Council Permit for Tree Removals in Hornsby Shire
What Hornsby Shire Council requires before you remove or prune a tree on private land, which species are exempt, and the sizes that trigger a permit.
When Hornsby Shire Council needs to approve the work
Trees 3m or more in height, or any tree within mapped native vegetation. Biodiversity mapping, heritage and endangered ecological communities override the exemptions.
Pruning without approval
Live branches can be pruned only where they are causing a nuisance, up to 10% of the leaf canopy area, once annually, to AS 4373-2007. Deadwood removal is exempt.
Trees close to a building
Trees whose trunk base at ground level sits within 3m of the foundation of an approved building. Detached garages, carports and other ancillary buildings are excluded.
Dead and dangerous trees
Dead trees are exempt provided they are not habitat for native wildlife.
Worth knowing
Hornsby runs an online tree decision tool that gives a written answer for a specific address. Worth using before any Hornsby quote.
Rules last checked September 2026 against Council's published pages. Official sources: Council tree rules · Hornsby DCP 1.2.6 Tree and Vegetation Preservation · Council enquiries 02 9847 6666
Species you can remove without a permit in Hornsby Shire
All edible fruit and nut trees are exempt except natives such as Lilly Pilly, Blueberry Ash and Macadamia. Biosecurity Act listed species are also exempt.
Exempt only under a height limit
None in this encyclopedia.
Species that need a permit
Suburbs we cover in Hornsby Shire
Licensed arborists working across Hornsby Shire every week. Our Hornsby Shire tree services page covers what we do across the area.
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Hornsby Shire?
Trees 3m or more in height, or any tree within mapped native vegetation. Biodiversity mapping, heritage and endangered ecological communities override the exemptions. 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 Hornsby Shire?
Live branches can be pruned only where they are causing a nuisance, up to 10% of the leaf canopy area, once annually, to AS 4373-2007. Deadwood removal is exempt.
Can I remove a dead tree in Hornsby Shire without a permit?
Dead trees are exempt provided they are not habitat for native wildlife.
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.