Woollahra Municipal Council's Tree Preservation Order 2006 (TPO) applies to:

• any tree with a spread of branches greater than 3 metres in diameter or with a height greater than 5 metres, irrespective of the spread of branches.
• any bushland vegetation irrespective of size.
• any tree or plant, irrespective of size, listed in a register of significant or heritage trees adopted by Council at any time.
• any pruning of roots greater than 50mm in diameter.

Except as otherwise provided in this Order, a person shall not injure a tree, or prune, remove, ringbark, cut down, top, lop or transplant any tree except with the consent of Council under this Order and in accordance with any consent and any conditions thereof. Our Tree Preservation Order also provides a list of trees that may be removed without the need to obtain the written consent of Council. Please see our Tree Preservation Order 2006 for full details.

Breaches of the Tree Preservation Order 2006

Council takes breaches of the Tree Preservation Order 2006 (TPO) very seriously.

Approval is not required for the removal of dead branches or dead trees and trees less than 5 metres in height and less than 3 metres in width.

Breaches of the Council’s Tree Preservation Order can include financial penalties (fines). Under no circumstances are residents permitted to prune or remove a tree that stands on another person’s property without the consent of the owner of the property. This includes where a tree on an adjoining property is touching your house, fence or other structures.

A person may also be liable if they engage or allow another person to remove, prune or damage a tree in breach of the TPO. If you suspect that a breach has occurred, please contact Council’s Customer Service Department on 9391 7000, or email: records@woollahra.nsw.gov.au so that the matter may be properly investigated. Please note any details such as the address, vehicle registration numbers and company names and report this to Council as soon as possible.