The community including residents, business owners and visitors to the area have identified they value trees and green spaces and want Council to be an environmental leader.

Council’s vision is for a local government area that prioritises the protection of trees for their ecological, aesthetic, social and economic contribution to our lifestyle, and encouraging international best practice for managing the existing tree population and planting of future canopy.

Council has comprehensive tree management processes in place, including an over-arching Tree Management Policy and the relevant sections of Council's Development Control Plans (DCPs).
 

Tree facts

Trees are an important contributor to the character of much of the Georges River area, attracting visitors and property buyers.

Trees are an important feature in the urban environment, providing shade and cooling temperatures by reducing the urban heat-island effect, where temperatures remain warmer longer due to the presence of many heat-absorbing surfaces such as roads and roofs.

Please view the following Frequently Asked Questions to assist with the most common tree management enquiries.
 

Frequently asked questions

• Can I prune or remove a tree on my property?

  Works to any part of a tree (including cutting of tree roots) will require prior approval from Council unless deemed exempt under Councils Tree Management Policy.
  
  In Georges River Council Local Government Area, a tree is defined as vegetation having a:

  • Height of 3 metres or more, or
  • Diameter of 100mm or more when measured at ground level, or
  • Branch spread of 3 metres or more.

  .

  To obtain approval to undertake tree works, an application must be lodged with Council via:

  • An Application to Prune or Remove Tree(s) on Private Property.
  • Development Application (required if the subject property is a heritage listed item and tree removal is being sought).
• What are exempt tree works for a privately owned tree?

  Works to privately owned trees that do not require approval include:

  • Pruning and reshaping of hedges.

  • Pruning to remove deadwood.

  • Pruning or removal of any commercial or domestic tree grown for the purpose of fruit or fodder production excluding native species, such as Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia), Lilly Pilly (Acmena spp, Syzygium spp) and Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus spp).

  • Pruning or removal of trees recognised as Priority Weeds by the Greater Sydney Local Land Services Regional Weed Management Plan under the Biosecurity Act 2015.

  • Pruning or removal of trees that have been declared “exempt species” – see below list.

  • Removal of imminently dangerous trees as assessed by an AQF5 arborist and accompanied by the completion and submission of the Exempt Tree Works Form within 72 hours of the tree’s removal. Failure to complete and provide this form to Council, or where Council does not agree with the submission, will be dealt with as a compliance matter with fines or prosecution through the courts likely to occur. 

  • Trees subject to an order under the Local Government Act 1993, Land and Environment Court Act 1979, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Trees (Disputes between Neighbours) Act 2006.

  • Trees and vegetation that are less than 3 metres in height and/ have a branch spread less than 3 metres.

  For further information please refer to Council's Tree Management Policy on our Codes, Policies and Registers page or Contact Us.
  
  Note: Landowners carrying out exempt works are required to keep suitable evidence for a minimum of 2 years to prove the condition of the tree and the works undertaken in the event of a subsequent inspection by Council.

• Leaf, Fruit and Flower Fall

  Leaf, fruit and flower fall from trees is considered a natural process and as determined in the Land & Environment Court ‘Barker v Kyriakides [2007] NSWLEC 292’.
  
  "For people who live in urban environments, it is appropriate to expect that some degree of house exterior and grounds maintenance will be required in order to appreciate and retain the aesthetic and environmental benefits of having trees in such an urban environment. It is reasonable to expect people living in such an environment might need to clean the gutters and the surrounds of their houses on a regular basis. The dropping of leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds or small elements of deadwood by urban trees ordinarily will not provide the basis for ordering removal of or intervention with an urban tree."

• How do I get a permit to prune or remove a tree on my property?

  To acquire a permit to prune or remove a tree on private property (that is not listed as “Exempt Works” in Councils Tree Management Policy.

  • Complete an Application to Prune or Remove Tree(s) on Private Property. The application form must be submitted to Council either in person at Hurstville or Kogarah Service Centres, via post (Georges River Council, PO Box 205, Hurstville, NSW 1481) or via email (mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au).
  • Payment of the associated fees is required for the application to be accepted by Council. Cost of the application is listed on Councils Fees and charges page.

  For further information and clarification, please refer to Councils Tree Management Policy on our Codes, Policies and Registers page or Contact Us.
• How long does it take to get a permit?

  Council aims to complete the application assessment process and issue a permit within an eighteen week timeframe. Delays may occur when Council officers are unable to gain access to inspect the site or where information provided is inaccurate or incomplete.
  
  When Council receives an application to prune or remove a tree, a Council arborist will assess the application. A tree assessment will be undertaken which will include an on-site visual tree assessment, and an assessment of the individual circumstances relevant to the application.
   
  If permission is granted, a written permit will be issued by Council. This permit will include clear instructions about exactly what type of work can be completed and conditions that need to be complied with. Works undertaken outside of the prescribed conditions may constitute to a breach of consent and Council may issue a penalty infringement. 
  
  Once your permit is received, you can organise the works to be done. Council will not recommend any companies to carry out tree works.
  
  It is your responsibility to ensure the works are completed safely and to engage appropriately qualified and insured contractors where necessary.

• My application was denied. What can I do now?

  Following councils site assessment determination (SAD), you can request a review of a tree application and pay the accompanying fees found in Council’s schedule of Fees and Charges.
  
  The review must be lodged within 6 months of the date of determination.
  
  The review must be accompanied by additional information or report(s), not already provided, in support of the application. This may include reports from an AQF5 qualified arborist, licenced building inspector or structural engineer.

• My neighbours tree overhangs my property, can I prune it?

  It is advisable to approach the neighbour and discuss any issues you may have with their tree. Neighbours have the right to prune the branches of a tree overhanging their property, however, they must ensure any pruning work is permissible through an Application to Prune or Remove Tree(s) on Private Property or are classified as exempt works under the Tree Management Policy.
  
  For further information and clarification, please refer to Councils Tree Management Policy on our Codes, Policies and Registers page or Contact Us.

• How can I resolve a tree dispute with my neighbour?

  Council does not have the regulatory powers to compel neighbours to prune or remove trees that may be causing damage or a nuisance to their neighbour, nor can Council mediate in disputes.
  
  Conflict over the management of private trees on neighbouring properties is the responsibility of both neighbours to discuss and resolve. 
  
  If that avenue is unsuccessful, they can make an application to the Land and Environment Court under the Trees (Disputes between Neighbours) Act 2006. The Act only applies to trees on private property and not Council owned trees.
  
  If you wish to explore your options further, you may consider seeking free legal advice through Legal Aid New South Wales. They offer general legal assistance and have an online chat platform, which can help point you in the right direction based on your situation.

• Can I remove or prune a tree on the council verge, nature strip or bushland area?

  No. Only Council can remove or prune public trees. Any unauthorised person found to undertake any work on a public tree will be in breach of the Environment Planning and Assessment Act and will be issued penalty notice or prosecuted through the courts. 
  
  If trees on the nature strip need pruning or removal, please lodge a service request. 

• Can I plant a tree on the council verge, nature strip or bushland area?

  New street tree and park plantings are managed by council to ensure successful establishment and enhancement of canopy cover in the LGA. Council has strict assessment criteria that must be met to prevent conflict with roads, foot paths utilities and private property.
  
  We welcome requests to plant new street trees. New street tree requests can be lodged by the resident whose property adjoins the proposed tree. Please lodge a service request through our website. Council will assess the proposed planting location and determine if tree establishment is suitable and add to the planting schedule if the location is suited.
  
  Tree plantings are best done during the cooler months and are typically planted in batches between March and September dependant on the availability of tree stock. This allows for root growth and prevent the tree drying out before establishment.  

• What can I do if a Council tree is causing damage to my property or pipes?

  In order to report incidences of damage suspected to be caused by roots from public trees to either pipes or built structures the following information will need to be provided.

  • Written notification of damage to property.
  • Evidence of the root ingress including detailed photos of the roots in relation to the structure
  • In most cases it will be required of the property owner or resident to excavate near the structure’s footings to provide accurate visual evidence. The excavation will need to remain open to allow for Council’s inspection.
  • Should tree roots be found, they will need to remain exposed, in place and unsevered to allow for council officers to inspect.
  • To claim compensation from Georges River Council an injury or damage compensation claim form will need to be completed online via the governance section on council’s website. Note: Submitting a claim for damages does not guarantee compensation.
  • Council will investigate solutions including root pruning, root barrier, contribution to the cost of repairing/reconstructing structures or other mitigation strategies.

  Council will advise of the outcome of its investigation and in some cases may request additional information by way of a written report from a suitably qualified professional relevant to the individual circumstances, including a builder’s report, a structural engineers report, a plumbing engineers report, dilapidation report or a geotechnical report. Reports provided will need to provide physical evidence and not rely of hypothetical summaries.   

• Who is responsible for private trees overhanging Council land?

  Where private trees overhang Council property, footpaths or roadways, the maintenance of the tree is regarded as the private land owner’s responsibility and the owner should undertake pruning when requested by Council.
  
  If the owner does not comply with a request, an order for the pruning of overhanging branches can be issued by Council – especially if there is threat to life or property. Council may also undertake the necessary tree works and then recover the cost of the works from the tree owner.

• Can I have a memorial tree planted?

  Council will consider your application to plant a tree to commemorate a loved one. The species of tree and location of the memorial planting will be determined by Council. Tree plantings are subject to available space and Council’s Plans of Management.
  
  If your application is accepted, Council will plant and maintain the tree to ensure it is healthy and well-established. Council may be required to remove or replace trees at a later stage and if this happens, Council will try to contact the applicant. 
  
  Spreading cremated remains is not allowed and any items placed at, near or around the tree will be removed by Council.
  
  If you would like more information please have a look at our Place Naming Policy on our Codes, Policies and Registers page or Contact Us.

• What happens if my neighbor refuses to sign the Tree Removal or Pruning Application Form?

  Council does not have the authority to direct a neighbour to prune or remove a tree that is growing onto your property. This is a civil matter and must be resolved between neighbours. Council does not mediate in disputes.
   
  If your neighbour does not sign your Tree Removal or Pruning Application form, you can still submit the form to Council. The associated fees will need to be paid and Council will send a letter to your neighbour regarding your application.
   
  Without an owner’s signature, Council is only permitted to assess the tree for pruning works. 
  
  Applications to remove a tree must be signed by the owner of the tree.

• How can I find out who owns the property next door so that I can arrange an application to remove a tree?

  In accordance with privacy laws, Council can provide this information for this purpose.
  
  You will be required to fill out an Informal Access Application (GIPA form). Proof of your identity is required.

• Why won’t Council allow a tree to be pruned or removed?

  Council may not grant approval to remove or prune trees for the following reasons: 

  • Improve a view.

  • Solar access.

  • Minor damage to driveways and paths.

  • Shedding of leaves, fruit, bark and small branches as part of the normal living function of the tree.

  • Reduce litter from fauna naturally inhabiting the tree.

  • Reduce blockage to pipes, sewer or drainage lines – where the roots of trees  have entered the drainage or sewer systems that is found to be in poor condition or disrepair.

  The NSW Land & Environment Court has established that the dropping of leaves, flowers, fruit, seeds or small elements of deadwood by trees will not ordinarily provide grounds for tree removal.

  The benefits of having trees in an urban environment outweighs the issues caused by keeping surrounding residents homes and streets clean.

• What about trees and powerlines?

  Ausgrid maintains safe clearances between trees and its electricity network to keep the power supply safe and reliable.
  
  Land owners are responsible for keeping trees on their property safely clear from wires that connect to homes and property, including private mains. Only licensed contractors should trim trees around the electricity network.
   
  To report a tree that is growing too close to Ausgrid’s electricity network please report directly to Ausgrid. If the tree is contacting Ausgrid’s electricity wires, please make a hazard report or call 13 13 88.

• How long does it take to prune street trees?

  Pruning or removal works that are not an emergency on a public tree is typically completed within 12 to 18 weeks. 
  
  When works are in proximity to power lines Council is required to engage Ausgrid authorised contractors, this may push times out dependant of availability or the required contractors.