City of Newcastle - Private Tree Removal

Private Tree Removal

Need to remove trees or shrubs from your property? Discover the steps and apply online.

Last updated on: 01 February 2026

In this article

Private Tree and Native Vegetation Removal
Exempt tree removal and application exclusions
Application information
What you need to provide
Application fees
Related articles
Submit application
Next steps
Time frames
Helpful links

Private Tree and Native Vegetation Removal

A private tree is any tree located on private land not under the care and control of City of Newcastle.

Before undertaking any work on or around trees, it's important to review the relevant controls and requirements.

Exempt tree removal and application exclusions

Some trees do not require approval to remove or may not be covered by this application type.

Trees that can be removed without approval (exempt criteria)

You don't need a permit to clear certain trees or shrubs on your private property if you have the landowner's consent and one of the following applies:

Storm-damaged or dangerous trees

Approved by other means

Dead or dying trees

Close to a building or pool

Size and height

Listed exempt species

Other trees not covered by this form

Some trees are protected due to their heritage value, environmental significance, or location within sensitive areas such as wetlands.

Others may be subject to existing conditions that restrict their removal. Alternative approval processes may apply.

Tree removal associated with proposed development

There is a condition in the development consent

It's in a 10/50 bushfire clearing area

It's Heritage or Culturally Significant

Native or threatened vegetation

It's near a SEPP 14 Wetland

Application information

If you wish to remove a tree that does not meet the exempt or other exclusion criteria above, you must apply for a permit.

Review the Urban Forest Technical Manual

The City of Newcastle Urban Forest Technical Manual is a key resource that guides the responsible management of trees and vegetation across public and private land within the Newcastle LGA.

It outlines standards for pruning, removal, and care, and works alongside the Development Control Plan to support a sustainable urban forest. Before submitting any tree-related application, you should consult the manual to understand detailed approval requirements.

The manual is divided into three parts:

Part A: Management of trees and shrubs on private land
Part B: Management of trees and shrubs on public land
Part C: Management of native vegetation communities on private land

Permit validity

Disposing of your green waste

Replacement trees

Trees and neighbours

City of Newcastle does not have the authority to direct a neighbour to prune or remove trees growing on their private property.

Disputes over trees are considered private matters and must be resolved between you and your neighbour. If an agreement cannot be reached, you may consider mediationa process where a trained mediator helps both parties discuss the issue and work toward a mutually acceptable solution.

Legal advice:

If you believe the tree or overhanging branches are creating a legal nuisance, you can seek legal advice from a solicitor or the Chamber Magistrate.
In 2006 the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act came into force in NSW. Information is available by going to the 'Trees and hedges' section of the Land and Environment Court website.

What you need to provide

This section will help you prepare a complete application; however additional information may be requested after our initial review.

Arborist report

Your application must include a Level 5 Arborist Report.
The report must:
Demonstrate that the tree meets the assessment tests outlined in Section 3.4.4, Part A - Private Trees of the Urban Forest Technical Manual (2018).
Comply with the reporting standards in Section 6, Part A of the Manual.
The tree(s) must be located on privately owned land.
For full details, refer to the Urban Forest Technical Manual - Part A.
Not passed the report expiry date

Owners consent

This application type requires owner's consent.

However, if you are the sole owner of the property and you are the one completing this form, you do not need to complete the owner's consent form.

Owner's consent is only required if:

You are not the sole owner, or
The property has multiple owners.
In such cases, you must obtain consent by having all owners complete and sign the Owner's Consent form and include it with your application.

Application fees

Application fees vary based on several factors. To get a quote, simply click the 'Apply Now' button below. You'll be guided through a few quick questions, and we'll provide a tailored fee estimate before you proceed.

Additional fees may apply following a full review of your application.

Public Tree Inspection - request a public tree be inspected for pruning, removal or maintenance.
Heritage Minor Works - the tree is heritage or culturally significant.
Private Tree Enquiry - use this service to report suspected illegal tree removal, find guidance on pruning privately owned trees, or get support with preparing your tree removal application.

Submit application

Create or sign into your account

As part of the application process, you'll be prompted to register or sign in to your account.
Your account makes it easy to submit applications and requests, track their progress, view outcomes, and make payments all in one place.
You can find more information and step-by-step guidance on creating a registered user account, as well as access to support services, on our Registration Enquiry article.

Apply Now

Next steps

Shortly after submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming we've received it, along with a receipt for your application fees.
We will begin assessing your application and the supporting information you've provided.
If we need more details to complete the assessment, we'll contact you via email.

Decision notification

Approved

Why an application may be refused

Your tree removal application may be refused for the following reasons:

Related to development - The proposed tree removal is linked to current or future development. In this case, it must be assessed as part of a Development Application.
Missing information - Requested supporting information was not provided within the required 28-day timeframe.
Insufficient arborist report - The submitted arborist report does not clearly demonstrate how the tree meets the removal criteria.
Lack of landowner consent - The landowner has not been consulted or their written approval has not been provided.

If your application is rejected, you may submit a new application. However, a new application fee will be required.

Time frames

Most tree removal permit applications are processed within 30 days.
However, if the tree is located within a Heritage Conservation Area or is heritage-listed, the application may take longer, as it will be referred to our Heritage Officer for further assessment.

Helpful links

Newcastle Urban Forest Technical Manual

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Private Tree Removal

Private Tree Removal

Private Tree and Native Vegetation Removal

Exempt tree removal and application exclusions

Trees that can be removed without approval (exempt criteria)

Other trees not covered by this form

Application information

Review the Urban Forest Technical Manual

Permit validity

Disposing of your green waste

Replacement trees

Trees and neighbours

What you need to provide

Arborist report

Owners consent

Application fees

Related articles

Submit application

Create or sign into your account

Next steps

Decision notification

Approved

Why an application may be refused

Time frames

Helpful links