Council Permit for Tree Removals in Lane Cove
What Lane Cove Council requires before you remove or prune a tree on private land, which species are exempt, and the sizes that trigger a permit.
When Lane Cove Council needs to approve the work
A permit is needed for any tree over 4m in height, with a canopy spread over 5m, or with a trunk diameter over 150mm measured 1m above ground. Root pruning of roots 40mm and over also needs approval.
Pruning without approval
Pruning of dead branches is fee free. Branches within 3m of street power lines or 0.5m of service wires are exempt.
Trees close to a building
No published proximity to building exemption.
Dead and dangerous trees
Dead or dying trees are fee free once Council confirms the condition, excluding native animal habitat.
Worth knowing
Lane Cove's exempt species still need a Fee-Free Tree Works Permit lodged with four photos. It costs nothing but the paperwork is not optional.
Rules last checked September 2026 against Council's published pages. Official sources: Council tree rules · Fee-Free Tree Works Permit species list · Council enquiries 02 9911 3555
Species you can remove without a permit in Lane Cove
Bananas and exotic fruit trees such as citrus, peaches and plums are also on the fee free list.
Exempt only under a height limit
Species that need a permit
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Lane Cove?
A permit is needed for any tree over 4m in height, with a canopy spread over 5m, or with a trunk diameter over 150mm measured 1m above ground. Root pruning of roots 40mm and over also needs approval. 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 Lane Cove?
Pruning of dead branches is fee free. Branches within 3m of street power lines or 0.5m of service wires are exempt.
Can I remove a dead tree in Lane Cove without a permit?
Dead or dying trees are fee free once Council confirms the condition, excluding native animal 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.