Tree and vegetation clearing

Removing trees on private property in residential areas

Owners of properties located in residential areas generally need to obtain council approval before removing trees. 

Council may approve tree removal if one or more of the following conditions apply: 

  • The tree is dead or dying.
  • The tree is located close to a building or structure (like a house or shed) and poses a significant risk. 
  • The tree is causing damage to buildings or infrastructure.
  • The tree is not a heritage item or an Aboriginal object.
  • The tree is not located within a heritage conservation area or Aboriginal place of heritage significance.
  • Removing the tree is unlikely to impact biodiversity, such as threatened species or ecological communities.

Before removing a tree

Contact us at council to check if approval is required and, if so, arrange for an inspection. 

Trees must only be removed by a qualified arborist who holds public liability insurance. An arborist report may also be required to support a tree removal application. 

Vegetation clearing

Land owners in Murrumbidgee Council urban areas are required to obtain a Vegetation Clearing Permit.

Apply for a permit to clear vegetation(PDF, 166KB)

You can also find more information on the Local Land Services website.