Tree removal in Sydney. Every LGA, DCP-aware quotes, fig & gum specialists.
Sydney has 30+ local government areas, and almost every one has a different Tree Preservation Order. The cousin-with-a-chainsaw quote that "doesn't worry about that" is the one that ends in a $30,000 fine. We work across every metro LGA and the council paperwork is part of the quote.
Sydney tree removal by LGA — the rough rules
Each council writes its own Development Control Plan (DCP) section on tree preservation. The thresholds vary, but the strictest regimes (in rough order):
| LGA | Permit threshold (typical) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Woollahra | ≥3m height OR ≥30cm trunk | Strictest in metro Sydney. Heritage areas blanket-protected. |
| Ku-ring-gai | ≥5m height OR ≥30cm trunk | Bushland conservation focus. Native species heavily protected. |
| Lane Cove | ≥5m height | Heritage Trees Register on top of DCP. |
| Mosman | ≥5m height OR ≥30cm trunk | Coastal heritage overlay. |
| City of Sydney | ≥5m or 4m canopy spread | Plus heritage overlays in The Rocks, Pyrmont, Surry Hills. |
| Inner West | ≥3m or significant species | Strong significant tree register. |
| North Sydney | ≥3m or 1m canopy | Heritage areas blanket-protected. |
| Hornsby | ≥6m | Bushland zones additional protection. |
| Sutherland Shire | ≥5m | Royal NP buffer zones additional rules. |
| Western Sydney (Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool) | ≥6m or significant species | Generally less strict than inner LGAs. |
Full directory by LGA with links to each council's tree-preservation page.
What it costs in Sydney
Sydney runs 15–25% above the national average. The premium comes from access — inner-suburb streets are narrow, parking permits add $50–$150 per day, and traffic management is mandatory near busy roads.
| Job type | Typical Sydney cost |
|---|---|
| Small tree removal (under 5m) | $500 – $1,000 |
| Medium tree (5–10m) | $1,000 – $2,200 |
| Large tree (10–15m) | $1,800 – $4,000 |
| Very large hardwood (15–20m) | $3,500 – $7,000 |
| Heritage fig with crane | $8,000 – $15,000+ |
| Council DCP application + arborist statement | $300 – $600 |
Calculator gives a 30-second estimate by your specific tree.
Suburbs we cover across metro Sydney
- Sydney CBD
- The Rocks
- Surry Hills
- Paddington
- Bondi
- Bondi Junction
- Coogee
- Randwick
- Maroubra
- Double Bay
- Vaucluse
- Rose Bay
- Mosman
- Cremorne
- Neutral Bay
- North Sydney
- Crows Nest
- Chatswood
- Lane Cove
- Hunters Hill
- Killara
- Lindfield
- Pymble
- Gordon
- Turramurra
- Wahroonga
- Hornsby
- Asquith
- Manly
- Dee Why
- Brookvale
- Forestville
- Frenchs Forest
- Belrose
- Newport
- Avalon
- Glebe
- Newtown
- Marrickville
- Leichhardt
- Balmain
- Rozelle
- Drummoyne
- Strathfield
- Burwood
- Concord
- Ryde
- Eastwood
- Epping
- Parramatta
- Westmead
- Castle Hill
- Baulkham Hills
- Cronulla
- Caringbah
- Hurstville
- Kogarah
- Bankstown
- Liverpool
- Penrith
- Blacktown
Sydney species — and what they cost
Port Jackson fig
Ficus rubiginosa
- Mature height
- 15–25m
- Common issues
- Massive lateral roots damage paving, sewers, foundations
- Permit
- Almost always — heritage in eastern suburbs
Moreton Bay fig
Ficus macrophylla
- Mature height
- 30–50m
- Common issues
- Buttress roots; canopy spread >30m
- Permit
- Always
Sydney red gum
Angophora costata
- Mature height
- 15–25m
- Common issues
- Spontaneous limb drop in summer ("widowmaker gum")
- Permit
- Yes if ≥5m in most LGAs
Camphor laurel
Cinnamomum camphora
- Mature height
- 15–25m
- Common issues
- Declared weed in NSW — removal often encouraged
- Permit
- Often exempt; check LGA
Powerlines — Ausgrid, Endeavour, Essential
Sydney has three network operators. Don't try to clear a tree from a line yourself. Numbers:
- Ausgrid (Sydney metro, Central Coast, Hunter): 13 13 88
- Endeavour Energy (Western Sydney, Blue Mountains, Illawarra): 13 10 03
- Essential Energy (regional NSW): 13 20 80
The Sunday emergency that paid out clean
2am Sunday in autumn. A 12m liquidambar came down across a driveway in Sydney's inner west, pinning a Tesla. Homeowner called us at 6am. Crew on site by 7:15am, tree off the car by 9am. Written incident report with timestamps and photos emailed to the insurer by lunchtime. Car was a write-off but the insurer paid out within two weeks because the report was complete. No back-and-forth.
Most Sydney emergencies look like this — storm, mature tree, urban density. The fix is usually quick. The paperwork is the harder bit. We do both, in that order.
Same services across Sydney
Frequently asked — Sydney
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Sydney?
Depends on the LGA. Each Sydney council has its own DCP Tree Preservation rules. Inner-eastern LGAs (Woollahra, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Mosman, North Sydney) are strictest. Always check before removal — fines run $3,000–$30,000.
How much does tree removal cost in Sydney?
Sydney runs 15–25% above national average due to access. Small: $500–$1,000. Medium: $1,000–$2,200. Large: $1,800–$4,000. Heritage fig with crane: $8,000+. Permit liaison: $300–$600.
What about Moreton Bay & Port Jackson figs?
Both commonly heritage-protected, especially in eastern suburbs and around Sydney Harbour. Removal requires council approval and an qualified arborist arborist report. Cost $4,000+ if approved.
Do you cover the Northern Beaches?
Yes — Manly, Dee Why, Frenchs Forest, Belrose, Avalon, Newport. Northern Beaches Council uses its own Tree & Vegetation Management DCP — we handle.
What about Western Sydney?
We cover Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool, Parramatta, Bankstown. Western LGAs typically less strict than inner east; quotes often come in below the city average.
Get a Sydney quote — DCP application included if needed
0402 522 434Or send the address. Same-day quotes before 11am.