Ku-ring-gai Council's tree rules, in plain English
Ku-ring-gai protects every tree that is 5 metres or taller or has a trunk 150 mm or more across at ground level, and also protects other vegetation, so you need a Tree Application to prune or remove one unless a specific exemption applies. The main exemptions are trees within 3 m of your house, branches directly over your roof, minor pruning of branches under 50 mm, deadwood, exempt species and declared weeds. There are no exemptions in Blue Gum High Forest or on heritage land.
What's protected
Trees 5 m or taller, or with a trunk 150 mm across at ground level, are protected (no exemptions in Blue Gum High Forest or on heritage land). If your tree is over the threshold and not on an exemption below, you need council's approval before pruning beyond the allowance or removing it.
No permit needed for
- Trees and other vegetation within 3 m of an existing dwelling on the same property, measured from the centre of the trunk at ground level to the external wall.
- Branches directly overhanging the roof of a house or commercial building, cut back to the nearest branch junction or collar (not over garages, carports or outbuildings).
- Branches within 0.5 m of the electrical service line (branches only, not trunks).
- Minor pruning of branches and roots not more than 50 mm in diameter, and removing completely dead branches.
- Completely dead or dying trees, and structurally unsound trees, but only after Council confirms in writing (an arborist's report may be required).
- Species on the NSW State Priority Weeds list and Council's exempt species list.
Pruning without a permit
You may prune branches and roots up to 50 mm in diameter, remove completely dead branches, and cut back branches that hang directly over the roof of your house to the nearest branch junction or collar, all to AS 4373 and without harming the tree's health, stability or form (stripping one whole side of a tree over the roof is not exempt). Branches within 0.5 m of the electrical service line may also be removed. Anything more needs a Tree Application.
Fees
$88 for a tree removal application (one tree or hedge, 2026/27), paid to council (not to us) and generally non-refundable. Council usually asks for a replacement tree to be planted when it approves a removal.
What we do for you
Tell us about the tree and we'll tell you which rule applies: exempt, pruning within the allowance, or permit. If it needs a permit we'll tell you what to put on the form and what the fee is. If council wants an arborist report, Joshua Baber writes it. Then we do the approved work, following any conditions.
Questions people ask us
What happens if I remove a protected tree without a permit?
Unauthorised tree removal is an offence under NSW planning law, with on-the-spot fines and court penalties that can run into the tens of thousands of dollars, plus replacement planting. It's never worth it: ask first.
What if the tree is dangerous right now?
A tree that is an imminent risk to life or property can usually be made safe, but councils want evidence: photos and an arborist's assessment before anything is cut, and some want to be told first. Call us before the tree is touched; once it's gone, so is your proof.
Do I need an arborist report?
Not for most applications. Councils ask for one for larger or disputed removals, dead or dangerous trees, development sites and appeals. Joshua Baber, our AQF Level 5 consulting arborist, writes them; usually on site within a week and the report about a week after.
Not sure which rule your tree falls under?
Send a photo with something for scale and tell us the suburb. We'll tell you straight.