Council Permit for Tree Removals in Waverley
What Waverley Council requires before you remove or prune a tree on private land, which species are exempt, and the sizes that trigger a permit.
When Waverley Council needs to approve the work
A permit is required for trees 3m or more in height or with a canopy spread of 3m or more, plus anything on the Significant Tree Register, heritage listed or in a heritage conservation area.
Pruning without approval
Trees under 5m can be pruned without a permit. Dead branches, palm fronds and palm fruit are exempt. Hedges can be pruned up to 20% of height and width in any 12 months.
Trees close to a building
No published proximity to building exemption.
Dead and dangerous trees
Deadwood pruning is exempt. Urgent safety work on storm damaged trees is exempt with evidence on request.
Worth knowing
Exempt species still require seven days notice by email before removal. The 3m trigger is the lowest on this list.
Rules last checked September 2026 against Council's published pages. Official sources: Council tree rules · Tree Management Guidelines · Council enquiries 02 9083 8000
Species you can remove without a permit in Waverley
Citrus species are also exempt. Trees under 3m in both height and canopy spread need no permit at all.
Exempt only under a height limit
None in this encyclopedia.
Species that need a permit
Suburbs we cover in Waverley
Licensed arborists working across Waverley every week.
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Waverley?
A permit is required for trees 3m or more in height or with a canopy spread of 3m or more, plus anything on the Significant Tree Register, heritage listed or in a heritage conservation area. 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 Waverley?
Trees under 5m can be pruned without a permit. Dead branches, palm fronds and palm fruit are exempt. Hedges can be pruned up to 20% of height and width in any 12 months.
Can I remove a dead tree in Waverley without a permit?
Deadwood pruning is exempt. Urgent safety work on storm damaged trees is exempt with evidence on request.
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.