Council Permit for Tree Removals in Ku-ring-gai
What Ku-ring-gai Council requires before you remove or prune a tree on private land, which species are exempt, and the sizes that trigger a permit.
When Ku-ring-gai Council needs to approve the work
A tree 5m or more in height, or with a trunk diameter of 150mm or more measured at ground level. Ku-ring-gai applies this threshold tightly and uses an address mapping tool to check biodiversity overlays.
Pruning without approval
Pruning of branches and roots not more than 50mm in diameter, to AS 4373-2007. Completely dead branches can be removed.
Trees close to a building
Trees within 3m of an existing dwelling, measured from the centre of the trunk to the external wall. Branches directly overhanging the roof of a residence or commercial building may be cut back to the nearest branch junction. Carports and detached garages do not count.
Dead and dangerous trees
Dead trees are not automatically exempt. Council must confirm in writing that the tree is dead or dying and not required as fauna habitat.
Worth knowing
The 50mm pruning limit is much tighter than most neighbouring councils. Check the address mapping tool before quoting.
Rules last checked September 2026 against Council's published pages. Official sources: Council tree rules · DCP Part 13 Tree and Vegetation Preservation · Council enquiries 02 9424 0000
Species you can remove without a permit in Ku-ring-gai
Species on the NSW State Priority Weeds list are also exempt.
Exempt only under a height limit
Species that need a permit
Suburbs we cover in Ku-ring-gai
Licensed arborists working across Ku-ring-gai every week. Our Ku-ring-gai tree services page covers what we do across the area.
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Ku-ring-gai?
A tree 5m or more in height, or with a trunk diameter of 150mm or more measured at ground level. Ku-ring-gai applies this threshold tightly and uses an address mapping tool to check biodiversity overlays. 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 Ku-ring-gai?
Pruning of branches and roots not more than 50mm in diameter, to AS 4373-2007. Completely dead branches can be removed.
Can I remove a dead tree in Ku-ring-gai without a permit?
Dead trees are not automatically exempt. Council must confirm in writing that the tree is dead or dying and not required as fauna habitat.
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.