What to do if a neighbour's tree is affecting you?
Before applying for removal of a tree which is not on your property, you should think about pruning the tree. Often, it is possible to eliminate any problems by tree pruning.
Click on this link to find more information about Tree Pruning.

Is my tree dead?
The Tree Scratch Test can help you finding out if your tree is dead. Scratch the outer layer of the trunk with a sharp tool. Your tree is dead when the layer beneath the bark is brown and dry.
Is my tree an imminent danger?
Trees become a potential danger when there is a target. A target is a structure, vehicle or a person that would be struck by a falling tree or its parts. The target directly influences the degree of hazard.
Has my tree become a hazard?
Some examples for trees that have become a hazard are: storm damaged trees, bug infested trees, leaning trees and trees dropping excessive debris. It is also legal to remove any kind of parasite mistletoe or parasitic plant.

Find out if your tree is located in a NSW Biodiversity Area:

1. Firstly, open the following page: Biodiversity Values Map.
2. Begin with clicking the "Start here" button.
3. Click on "Search address" and type in your address.
4. The Biodiversity Values on your property are shown in purple.

Is the species of my tree a threatened species?

1. Click on the link to open the Threatened Species List for the NSW council area.
2. Choose your region and sub-region on the map.
3. The table shows you all in your area threatened species.

1. Click on the link to open the State Heritage Register for the NSW council area.
2. Type in your address in the search field on the map.
3. The heritage status of the property is shown in bold.

Examples:
Trees in this size can be removed without DA unless they are in a Biodiversity Area, on a significant tree list or if they have any heritage status.

• Hornsby: A height less than 3m.
• Ku-Ring-Gai: A height less than 5m and a trunk diameter less than 150mm measured above ground level.
• Lane Cove: A height less than 4m and a trunk diameter less than 150mm measured from 1m above ground level.
• Mosman: A height less than 5m and a trunk diameter less than 150mm measured above ground level.
• North Sydney: A height less than 5m and a trunk diameter less than 196mm measured above ground level.
• Northern Beaches: A height less than 5m.
• Willoughby: A height less than 4m and a trunk diameter less than 190mm measured from 1.4m above ground level.

Common trees on the Exempt Tree List: Box Elder, Cocos Palm, Coral Tree, Cotoneaster, Evergreen Alder, Hackberry, Norfolk Island Hibiscus, Privet, Tree of Heaven, Umbrella Tree
Is my tree on the Exempt Tree List?
Choose your Council in the list below and follow the instructions to open the according Exempt Tree List. Please search for the Exempt Tree List on the website of your Council, if your Council is not in the list.

• Hornsby : Click on the link to open the list.
• Ku-Ring-Gai Click on the link, scroll down and download 'Tree and Vegetation DCP Part 13'. You can find the list on page 8 of the document.
• Lane Cove : Click on the link to open the list.
• Mosman : Click on the link and scroll down to page 1 and 2 to find the list.
North Sydney : Click on the link and find a list below the heading 'Trees or work that do NOT Require a Permit'
• Northern Beaches : Click on the link to open the list.
• Willoughby : Click on the link and download 'Part C.9 Vegetation Management of Willoughby Development Control Plan(WDCP)' and find the list on the last page.

Is my tree in a 10/50 area?

1. Click on the following link to open the 10/50 Area Map.
2. Accept Terms and Conditions by pressing the button on the bottom of the page.
3. Type in the address of your property in the search field.
4. Press "Get Results" to find out if your property is a bushfire prone land.