Council Permit for Tree Removals in Hunters Hill
What Hunters Hill Council requires before you remove or prune a tree on private land, which species are exempt, and the sizes that trigger a permit.
When Hunters Hill Council needs to approve the work
Prescribed vegetation is anything 4m or more in height, or with a stem diameter of 200mm or more measured 1.4m above ground level.
Pruning without approval
Hedge maintenance is exempt where the cut back is less than 500mm and the branches are less than 30mm thick.
Trees close to a building
No published proximity to building exemption.
Dead and dangerous trees
Dead trees and dead branches can be removed. Notify Council first and supply evidence the tree is dead.
Worth knowing
Hunters Hill has a large heritage conservation area footprint. Heritage properties and Significant Tree Register listings need a DA, not a permit, whatever the species.
Rules last checked September 2026 against Council's published pages. Official sources: Council tree rules · Prescribed vegetation · Council enquiries 02 9879 9400
Species you can remove without a permit in Hunters Hill
Noxious weeds are exempt. Camphor Laurel, Liquidambar and Poplar lose their exemption at 10m and over.
Exempt only under a height limit
Species that need a permit
Suburbs we cover in Hunters Hill
Licensed arborists working across Hunters Hill every week.
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Hunters Hill?
Prescribed vegetation is anything 4m or more in height, or with a stem diameter of 200mm or more measured 1.4m above ground level. 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 Hunters Hill?
Hedge maintenance is exempt where the cut back is less than 500mm and the branches are less than 30mm thick.
Can I remove a dead tree in Hunters Hill without a permit?
Dead trees and dead branches can be removed. Notify Council first and supply evidence the tree is dead.
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.