Tree, Shrub and Vegetation Removal

A Permit Application for Tree Removal (PDF) in relation to Part A must be completed and returned to City of Newcastle for processing. Once a determination has been made, you will receive a letter of the outcome.

Prior to submitting an application, please ensure you read through the exempt criteria in Section C3 Vegetation preservation and care - 7.0 Application requirements, of the Newcastle Development Control Plan. 

For further information please contact the Customer Contact Centre on 4974 2000.

Application fees can be found within our Fees and Charges 2023/24 document.

If the tree or shrub poses an immediate risk to life or property due to a demonstrated sudden change to its structure as a result of a severe storm or wind event. Documentation for removal must be in accordance with Part A Section 3.3 (1) of the Manual. The person carrying out the removal must complete a Report Storm Damage Tree Removal Form. Clear photos are required to support the removal of the tree and must show the tree in context, its relationship to dwellings, other trees or structures, and clear images of the damaged sections of the tree. The completed storm damage form and photographic evidence must be submitted to Council within 5 working days of the tree removal.

An arborist (or arboriculturist) is a specialist with qualifications specifically in the maintenance and management of urban trees. The Newcastle Urban Forest Technical Manual Part A Section 6.0 provides the qualifications for an arborist to complete the required documentation under each process.  It is important you determine that the arborist's qualifications meet Council requirements before you employ them.

It is important that any person you contract to remove trees, or to diagnose and report on tree risk and condition, is suitably qualified, experienced and adequately insured. It is very important to see evidence of qualifications and insurance cover as there have been local instances of serious misrepresentation of qualifications and skills.  The Newcastle Urban Forest Technical Manual Part A Section 6.0 provides the qualifications for an arborist to complete the documentation under each process.

Whilst each arborist (minimum Level AQF 5) will approach the task of tree diagnosis and reporting differently, there are some common matters that need to be addressed in most tree reports.

Arborists providing documentation to support Permit Application for Tree Removal are to use Appendix 7 and attached relevant photos and other information to this form.  The information should be relevant to the issue only and clearly demonstrate any statements made.

For Development Applications a full arborist report is required and is to address the following matters:
 

• The full name, business address, telephone number(s), evidence of technical qualifications(s) and the experience of the arborist carrying out the tree inspection, diagnosis and reporting
• The full address of the site containing trees
• The full name of the person or company for whom the report is prepared
• The methods and techniques used in the site and tree inspection
• A suitably scaled plan of the site showing: the location of all trees on the site and any trees on adjoining land which overhang the subject land, the lot boundaries the location of above and below ground services/ utilities in proximity to the trees shown
• A table showing for each tree surveyed: the common and full scientific name; the age class; the estimated height; the trunk diameter at 1.4 metres; the canopy spread to the four cardinal points; a summary of the trees’ health and structural condition; an estimation of the trees useful life expectancy using appropriate industry methods
• A summary and/ or discussion of other relevant tree and site information such as soil and drainage characteristics, wildlife habitation, roof structure and distribution, pests and diseases, and tree hazard assessment details
• Tree hazard assessments should be conducted and recorded in accordance with industry best practice
• Supporting evidence such as annotated photographs and laboratory results if relevant to the proposed works or to assist in describing tree or site conditions
• A discussion of all options available, including why they are recommended or not recommended, eg can a built structure be relocated, repaired and tree(s) retained?
• A review of the implications of the proposed development on the health and structural condition of trees to be retained
• A description of the recommended protection measures to be put in place to ensure the protection of trees to be retained, and a description of any proposed method of tree removal
• A list of recommendations and the reasons for their adoption
• The sources of technical information referred to in the report References not used in the report should not be included
• Present information as objectively as possible without attempting to support a specific development outcome
• Provide the scientific and common names of all tree species proposed for planting, including recommendations on the size and quality characteristics of trees to be planted.

A Council officer will review your application and the arborist's information and may check the tree/shrub before making a decision.  If the application is accepted a permit will be issued containing conditions.  You will be notified if your application is unsuccessful.

No. You would be in breach of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. You are required to submit information about the impact of your development on the existing trees with your main development proposal.

City of Newcastle does not process Part A permit applications for tree removal in relation to development. See Section 4.0 of the Newcastle Urban Forest Technical Manual for Arborist report requirements to support development applications.

No. All cuttings and/or mulch should be disposed of appropriately. Tipping of these materials on Council land is dumping which can incur penalties or prosecution.

To apply for tree removal on a neighbours property you will need:

• the owners consent
• to submit a Permit Application for Tree Removal to The city of Newcastle for processing.

It is essential that the owner of the land on which the tree is situated signs the Permit Application for Tree Removal.

For information on tree disputes go to the Private Trees page, Trees and Neighbours section.

A native vegetation complex is generally a natural setting of layered vegetation and may or may not include trees or shrubs.  Some common examples are coastal heath land, bushland, riparian zones and wetlands.  Part C of the Newcastle Urban Forest Technical Manual is to be consulted when dealing with these types of vegetation.

The typical suburban yard with trees, shrubs and planted gardens is not a Native Vegetation Complex.

If the tree is dying or dead, and the requirements of Section 3.3 (2) of Part A of the Manual have been met. Clear photos are required to support the removal of the tree and must show the tree in context, its relationship to dwellings, other trees or structures, and clear images showing that the tree is dead. A Dead or Dying Tree Removal Form must be completed. You are not required to submit the completed form and evidence to Council, however it must be retained for at least 2 years.