Hornsby Shire has some of the strictest tree rules in Sydney. If you live anywhere from Epping to Brooklyn, assume you need a permit until you've checked.
The short version
Under Hornsby Shire Council's tree and vegetation controls, you generally need a permit to prune or remove any tree on private property. The main exceptions are trees on council's exempt species list and a few specific situations described in the DCP.
Exempt species
Council's exempt list includes common weeds and problem trees such as privet, umbrella tree, rubber tree, willow, poplar, peppercorn tree, tree of heaven, box elder, Cootamundra wattle and golden wreath wattle. The list changes from time to time, so check council's current version or ask us to identify the tree.
When exemptions don't apply
Exemptions may not apply if your property is a heritage item, sits within a heritage conservation area, or contains an endangered or critically endangered ecological community such as Blue Gum High Forest or Sydney Turpentine-Ironbark Forest. Council's website has maps to check whether your property is affected.
Applying for a permit
You apply to prune or remove trees on private property through council's online services. A council officer may inspect the trees, and an inspection fee applies. For bigger or more complex jobs council may ask for an arborist report from a qualified consulting arborist.
Council's tree tool
Hornsby Shire Council has a tree prune and removal decision tool on its website. It's a good first step, but it can't identify species for you or judge whether a tree is dangerous.
Neighbours and overhanging branches
Neighbours can prune branches that overhang their property only if the work is exempt or approved. If you can't reach agreement, the Land and Environment Court can hear disputes under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006.
How we help
We identify the species, check whether exemptions apply to your property and prepare the arborist report if council wants one. Marcus Nicholson is an AQF Level 5 consulting arborist and a registered QTRA user, which is the level of qualification council expects. Always confirm current requirements with Hornsby Shire Council on 02 9847 6666.