Arborist Reports
Inner West

Report context

• Applications are lodged through the NSW Planning Portal for pruning/removal work that is not exempt.
• An imminent-risk Tree Risk Assessment Form must be prepared by a minimum AQF Level 5 arborist and be no more than 3 months old.
• Development-related tree removal can be handled before DA lodgement where approval is not required, through Council before lodging, or as part of the DA depending on the tree and works.

Verified council checks

• Apply if the tree is taller than 5m, has trunk circumference greater than 1m at any height, or branch spread greater than 3m.
• Applications are lodged through the NSW Planning Portal for pruning/removal work that is not exempt.
• Council lists exemptions including light pruning up to 10% of canopy, dead trees, trees within 1.5m of an approved structure, listed species, and other stated categories.

Official council sources

Report context

• Covered private-tree pruning or removal requires Council approval unless the work fits a stated exemption.
• Tree condition, risk, and impact evidence should be matched to Burwood Council application requirements before lodging.
• Development-related tree work should be checked against Burwood planning and tree controls before choosing a permit or DA pathway.

Verified council checks

• Approval is required for trees taller than 4m or trunk diameter greater than 300mm at ground level.
• Approval is also required for trunk circumference greater than 500mm at 1m above ground, including multiple trunks where total circumference exceeds 500mm.
• Covered private-tree pruning or removal requires Council approval unless the work fits a stated exemption.
• Council allows pruning of up to 10% of canopy or root system without approval where it does not destroy, deform, or predispose the tree to failure.

Official council sources

Report context

• Canada Bay says removal must always have Council approval unless a listed exempt species applies.
• Report evidence should identify whether the tree is TPO-protected, exempt species, or part of a development-related assessment.
• Development applications should identify protected trees and any proposed pruning/removal or retention measures.

Verified council checks

• Trees are protected by the Tree Preservation Order if height is 4m or more, trunk girth exceeds 500mm at any point, or branches/canopy spread exceeds 3m.
• Canada Bay says removal must always have Council approval unless a listed exempt species applies.
• Exempt species can be pruned or removed without approval; pruning up to 10% of canopy in a 12-month period is allowed without approval.

Official council sources

Report context

• A Tree Management Application is required for most tree pruning or removal where a DA is not required.
• An Arboricultural Assessment Report or Tree Pruning Specification Report is required for applications involving Significant Tree Register trees, heritage-listed properties, or heritage conservation areas.
• A DA is required if the tree is part of a heritage item, falls within a heritage conservation area, or is listed on the Significant Tree Register.

Verified council checks

• Part O of Strathfield DCP prohibits pruning/removal/damage to trees greater than 4m high or with girth greater than 0.5m measured at 1m above ground without consent.
• Undertaking works within 5m from the base of a tree also requires consent.
• A Tree Management Application is required for most tree pruning or removal where a DA is not required.
• Council states there is no general 10% pruning rule or distance-from-building exemption in Strathfield; exempt species, noxious weeds, and dead-branch removal under AS4373 are listed separately.

Official council sources

Report context

• Tree and vegetation removal/pruning on private land can proceed without permission only where a listed SEPP, exempt species, or DCP exemption applies.
• Report evidence should support why works do or do not meet Parramatta exemption, permit, or DA requirements.
• A DA is required for heritage or biodiversity controls, heritage/conservation-area land, existing DA condition trees, or where building/development work is also proposed.

Verified council checks

• Works that do not meet State Environmental Planning Policy, exempt species, or DCP exemptions need permission through a tree permit or development application.
• Tree and vegetation removal/pruning on private land can proceed without permission only where a listed SEPP, exempt species, or DCP exemption applies.
• Examples include dead-tree removal, removing/pruning a tree within 3m of a legally approved building, pruning dead branches, and pruning less than 20% of canopy over a two-year period.

Official council sources