Council Permit for Tree Removals in Georges River
What Georges River Council requires before you remove or prune a tree on private land, which species are exempt, and the sizes that trigger a permit.
When Georges River Council needs to approve the work
Vegetation 3m or more in height, or 100mm or more in diameter measured at ground level, or with a branch spread of 3m or more.
Pruning without approval
Hedge pruning and reshaping is exempt. Removal of deadwood only, to AS 4373.
Trees close to a building
No published proximity to building exemption.
Dead and dangerous trees
Deadwood removal is exempt. Imminently dangerous trees need an AQF5 arborist assessment with documentation supplied within 72 hours.
Worth knowing
The 100mm at ground level trigger is very low. Most established garden trees in Hurstville and Kogarah are captured.
Rules last checked September 2026 against Council's published pages. Official sources: Council tree rules · Tree Management Policy 2024 · Council enquiries 02 9330 6400
Species you can remove without a permit in Georges River
Fruit and fodder trees are exempt, excluding natives such as Macadamia, Lilly Pilly and Blueberry Ash. Priority weeds are also exempt.
Exempt only under a height limit
Species that need a permit
Suburbs we cover in Georges River
Licensed arborists working across Georges River every week.
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Georges River?
Vegetation 3m or more in height, or 100mm or more in diameter measured at ground level, or with a branch spread of 3m or more. If your tree is on Council's exempt species list, or the work falls inside one of the exemptions below, you can proceed without a permit. Otherwise you need to apply.
How much can I prune without approval in Georges River?
Hedge pruning and reshaping is exempt. Removal of deadwood only, to AS 4373.
Can I remove a dead tree in Georges River without a permit?
Deadwood removal is exempt. Imminently dangerous trees need an AQF5 arborist assessment with documentation supplied within 72 hours.
Important note on council rules
This encyclopedia is a practical guide for Sydney property owners, not legal advice. Council tree rules change, and exemptions are frequently overridden by heritage listings, heritage conservation areas, significant tree registers, biodiversity mapping, endangered ecological communities and conditions attached to development consent. Always confirm the current rules with your council for your specific address before any tree work begins, or ask us to check it for you.
Need council approval? We handle the application.
Most councils will not accept a removal application without species identification, photographs and a stated reason. We prepare and lodge the lot, then carry out the work once it is approved. One call, one invoice, no forms to work out yourself.