Tree removal and lopping in Brisbane. VPO-aware, jacaranda + poinciana specialists.
Brisbane has hills, mature trees over Queenslanders, and the BCC Tree Manager map. Most jobs we do here are pre-storm crown reductions on jacarandas, poincianas and figs. The trees grow fast in the subtropical climate — what was a manageable 6m tree five years ago is a 12m wind risk now.
Brisbane City Council Vegetation Protection Orders
BCC uses a category system rather than a register-based one:
- Category R (Regulated) — most mature trees with trunk circumference ≥800mm at 1m above ground, or canopy ≥10m. Removal requires permit.
- Category P (Protected) — heritage and significant landscape trees on the BCC register. Permit + arborist report required for any work.
- Significant Landscape Tree — individually listed trees (heritage figs, century-old jacarandas). Highest level of protection.
The BCC Tree Manager online map shows which category applies to your block. Five minutes to check; up to $30,000 fine for skipping it. Full QLD directory.
Surrounding LGAs (Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Redland, Brisbane West) use lighter regimes — typically a height-based threshold around 4–6m and exemptions for backyard trees. The premium suburbs (Hamilton, Ascot, New Farm, Paddington) sit under BCC and need the full check.
What it costs in Brisbane
Brisbane is at the national average. Hilly access in inner-west and inner-north suburbs (Paddington, Red Hill, Bardon, Auchenflower) adds 10–15% because the chipper has to walk further from the truck.
| Job type | Typical Brisbane cost |
|---|---|
| Small tree removal (under 5m) | $400 – $900 |
| Medium tree (5–10m) | $900 – $1,800 |
| Large tree (10–15m) | $1,500 – $3,200 |
| Mature poinciana / fig (15m+) | $2,800 – $5,500 |
| BCC permit application + arborist statement | $250 – $500 |
| Crown reduction (storm prep) | $400 – $1,200 |
| Stump grinding | $80 – $750 |
Suburbs we cover across Brisbane and surrounds
- Brisbane CBD
- Spring Hill
- Fortitude Valley
- New Farm
- Teneriffe
- Newstead
- Bowen Hills
- Albion
- Hamilton
- Ascot
- Clayfield
- Wooloowin
- Wilston
- Grange
- Wavell Heights
- Stafford
- Chermside
- Aspley
- Bridgeman Downs
- Paddington
- Red Hill
- Bardon
- Rosalie
- Auchenflower
- Toowong
- Indooroopilly
- St Lucia
- Taringa
- Sherwood
- Graceville
- Chelmer
- Corinda
- Oxley
- Yeronga
- Annerley
- Greenslopes
- Holland Park
- Mt Gravatt
- Sunnybank
- Coorparoo
- Camp Hill
- Carindale
- Wishart
- Mansfield
- Wynnum
- Manly
- Cannon Hill
- Bulimba
- Hawthorne
- East Brisbane
- South Brisbane
- West End
- Highgate Hill
- Logan Central
- Springwood
- Beenleigh
- Marsden
- Browns Plains
- Ipswich
- Bundamba
- Goodna
- Redbank Plains
- Capalaba
- Cleveland
- Victoria Point
Brisbane species
Jacaranda
Jacaranda mimosifolia
- Mature height
- 10–15m
- Common issues
- Brittle limbs in cyclone winds; spreading canopy
- Permit
- Some heritage suburbs — check BCC Tree Manager
Poinciana
Delonix regia
- Mature height
- 8–12m
- Common issues
- Massive lateral roots; brittle in storms
- Permit
- Often regulated under BCC Category R
Moreton Bay fig
Ficus macrophylla
- Mature height
- 30–50m
- Common issues
- Buttress roots; canopy >30m wide
- Permit
- Always — landmark species
Spotted gum
Corymbia maculata
- Mature height
- 25–35m
- Common issues
- Limb drop in summer heat
- Permit
- Yes if ≥800mm circumference
Storm season — pre-summer pruning saves the roof
Brisbane's storm season runs October to March. Most major roof damage we see in February-March was preventable in November with a 30% crown reduction. Cost in November: $400–$1,200. Cost after a tree comes through the roof: $5,000–$15,000 plus the roof.
If you've got a jacaranda, poinciana, or fig overhanging the roofline, book a pre-storm assessment in September. We do a free site visit, mark the canopy reductions needed, and quote the work flat. Storm checklist for what to do if it's already too late.
Powerlines — Energex first
South-east Queensland is on Energex. Tree on a line: don't approach. Free dispatch.
- Energex emergency: 13 19 62 (24 hours)
- Energex vegetation: 13 19 62 (planned trim work near lines)
Same services across Brisbane
Frequently asked — Brisbane
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Brisbane?
Check the BCC Tree Manager map. If the tree is Category R (regulated, ≥800mm trunk circumference) or Category P (protected/significant), permit required. Surrounding LGAs (Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay) lighter rules.
How much does tree removal cost in Brisbane?
Small: $400–$900. Medium: $900–$1,800. Large: $1,500–$3,200. Hilly inner suburbs add 10–15%. Permit liaison: $250–$500.
Why does Brisbane use 'lopping' more than 'removal'?
Queenslanders favour 'lopping' as the everyday term. We do both lopping and removal — same crew, same arborist.
Do you cover Logan and Ipswich?
Yes — Logan, Springwood, Beenleigh, Browns Plains; Ipswich, Bundamba, Goodna. Different LGA rules — usually lighter than BCC.
What about cyclone preparation?
Pre-storm crown reductions in September–November. Costs $400–$1,200. Saves $5,000–$15,000 of roof damage on average for trees overhanging Queenslanders. Worth booking early — we get busy late October.
Brisbane quote — including BCC permit handling if needed
0402 522 434Or send the address. Free site visit within 48 hours.