Project Status: When you need to do this
What you need to do
Trees on public or City of Sydney-owned land
- Complaints about these trees can be directed to us.
- Fill in the online form to raise a tree issue:
- Describe the work needed
- Describe the safety risks the tree poses
- Attach up to 3 photos of the incident.
We won’t prune or remove a healthy tree due to leaf, flower or fruit drop. This is considered a natural process, and the benefits that trees provide outweigh the minor inconvenience of regular property maintenance.
Trees on private land
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If you wish to prune or remove a tree on your property, apply to us for permission. Learn how to manage the project.
Before applying for permission from us to prune a tree, you need to check if the tree is heritage listed and requires a development consent.
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If you wish to prune overhanging branches from a neighbour’s tree, you must also apply to us for permission. We also recommend letting your neighbour know as a courtesy.
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If a neighbour’s tree is affecting your property and its tree roots or branches are damaging a shared fence, it’s best to speak to the property owner directly. This is a civil matter in which we're unable to intervene. If you can’t reach an agreement, consider mediation.
If you've made a reasonable attempt to resolve the situation, it may be appropriate to lodge an application to be heard in the Land and Environment Court. Check the Land and Environment Court’s website before you consider making an application.
Before you start
Street trees
Read about street tree pruning, power line clearances and removal.
We also have fact sheets on trees and their effects on drains, pipes, buildings and other structures.
