Can You Cut Down a Tree on Your Wollongong Property?

Owning a property in Wollongong does not automatically give you the right to remove every tree on it. Between the Illawarra escarpment, coastal suburbs and established leafy neighbourhoods, the city has a lot of vegetation that is protected by local and state rules. In many cases you can remove a tree, but you may need approval first. Cutting down a tree without checking can lead to substantial fines and orders to replant.

This guide explains how tree removal rules work in Wollongong as of 2026, when approval is typically needed, when exemptions may apply, and how to proceed safely and legally.

Who Regulates Tree Removal in Wollongong?

Several layers of regulation can apply to a single tree:

Wollongong City Council manages tree preservation on private land through the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and the Wollongong Development Control Plan (DCP), which includes a chapter on the preservation and management of trees and vegetation.
NSW State legislation, including the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the State Environmental Planning Policy covering vegetation in non-rural areas, sets the broader framework that council controls operate within.
Bushfire legislation under the Rural Fires Act 1997 allows limited clearing on certain bushfire-prone land under the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of Practice.
Heritage and environmental controls can add further requirements for specific sites or species.

Because these rules change from time to time, always confirm the current requirements with Wollongong City Council before starting work.

When Do You Need Council Approval?

In general, Wollongong requires a permit or development consent to remove or heavily prune trees that meet certain size or protection criteria, or that sit in a protected location. Approval is more likely to be required when:

The tree is a significant size, such as a mature tree with a large trunk or canopy.
The tree is a native species, particularly one that forms part of a local ecological community.
Your property is in an environmentally sensitive zone, such as land near the Illawarra escarpment, watercourses, wetlands or coastal areas.
The tree is on or near a heritage-listed property or within a heritage conservation area.
The tree provides habitat for threatened species, or is part of an endangered ecological community.
The tree was planted or retained as a condition of a previous development approval.

The rules apply to pruning as well as removal. Cutting off a large portion of a protected tree's canopy or roots can be treated as damage, even if the tree is left standing.

Situations Where Approval May Not Be Required

Some trees and circumstances are exempt, although the details matter and exemptions often come with conditions.

Exempt Species and Small Trees

Council's DCP lists certain species that can be removed without approval, usually environmental weeds or problem species. Small trees below the size thresholds in the DCP may also be exempt. Check the current list and thresholds before relying on this, because an incorrect species identification is a common reason for penalties.

Dead or Imminently Dangerous Trees

A dead tree, or one that poses an immediate risk to people or property, may be removed under specific provisions. Council will usually expect supporting evidence, such as photographs and a written report from a qualified arborist. Do not assume a tree is exempt just because it looks unhealthy. Some trees that appear dead are dormant or recovering.

Bushfire Hazard Reduction

If your home is on land mapped as bushfire-prone and within the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code area, you may be able to remove certain trees within 10 metres of a home without approval, and clear underlying vegetation within 50 metres. This is a specific entitlement with eligibility rules, so check your property on the NSW Rural Fire Service 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Tool before acting.

Emergency Situations

If a tree has fallen or is partly fallen and threatens safety, emergency works to make the situation safe are generally allowed. Document the situation with photos and keep records, and contact council or the SES if the situation is severe.

Trees That Are Not Yours to Remove

Not every tree near your property is yours to cut down. Keep these cases in mind:

Street trees and nature strip trees belong to Council, even if they are directly in front of your home. Do not prune or remove them yourself. Submit a request through council instead.
Trees near powerlines must only be worked on by approved utility line clearance contractors. In the Wollongong area, the network operator is Endeavour Energy, which sets rules for work near its lines.
Neighbours' trees cannot be cut down without their consent, although you may have rights over branches or roots that cross the boundary (see below).
Trees on strata or community title land are often controlled by the owners corporation or body corporate, so you will need their approval as well.

Neighbour Tree Disputes

If a neighbour's tree is causing problems on your property, the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 applies. The Land and Environment Court of NSW can make orders about trees that cause damage or pose a risk of injury. Before applying, you are expected to try to resolve the issue with your neighbour, and mediation through the Community Justice Centre is often a practical first step.

Be careful about unilateral action. Even if branches overhang your fence, cutting a protected tree beyond what is allowed can still breach council rules, and you may be liable if the tree is damaged or dies.

How to Check Whether Your Tree Is Protected

Identify the tree. Work out the species, height, trunk size and location on your block. An arborist can confirm species and condition.
Check your property's zoning and overlays. Use council's mapping tools and the NSW Planning Portal to see if your land has environmental, heritage or bushfire controls.
Read the current DCP provisions. Review Wollongong's tree and vegetation chapter for exempt species, size thresholds and application requirements.
Contact council. Speak with Council's customer service or development assessment staff to confirm whether a permit is needed.
Get an arborist report if needed. Council may ask for a report, especially when removal is requested because of safety, disease or structural damage.

Applying for Tree Removal Approval

If approval is required, you will typically need to submit an application to council with details of the tree, its location and your reasons for removal. Supporting documents often include photographs, a site plan and a report from a qualified arborist. Council assesses the application against the DCP and may approve it with conditions, https://treeremovalwollongong.com.au/palm-tree-removal/ such as planting replacement trees, or may refuse it and suggest alternatives like pruning.

Processing times vary, so plan ahead if the removal is connected to a building project or a safety concern. Keep a copy of any approval and make sure the person doing the work follows its conditions exactly.

Penalties for Unauthorised Tree Removal

Removing or damaging a protected tree without approval can result in on-the-spot fines, court-imposed penalties, and orders to replant or restore the site. Under NSW planning and biodiversity laws, penalties for serious breaches can be very high, particularly where threatened species or ecological communities are involved. Property owners can be held responsible even if a contractor did the work, which is one more reason to confirm approvals before any cutting begins.

Alternatives to Full Removal

If your concern is light, safety or maintenance, removal may not be the only option. A qualified arborist may recommend:

Selective pruning to reduce weight, remove deadwood or clear structures.
Crown lifting to allow more light and clearance.
Cabling or bracing to stabilise structurally weak trees.
Root management strategies to protect paths, drains or foundations.

Some of this work may still require approval, but council is generally more receptive to proposals that retain the tree.

Choosing a Qualified Tree Contractor

Tree work is among the more hazardous jobs around a home. Look for an arborist with relevant qualifications (at least AQF Level 3 for tree work, and Level 5 for assessment and reporting), current public liability insurance, and a clear understanding of Wollongong's approval process. A reputable contractor will ask whether approval has been obtained, explain the scope of work and follow safe work practices. Be cautious of anyone who tells you permits are never needed or offers to do the work without checking.

Key Takeaways

You may be able to cut down a tree on your Wollongong property, but whether you can do so freely depends on the tree's species and size, your land's zoning and overlays, and the reason for removal. Always check the current Wollongong DCP, speak with council if you are unsure, and use a qualified arborist. Taking these steps in 2026 protects you from penalties, keeps your property safe, and helps preserve the trees that give Wollongong its distinctive character.

Wollongong Tree Removal Pros

106 Gipps St, Wollongong NSW 2500

(02) 4210 5945