Understanding Hornsby Council’s Tree Guidelines
Hornsby Council’s tree rules and removal guidelines can be complex, so our Level 5 Arborists provide clear, practical explanations to help property owners understand when a permit is required and which trees are exempt under Council controls.
Property owners, builders and developers across the Hornsby Shire, including Hornsby, Hornsby Heights, Wahroonga, Asquith, Thornleigh, Westleigh, Pennant Hills and Berowra, rely on our 32+ years of experience to stay compliant and protect both property and established trees.
When You Do Need Council Approval
- The tree exceeds height or trunk-size thresholds
- It is a listed or significant tree
- It is within a Heritage Conservation Area
- The works may impact a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ)
- Pruning exceeds minor maintenance or deadwood removal
- The tree is part of a DA or CDC development
- Structural roots may be impacted
When You Don’t Need Council Approval
- Minor deadwood pruning (AS 4373 compliant)
- Small maintenance pruning within Council limits
- Trees listed as exempt under Hornsby Council rules
- Urgent pruning or removal of trees posing immediate danger (requires Level 5 report)
- Work directed by emergency services
- Pruning exempt species outside regulated zones
Our Arborist Services
- Permit Applications & Tree Removal Reports
- Pruning Reports (AS 4373)
- DA & CDC Tree Reports
- Tree Risk Assessments
- Exempt Tree Confirmations
- Emergency Tree Documentation
- TPZ/SRZ Mapping & Root Investigation
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a permit to remove a tree in Hornsby?
You need a permit for most regulated trees unless they meet exemption criteria. We confirm your tree’s status and prepare the Level 5 Arborist Report required by Council.
What pruning is allowed without approval?
Minor maintenance or deadwood pruning is typically exempt if it complies with AS 4373. We confirm what is allowed before any work begins.
How can I protect trees during development?
Tree protection must follow AS 4970 with accurate TPZ/SRZ mapping. We provide all documentation and supervision builders need to stay compliant.
Do you submit applications to Council?
We prepare all Council-ready documentation, formatted for upload to Hornsby Council or the NSW Planning Portal. You upload, we handle the technical requirements.
Can emergency removals be done without approval?
Yes, unsafe or storm-damaged trees can be removed immediately, but a Level 5 Arborist Report is required. We provide urgent documentation for compliance.
Need Help Understanding Hornsby’s Tree Rules?
Get in touch for clear guidance on pruning, removal, exemptions and Council requirements, our Level 5 Arborists make the process simple and compliant.
Get Started in Minutes
Call now or email us for fast, expert help with your tree permit or report. Rest easy, we handle everything from start to finish.
