Guide · Lane Cove Council
Lane Cove Council Tree Removal: Permits & Fees
Covers Lane Cove, Lane Cove North, Lane Cove West, Greenwich, Longueville, Riverview and Linley Point. Checked against Lane Cove Council's published rules on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with Council before work starts.
Which trees are protected
- Any tree, native or exotic, taller than 4 m.
- A canopy spread greater than 5 m.
- A trunk diameter greater than 150 mm, measured 1 m above ground, or roots 40 mm thick or more.
What's exempt
- Fee-free permits cover pruning dead branches and removing species on Council's Fee-Free Species List (some with height limits). You still need the fee-free permit before starting work.
- Trees in a mapped Endangered Ecological Community go to the NSW Native Vegetation Panel, not Council.
- Trees on a heritage item, in a heritage conservation area or on an Aboriginal place need a development application through the NSW Planning Portal.
Pruning
Pruning a tree above the size thresholds needs a permit, but dead branch removal can go through the fee-free permit.
How to apply
- Check the tree against the thresholds and the fee-free criteria.
- Gather details for each tree: species, where it is on the property, and why you want it pruned or removed.
- Take photos: the whole tree with a person next to the trunk for scale, the bark, the leaves, and any fruit.
- If you're claiming a safety risk or property damage, include an AQF Level 5 arborist report, plus evidence from a plumber, engineer or builder where relevant. For 4 or more trees, Council strongly recommends an AQF Level 5 report.
- Submit a Private Tree Works Inspection request online.
Fees: From 1 July 2026: $160 for pruning or removing 1–3 trees, plus $35 for each extra tree. Meeting the Council arborist on site costs $110 (20 minutes). Pensioner concession card holders get 50% off the application fee.
Reasons that usually aren't accepted
As a rule, councils don't approve removing a healthy, stable tree for leaf litter, shade or views.
Official sources
Tree removal in this council area
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree on the north shore?
Usually, if the tree is above your council's size threshold. Mosman, North Sydney and Ku-ring-gai protect most trees 5 m or taller; Willoughby and Lane Cove start at 4 m. Exempt species, dead trees and declared weeds are treated differently. Our council permit guide covers each council.
How long does a permit take?
Mosman Council usually inspects within about ten working days, and North Sydney Council aims to assess within 12 business days. Willoughby publishes applications for public comment, which can add time. Book the inspection early if the job isn't urgent.
Need a tree looked at?
Tell us the suburb and send a photo. We'll tell you what's involved, whether council needs to approve it, and what it should cost.