Most trees on private land on the Central Coast are protected. That surprises a lot of people, especially those who moved up from areas with looser rules. This guide explains how the system works so you know where you stand before you call anyone with a chainsaw.
Where the rules come from
Tree work on private land is governed by the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 and by Chapter 3.5 of the Central Coast Development Control Plan 2022. Council uses those two documents to decide what needs a permit and what doesn't.
Work that may not need approval
Both the SEPP and the DCP list exemptions. Common examples include removing species on council's undesirable species list, removing dead trees in some circumstances, and work where there's an imminent risk to life or property. Each exemption has conditions, and council may ask you to prove the work fitted one. Council publishes templates to help you collect that evidence.
When you need a Private Tree Works Application
If your work doesn't fit an exemption, you lodge a Private Tree Works Application. It covers up to five trees that aren't part of a vegetation community. Council won't accept several applications for the same property to get around the five-tree limit, or a new application within 12 months of the last one.
Before applying, council suggests working through its Pre Tree Works Application Checklist. Some properties need a different approval path altogether, for example land with threatened species, heritage listings or a development application in progress.
Trees that are about to fall
If a tree poses an imminent risk and you can't get an AQF Level 5 arborist out quickly, council accepts an urgent application through the standard form with Imminent Risk selected. Council's customer service number is 02 4306 7900. Marcus Nicholson is an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist and we answer emergency calls 24/7 on 0422 204 063, so we can usually assess the tree and provide the evidence council needs.
Trees on council land or the street
You can't remove or prune a street tree or a tree on council land yourself. Report it to council on 02 4306 7900.
Neighbour's tree over your fence
Council can sometimes approve pruning of overhanging branches without the tree owner's consent, but only the owner can apply to remove the tree. Disputes between neighbours can also go to the Land and Environment Court under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006.
How we help
On a quote visit we identify the species, check the exemptions that apply to your property and tell you what council will want. If you need an application, we can prepare the arborist report that goes with it. Rules change from time to time, so always confirm the current requirements on Central Coast Council's website.