Protecting Our Trees Matters
In the Sutherland Shire, tree preservation is essential for our environment and community. Healthy trees improve air quality, support wildlife, and enhance our landscapes. Join us in safeguarding these vital resources for future generations.
Understanding Tree Preservation Orders
Many trees in the Sutherland Shire are protected under the Tree Protection Order (TPO). This applies to big trees, native trees, and trees near bushland or waterways. You cannot cut, remove, lop, or damage these trees without following the rules.
When You Can Work on a Tree Without Council Approval
You may be able to prune or remove a tree without permission if:
It is a small, exempt tree species listed by the Council.
You are doing minor pruning for safety or maintenance (following the Australian pruning standard AS4373-2007).
There is an emergency (tree is a danger to people or property, e.g., storm damage).
Even in an emergency, it’s best to document the risk with photos or an arborist report.
When You Need Council Approval
You must get a permit from Sutherland Shire Council if:
The tree is protected (trunk ≥100mm at 50cm above ground, or multi-trunked).
You want to remove, lop, ringbark, or damage the tree in a major way.
The tree is part of bushland or near a waterway.
Council may require replacement planting if a protected tree is removed.
Penalties for Ignoring the Rules
Cutting down or damaging a protected tree without approval can lead to fines or legal action.
You may also be required to plant new trees to replace the ones removed.
Quick Tips for Property Owners
Check if the tree is protected: size, species, location.
Check if it’s exempt: some trees can be pruned or removed without approval.
Apply for a permit if needed — always before major pruning or removal.
Document emergencies if you must act quickly.
Hire a certified arborist — they know the rules and can safely handle protected trees.
Following the TPO keeps your property safe and avoids fines, while protecting Sutherland Shire’s beautiful trees and bushland.
Sutherland Shire — Exempt Tree Species (No Permit Required)*
You do not need Council approval to remove or prune the following species (unless they are heritage‑listed or otherwise protected):
Botanical name Common name Acacia podalyriifolia Queensland Silver Wattle Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle Acer negundo Box Elder Araucaria bidwillii Bunya Bunya Pine Arundinaria spp. Clumping Bamboo Chamaecyparis pisifera spp. Sawara / Cypress‐type Conifer Cinnamomum camphora Camphor Laurel Citrus spp. Edible Citrus (lemon, lime, orange, mandarin, etc.) Cupressus macrocarpa var. brunniana Golden Cypress (cultivar) Cupressus sempervirens / Cuprocyparis leylandii Pencil Pine / Italian Cypress / Leyland Cypress (and their cultivars) Eriobotrya japonica Loquat Erythrina × sykesii Coral Tree Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig Ficus elastica Rubber Tree Grevillea robusta Silky Oak Ligustrum lucidum Large‑leaf Privet Ligustrum sinense Small‑leaf Privet Liquidambar styraciflua Liquidambar Morus nigra Black Mulberry Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata African Olive Phoenix canariensis Canary Island Date Palm Phyllostachys aurea Fishpole Bamboo Phyllostachys nigra Black Bamboo Pinus radiata Radiata (Monterey) Pine Pomme spp. (fruit trees) Apples, Pears, Quince, etc. Populus nigra “Italica” Lombardy Poplar Prunus spp. (fruit/ornamental) Apricot, Cherry, Peach, Plum, etc. Robinia pseudoacacia Black (False) Locust / Locust Tree Schefflera actinophylla Umbrella Tree Syagrus romanzoffiana Cocos (Queen) Palm * This exemption applies only where the tree is not part of a heritage‑listed item or within a protected bushland/waterway area. Sutherland Shire Council
Important Conditions & When Exemptions Don’t Apply
Even if a tree is on the exempt list, if it is heritage‑listed or part of protected bushland/vegetation you still need a permit. Sutherland Shire Council
Routine pruning must follow the standard guidelines ( AS 4373-2007 — Pruning of Amenity Trees) and require landowner consent. Sutherland Shire Council
For removals under “imminent risk to life or property” (e.g. storm‑damaged or dangerous trees), there may be special allowances — but documentation or evidence is still needed. Sutherland Shire Council