Tree Pruning Guide
What you can prune without approval, when a DA is needed, and how to deal with a neighbour's tree in NSW.
Tree pruning rules in NSW vary by council area — what is allowed without approval in one area may need a DA in another. If you want to remove a tree entirely rather than prune it, visit our Tree Removal Guide.
What can I do without council approval?
Reasonable pruning of up to 10% of a tree's canopy within any 12-month period is allowed without council approval, provided the tree trunk is wholly within your property. The following work is also generally permitted without approval:
- Removal of deadwood from any tree on your property.
- Removal of any species of parasite mistletoe or parasitic plant from any part of a tree.
Council-specific branch diameter limits Some councils impose additional restrictions on the diameter of branches you can remove without approval:
- Ku-Ring-Gai: Branches less than 50 mm in diameter only
- North Sydney: Branches less than 100 mm in diameter only
Check your council's Tree Management DCP for the rules in your area.
When is a DA needed for pruning?
Pruning that goes beyond reasonable maintenance — or pruning for specific reasons — generally requires a Development Application. The following types of pruning need a DA and are likely to be approved:
- Crown-thinning for views, solar access, or pedestrian and vehicular access.
- Maintenance pruning to remove dead, diseased or dying branches (beyond routine 10%).
- Selective pruning to remove branches causing building encroachment.
- Root pruning to reduce damage to built or natural structures.
- Pruning for service lines, vehicle sight lines, or Roads and Maritime Services requirements.
Pruning a neighbour's tree
If the tree you want to prune is not on your property, a DA is required. Your neighbour will be notified of the application and given two weeks to comment before it is determined. If the application is approved, you will not need your neighbour's permission to prune the tree — but it is courteous to walk them through your plans first.
Important Approval to prune a neighbour's tree does not give you the right to enter their property to carry out the work. Access must be separately arranged with the property owner.
How to apply for a DA to prune a tree in NSW
For a DA application you will need the property address and access details, details of the tree(s), and a Tree Location Plan. Photographs are also recommended.
If you want to apply for more than five trees, contact your council directly.
- 1
Open the NSW Planning Portal and select "Apply online".
- 2
Select your council and the service (pruning) you wish to apply for, then select "Get started".
- 3
Complete the online form and upload the required supporting documentation.
- 4
Review and confirm all the information you have provided.
- 5
Submit your application.
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