Remove a tree
Does the tree need Council approval, or is it exempt? We check the pathway first, prepare a Tree Removal Report where Council requires one, and take the job through to removal.
Tree removal
Tree Removal Northern Beaches | Arborist Reports & DA
Need to remove a tree? Start with what Council requires.
Northern Beaches Tree Permit Services provides AQF Level 5 arborist assessment and reporting, Council tree permit support and tree removal across the Northern Beaches. We check the Council pathway first, so you don't pay for a report you may not need.
- AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborists
- QTRA & TRAQ Qualified
- 32+ Years' Experience
- Council Pathway Checked First
What are you trying to do?
Build or renovate
New home, extension, pool, driveway or other development near trees? A DA Arborist Report or Arboricultural Impact Assessment may be required for trees being retained, removed or affected.
DA arborist reportsPrune a tree
Need clearance from a building, management of damaged branches, advice about a neighbour's tree, or more than routine pruning? Start with the Council pruning rules.
Tree pruningWorried a tree is dangerous
A large, leaning or damaged tree is not automatically dangerous. An arborist assessment can examine defects, decay, storm damage, movement and the potential consequences of failure.
Tree health and safety assessmentsCan I remove a tree on the Northern Beaches?
If a tree is over 5 metres high, Northern Beaches Council approval will generally be required before removal unless a specific exemption applies.
Council lists trees under 5 metres high among the circumstances where a permit is not required. Other exemptions can apply to certain exempt species, some trees close to an existing approved building, qualifying dead trees, storm-damaged trees that still present a danger, priority weeds and other specified circumstances. See Council's rules for removing and pruning trees on private land.
Heritage, biodiversity, development consent and other controls can still apply. Don't assume a tree can be removed simply because it is on your property.
Tree removal guidelines and exemptions5 metres
Tree removal threshold
Trees over 5 metres high generally need Council approval before removal, unless a specific exemption applies.
10% of canopy
Routine pruning allowance
Council currently allows reasonable pruning of up to 10% of a tree's canopy within 12 calendar months, carried out in accordance with AS 4373-2007.
How tree removal works
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Check the Council pathway
We look at the tree, the reason for removal and whether an exemption, permit or other Council pathway appears relevant. If an exemption applies, we say so.
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Assess the tree
Where professional evidence is required, an AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist assesses the tree and site.
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Prepare the report
Where required, we prepare the arboricultural evidence for the relevant Council process.
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Council decides
Where approval is required, Council assesses the application. An arborist report supports the application but does not guarantee approval.
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Removal
Once the exemption or approval is established, removal is carried out under our arborist's supervision.
Why an arborist report matters
Removing a tree isn't justified simply because it is large, old or inconvenient. Where Council requires evidence, an arborist report provides the professional assessment behind the application.
A report assesses the tree's species, health, structural condition, defects, decay, and root and basal condition. It also considers what could be affected if the tree or part of it failed and whether reasonable alternatives to removal exist.
Northern Beaches Council states that a qualified arborist report is required with applications to remove significant trees. This is particularly important in urban environments, where houses, people, vehicles, roads and other infrastructure may be within the potential impact area of a tree.
Experience and diagnostic tools
Our reports are prepared by AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborists with 32+ years of arboricultural experience. A visual tree assessment is the starting point. Where further investigation is justified, we can use:
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Resistograph decay testing. Investigates internal wood condition and measures areas of decay and remaining sound wood.
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Aerial inspection. Closely assesses unions, cavities, failed branches and other upper-canopy defects that cannot be adequately inspected from ground level.
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Air-Spade root investigation. Exposes and investigates roots and the root crown using compressed air, reducing the need for damaging mechanical excavation.
These tools do not automatically justify tree removal. They provide additional evidence where visual assessment alone cannot adequately establish the tree's condition.
Tree removal on the Northern Beaches
Building or renovating near trees?
Tree removal and development are different Council pathways. If you are planning a new home, extension, pool, driveway or other works near trees, arboricultural information may form part of the Development Application.
Our DA Arborist Reports page explains when an arborist report may be required, what the assessment covers and how trees can affect the proposed design. For detailed Tree Protection Plans, root investigation or Project Arborist services, Arbor Express provides advanced development arboriculture on the Northern Beaches.
DA arborist reports on the Northern BeachesDangerous and high-risk trees
Council provides a specific pathway for a tree that is an imminent danger and high risk to life or property. Written confirmation from an AQF Level 5 arborist or equivalent is required for that pathway.
A tree is not automatically an emergency because it is large, leaning or close to a house; its condition and actual risk need to be assessed.
Tree pruning on the Northern Beaches
Council currently allows reasonable pruning of up to 10% of a tree's canopy within 12 calendar months when carried out in accordance with AS 4373-2007.
Our pruning page covers building clearance, damaged branches, neighbour trees, power-line issues, root pruning and situations where more than routine pruning is proposed.
Why 32+ years of experience matters
Trees rarely present as simple yes-or-no decisions. A cavity does not automatically mean removal, and a green canopy does not automatically mean a tree is structurally sound.
Our AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborists consider the tree, the site, the reason for the assessment and the applicable Council pathway before making a recommendation.
Northern Beaches Tree Permit Services is the Northern Beaches arm of Arbor Express, a consulting arborist team preparing Council reports and managing trees across New South Wales.
About our company
Across the five Northern Beaches wards
We provide arborist reports, tree removal guidance and Council pathway support throughout Curl Curl, Frenchs Forest, Manly, Narrabeen and Pittwater wards. Each ward page addresses the local suburbs, development character, tree environment and common arboricultural issues.
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Curl Curl Ward
Including Dee Why, Freshwater, Brookvale and North Manly
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Frenchs Forest Ward
Including Belrose, Davidson, Forestville and Beacon Hill
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Manly Ward
Including Balgowlah, Seaforth, Clontarf and Manly Vale
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Narrabeen Ward
Including Collaroy, Cromer, Elanora Heights and Wheeler Heights
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Pittwater Ward
Including Avalon, Newport, Palm Beach and Bayview
What our clients say
Google reviews from Northern Beaches Tree Permit Services clients and from Arbor Express, the consulting arborist team behind Northern Beaches Tree Permit Services.
“Robert provided a relaxed and very professional service. He listened to both parties disputing the removal of a tree, and his comprehensive report resolved the issues between them.”
“Rob was thorough and shared our concern for our trees, which had extensive psyllid dieback. His detailed report was accepted immediately by council, and his environmental approach was much appreciated.”
“We were concerned about some large gums dropping sap and expected to remove them. After the Northern Beaches arborist's review we were convinced the trees were healthy. A very big saving.”
Frequently asked questions
Generally yes if the tree is over 5 metres high, unless a specific exemption applies. Other controls can also affect the pathway.
No. Some trees are exempt, so the pathway should be established first. Where Council requires professional evidence, we can prepare the appropriate assessment and report.
Yes. Once the exemption or approval is established, removal is carried out under our arborist's supervision.
Not every DA does. It depends on the development proposal, the site and the trees that may be removed, retained or affected.
No. An Arborist Report provides professional arboricultural evidence. Northern Beaches Council makes the relevant permit or development decision.
Not sure what you need?
Send the property address, photographs and any Council letter or development plans. We can establish which arboricultural assessment or Council pathway appears relevant.