
• Norfolk Island hibiscus
• Privet
• White cedar
• Mulberry
• Banana
• African olive
• False acacia
• Willow
• Umbrella tree
• Cocos Palm

However, the identification of your tree should only be done by an expert arborist or horticulturalist with a minimum AQF Level 3 in Arboriculture or Horticulture.

Steps in applying for a council approval permit

Knowing how to properly apply for a council approval permit will make it easier for you to finally get your tree removed. But before doing so, make sure to check the exceptions that your tree to be removed might qualify with to avoid these extra steps. Then if you're certain that you have to get the permit first, you should follow these 5 easy steps.

Takeaway

The value of trees is highly recognised by the city council of Sydney, and thus, the steps in removing one are complicated. Unless it is highly necessary, all the trees in the world play a vital role in our environment. And so, it should be well taken care of.