Council Permit for Tree Removals in Woollahra
What Woollahra Council requires before you remove or prune a tree on private land, which species are exempt, and the sizes that trigger a permit.
When Woollahra Council needs to approve the work
Any vegetation with a branch spread greater than 3m or a height greater than 5m, plus heritage listed trees and Significant Tree Register entries. Root pruning of roots over 50mm is also controlled.
Pruning without approval
Branches 50mm or under, giving a maximum 2m clearance to roofs, buildings or powerlines. Deadwood and leafless deciduous trees are exempt.
Trees close to a building
Covered by the 2m clearance pruning exemption above.
Dead and dangerous trees
Dead trees and dead branches are exempt. Imminently dangerous trees need Level 5 arborist documentation.
Worth knowing
Seven days written notice to Council is required before removing an exempt species. Do not skip it.
Rules last checked September 2026 against Council's published pages. Official sources: Council tree rules · DCP Chapter E3 Tree Management · Council enquiries 02 9391 7000
Species you can remove without a permit in Woollahra
Banana is also exempt. Group B species lose the exemption at 10m and over.
Exempt only under a height limit
Species that need a permit
Suburbs we cover in Woollahra
Licensed arborists working across Woollahra every week.
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Woollahra?
Any vegetation with a branch spread greater than 3m or a height greater than 5m, plus heritage listed trees and Significant Tree Register entries. Root pruning of roots over 50mm is also controlled. 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 Woollahra?
Branches 50mm or under, giving a maximum 2m clearance to roofs, buildings or powerlines. Deadwood and leafless deciduous trees are exempt.
Can I remove a dead tree in Woollahra without a permit?
Dead trees and dead branches are exempt. Imminently dangerous trees need Level 5 arborist documentation.
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.