Tree Removal Costs & Council Permits by State in 2026

Removing a tree from your property is one of the most regulated and potentially expensive home maintenance tasks in Australia. Between council permits, arborist reports, and the actual removal, costs can range from a few hundred dollars for a small tree to $10,000+ for a large one near structures.

This guide covers real 2026 pricing, council requirements by state, and how to avoid unnecessary costs.

Tree Removal Costs by Size

Tree Size	Height	Removal Cost	Stump Grinding (extra)
Small	Under 5m	$300–$800	$100–$250
Medium	5–10m	$800–$2,000	$200–$400
Large	10–20m	$2,000–$5,000	$300–$600
Very large	20m+	$4,000–$10,000+	$400–$1,000

Prices include labour, equipment, and green waste removal. Stump grinding is almost always quoted separately.

What Affects Tree Removal Costs?

Size and species

The bigger the tree, the more it costs. Dense hardwoods (eucalyptus, ironbark) take longer to cut and are heavier to remove than softwoods (pine, she-oak). Palm trees are generally cheaper to remove ($200–$1,500) because they have softer wood and smaller root systems.

Location and access

A tree in the middle of an open backyard is straightforward. A tree overhanging a roof, near power lines, or squeezed between two houses requires more specialised equipment and takes longer. Difficult access can double the cost.

Proximity to structures

Trees near houses, fences, sheds, pools, or power lines require careful dismantling from the top down rather than simple felling. This “sectional dismantling” is significantly more time-consuming and expensive.

Power line proximity

Trees within falling distance of power lines require notification to your energy distributor. In many cases, the distributor will trim branches near lines for free, but removal is your responsibility. A tree touching power lines is extremely dangerous — never attempt to deal with it yourself.

Council Permit Requirements by State

Most councils in Australia require approval before you can remove a tree above a certain size. Removing a tree without approval can result in massive fines.

NSW

Most NSW councils protect trees above a certain trunk diameter (typically 100–150mm at chest height) or above 3–5m tall. You’ll need a Development Application (DA) or a tree removal permit. Cost: $100–$350 for the application. Some councils also require an arborist report ($300–$800). Dead trees and declared pest species may be exempt — check your council’s tree preservation order (TPO).

Victoria

Victoria’s planning scheme includes a Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO) and Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) in many areas. If your property has these overlays, you need a planning permit to remove any tree above the specified size. Cost: $300–$800 for the application. Check with your council — some have blanket tree protection, others only protect specific species or areas.

Queensland

Rules vary widely by council. Brisbane City Council requires approval for trees with a trunk diameter over 100mm. The application is free but requires justification. Other councils have different thresholds. Many exempt dead, dying, or dangerous trees with documentation (photos, arborist letter).

South Australia

South Australia has some of the strictest tree protection laws. “Regulated trees” (trunk circumference 2m+ at 1m height, or 3m+ for multi-trunked) require approval through the State Planning Commission. “Significant trees” (3m+ circumference) have even stronger protections. Fines for unauthorised removal can exceed $100,000.

Western Australia

Most WA councils require approval for trees above certain heights or trunk sizes. The City of Perth protects all trees over 4m tall. Regional councils may have fewer restrictions. Bush Forever sites have additional vegetation protection requirements.

Tasmania

Trees within the Biodiversity Protection Area or covered by planning scheme overlays require permits. Contact your local council for specific requirements.

When You Need an Arborist Report

An arborist report ($300–$800 for a standard assessment) may be required when:

Applying for council approval to remove a protected tree
The tree is in a heritage or conservation zone
The tree appears to be dead or dying (report provides evidence)
You’re concerned about structural damage to your property
Neighbour disputes over tree removal
Insurance claims related to tree damage

A qualified arborist (AQF Level 5 or higher) assesses the tree’s health, structural integrity, risk level, and ecological value. Their report carries weight with councils and is often required for removal approval.

Stump Grinding vs Stump Removal

Stump grinding ($100–$600)

A machine grinds the stump to 150–300mm below ground level. The remaining root system decomposes naturally over several years. This is the most common and cost-effective option. The resulting wood chips can be used as mulch.

Full stump removal ($500–$2,000+)

The entire stump and major roots are excavated. This is only necessary if you’re building on the spot, laying a slab, or the roots are causing structural damage. Full removal leaves a significant hole that needs filling.

DIY Tree Removal: What You Can & Can’t Do

You can safely remove

Small trees/shrubs under 3m with trunk diameter under 100mm
Dead trees that won’t fall on structures (check council rules first — some protect dead trees too)
Pruning branches that don’t require climbing

Always hire a professional arborist for

Any tree near power lines, structures, or fences
Trees requiring climbing or elevated work platforms
Trees over 5m tall
Any chainsaw work above shoulder height

Tree removal is one of the most dangerous trades in Australia. Falls and chainsaw injuries cause fatalities every year. The cost of hiring a professional tree lopper is always worth it for safety.

What to Do with the Green Waste

Included in the quote: Most professional tree removalists include green waste removal in their quote. Confirm this before accepting.
Mulching: Ask the arborist to leave the mulch — it’s free garden mulch for your landscaping.
Firewood: If you have a fireplace, keep the trunk sections for firewood. Hardwood needs to season for 12–18 months.
Skip bin: If you’re doing the cleanup yourself, a 4–6m³ green waste skip bin costs $250–$450.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a tree on my property without council approval?

It depends on the tree size and your local council rules. Small trees below the protection threshold can usually be removed freely. Protected trees (typically above a certain trunk size or height) require approval. Check your council’s website or call them before proceeding.

What about trees on the boundary with my neighbour?

If a tree sits on the boundary, it’s jointly owned. Both property owners must agree to removal. You can prune branches and roots that cross into your property (up to the boundary line), but the pruning must not kill the tree. Disputes are handled by your state’s tribunal (NCAT, VCAT, etc.).

My neighbour’s tree is damaging my property — who pays?

You can recover reasonable costs from your neighbour if their tree causes damage to your property, but you must first notify them and give them reasonable time to act. Document the damage with photos and get professional quotes.

How long does tree removal take?

A small tree takes 1–2 hours. A medium tree in a straightforward location takes half a day. Large trees near structures may take 1–2 full days with a crew of 2–3 arborists.

Is tree removal covered by insurance?

If a tree falls due to a storm and damages your property, most home insurance policies cover the removal cost and damage repair. Planned tree removal for maintenance or landscaping purposes is not covered.

How We Collect These Prices

Our tree removal pricing data comes from real quotes by qualified arborists across Australia. We survey pricing in all capital cities and major regional centres quarterly.

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