Trees

Council is committed to minimising tree loss in Liverpool. Trees benefit our environment by:

  • Enhancing the streetscape;
  • Reducing climatic extremes;
  • Improve air quality;
  • Provide habitat for native wildlife.

A flexible approach to assessing applications to remove or prune trees will ensure that trees of high aesthetic and environmental value are only removed when deemed necessary.

Tree Removal Permit

Anyone wishing to prune or remove a tree that is located on private property must first obtain approval from Council. Please download and complete the Prune or Remove a Tree on a Private Property Application Form.

Council considers a variety of issues when assessing applications for the removal or pruning of trees. These considerations are fully outlined in Council's Tree Management Policy.


Fees

Please see Liverpool City Council Fees & Charges.

Trees on Council Property

All requests to prune or remove trees that are located on footpaths or within parks and reserves should be emailed to Customer Service lcc@liverpool.nsw.gov.au.


Tree Roots Damaging Your Pipes and Drains?

If you believe roots from a tree on Council property may be blocking your pipes or drains, please download this flyer for more information on the procedure required.

To book an inspection.please call Customer Service 1300 362170.

Exempt Trees

Approval is not required to remove the following trees:

NameSpecies
WillowSalix species
PoplarPoplar species
Cootamundra WattleAcacia baileyana
Coral TreeErithrina sykesii
Rubber TreesFicus elastica and hybrids
Golden CypressCupressus macrocarpa "Brunniana"
Norfolk Island HibiscusLagunaria petersonii
Large Leafed PrivotLigustrum lucidum
Small Leafed PrivotLigustrum sinevise
African OliveOlea africana
Camphor LaurelCinnamomum camphora
Umbrella TreeSchefflera actinophylla
Cocus PalmSyagrus romanzoffiana
Rhus TreeToxicodendron succedaneum
Honey LocustGleditsea Triacanthos

Disputes Between Neighbours

If a dispute over a tree cannot be resolved between neighbours, advice and assistance is available from a variety of organisations. The NSW Land and Environment Court is a good place to get information on how to resolve disputes over trees and hedges.

What Not to Do

A person must not ring bark, cut down, top, lop, remove, injure or wilfully destroy any tree or other vegetation to which any such development control plan applies without a development consent or authorisation permit from Council.

A tree is defined as any perennial plant that has a:

  • Height greater than 3.5 metres and/or;
  • Canopy spread greater than 4 metres; and/or
  • Primary trunk diameter greater than 400 millimetres when measured one metre above existing ground level of the tree.

This clause does not apply to a tree or other vegetation that Council is satisfied is dead, dying or dangerous and is not required as the habitat of native fauna.