If a tree on your property is getting too big, dropping limbs or sitting too close to the house, the first question is usually whether you need council approval before anyone touches it. In the Wollongong local government area, the answer is often yes. This guide covers when you need a tree permit, when you might not, and how to get the process moving.
Council rules change from time to time, so treat this as a starting point and check the current requirements with Wollongong City Council before any work goes ahead.
When you need a tree permit in Wollongong
Wollongong City Council says you need permission to prune or remove a tree on your property if the tree:
- is more than 5 metres tall
- has a trunk diameter of 30 cm or more, measured at ground level
- needs a branch more than 10 cm in diameter pruned
- has large roots you want to prune
- is dead or dying
That last point catches a lot of people out. A dead tree still needs approval in Wollongong, even though it may look like an obvious removal.
When you might not need one
You may not need a separate tree permit if:
- the tree is on council’s list of exempt trees
- the work has already been approved as part of a Development Consent
- the tree work is part of a new development, such as a house, extension, granny flat, pool or garage, in which case it is normally included in the Development Application
- the removal is part of a Complying Development that meets the rules for trees
- the property is in a 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area for bush fire protection, where strict NSW Rural Fire Service rules apply
Palm trees and hedges can be treated differently, and properties zoned RU1, RU2 or RU4 go through Local Land Services rather than council. If your situation is unusual, ask before you act.
How the permit process works
Applications go to Wollongong City Council with an application fee. Council’s application form asks for:
- a tree location plan, which can be a hand drawing or an aerial image, with each tree numbered
- the trees marked on site (for example with string) so the assessing officer can find them
- the property owner’s signed consent
Council says a tree permit takes around 28 working days to process. Incomplete applications can be delayed or sent back, so it pays to get the paperwork right the first time.
Not sure whether your tree is healthy, unsafe or worth keeping? A tree assessment from a qualified arborist gives you a clear picture before you apply, and can help you explain the situation to council.
What if the tree is an emergency?
If a tree has fallen, is hanging dangerously or is threatening a house, power lines or people, safety comes first. Call our 24/7 emergency tree service on 1300 673 407, and contact council on (02) 4227 7111 about the approval side as soon as you can.
What happens if you skip approval?
Council warns that penalties can apply if you prune or remove trees without the correct approval. Beyond the fine, a tree that has been removed cannot be put back, so it is worth taking a few weeks to do it properly.
Neighbouring councils have their own rules
We work across Wollongong, Shellharbour and the wider Illawarra. Shellharbour City Council and other nearby councils set their own thresholds and application processes, so check with the council for the property’s address rather than assuming the Wollongong rules apply.
Need help with a tree in Wollongong?
Arborcare Tree Maintenance is a family-owned business based in Dapto, with AQF3 and AQF5 qualified arborists. We provide free onsite quotes for tree removals, tree pruning and lopping and stump grinding, and we can talk you through what your tree needs before you apply to council.
Request a free quote or call 1300 673 407.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need approval to remove a small tree in Wollongong?
If the tree is under 5 metres tall, has a trunk under 30 cm at ground level and is not dead or dying, you may not need a permit. Check it is not protected for another reason, such as a Development Consent condition.
Can I remove a dead tree without a permit?
Not in Wollongong. Council lists dead or dying trees as needing permission, the same as large healthy trees.
How long does a tree permit take?
Council says around 28 working days. Missing information can add time.
Who do I contact at council?
Wollongong City Council can be reached on (02) 4227 7111, and its website has the current tree permit application form and exempt tree list.