Do I need approval to trim or cut down a tree on my property?

The Tree Preservation Order prohibits ringbarking, cutting down, lopping, removing, pruning, injuring or wilful destruction of any tree having a height greater than four (4.0) metres or a girth greater than half (0.5) metre measured at a point one (1.0) metres above ground level, except by written consent of the Council. Council consent is not required for removal of trees less than the height and width specified in the Strathfield Planning Scheme Ordinance or removal of trees which are listed as noxious weeds by the Department of Primary Industries for the Strathfield local government area which includes the following trees - Ficus elastica (Rubber Tree), Privet (large and small leaf), Umbrella Trees, Rhus Trees, dead trees and commercial fruit tree varieties.  Please visit the Trees section of this website for further information.

Property owners or agent can make application to Council for removal of a tree by completing an Application to Remove or Prune a Tree form. In the case of multi-unit dwellings, consent of the body corporate must be obtained prior to making an application to Council to remove the tree. Owners must notify their neighbours of any proposed tree removal or pruning prior to commencement of work.  If the tree is on your neighbour's property you must address the matter initially with the property owner where the tree is located. As the owner of the subject property, your neighbour will be required to make the application for trimming or removal of the tree. Council cannot force a neighbour to prune or remove a tree as this is considered a civil matter and is better dealt with through consultation between neighbours. Neighbours in dispute are encouraged to contact the Community Justice Centre. Please visit the Trees section of this website for further information.

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

Contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 9748 9999. Privacy Act requirements limit the amount of information Council staff are able to provide.

If I trim a tree, can Council remove the cuttings/branches

You should cut up the cuttings/branches and place them in your garden vegetation bin (if they are no more than 1 metre long and less than 150mm in diameter) or bundle them and dispose them in Council’s clean-up collection. Please visit the Recycling and Waste Services section of this website for further information.

There is a tree overhanging on my property, can I have it pruned

Property owners are responsible for keeping the footpath clear of overhanging branches if the trunk of the tree or the offending bush is within their property. If you wish to report overhanging branches or overgrown property please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9748 9999. Please note that Council consent is required for removal of branches of trees protected by Council's Tree Preservation Order (TPO).

Can I prune or have the tree on the nature strip at the front of my property removed

Nature strips are public land. You must obtain permission from Council to prune, plant or remove trees on your nature strip.  Council generally does not remove nature strip trees unless they are unsafe or diseased.

Do I need approval to do works on the nature strip at the front of my property?

Yes. Nature strips are public land and can contain essential services such as sewerage, water pipes, telephone, power and gas. You must obtain permission from Council to undertake any works (except mowing) on the driveway, footpaths and nature strips outside your property. This includes driveway modifications, storage of materials such as skips bins and pruning, planting or replacing trees on your nature strip. Where building work is proposed, owners and/or applicants are responsible for ensuring that the street tree and grassed nature strip are protected during construction.

Do I need to mow the nature strip at the front of my property?

Mowing of nature strips in front of residential properties is the responsibility of the owner. Should you be an elderly pensioner and cannot physically tend to your nature strip, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9748 9999.

What can be done about people burning off tree branches and leaves in their backyard?

Backyard burning including burning of vegetation and domestic waste and the use of incinerators is prohibited in the Strathfield Local Government Area and is subject to on-the-spot fines.  To report backyard burning please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre immediately on 9748 9999 and give an exact address.

Does Council provide free trees to residents/ratepayers

Yes, provides a free tree per ratepayer or resident at certain times during the year such as during Local Government Week. Identification eg rates notice or drivers licence is required.  Council also provides street tree plantings on request if the nature strip in front of your property is currently vacant.