Tree removal in Perth is not simply a matter of cutting wood. With local council regulations evolving and recent legal decisions making clear that even private property tree removal can require development approval, homeowners need to proceed carefully. At Lumberjacks, our arborists can help you ensure compliance, minimise risk, and carry out the work safely and effectively.
If you are a homeowner in Perth considering tree removal, it is not just a matter of hiring a contractor and cutting it down. Local council regulations play a major role, especially when the tree is on a verge or nature strip, or is a regulated or protected tree. At Lumberjacks, our arborists frequently help Perth homeowners navigate these rules so you can proceed safely and avoid fines or delays.
Many local governments treat large trees, even on private property, as assets that contribute to canopy cover, biodiversity, and community amenity. For instance, a recent ruling by the State Administrative Tribunal of Western Australia found that removing a mature tree on private land may constitute development that requires approval. If you remove a tree without the required permits, you may face fines, legal orders to replant, or other penalties. Understanding whether your tree is regulated or protected helps you plan properly and keep costs and risk down.
Here are some situations where council approval may be required:
• A tree is on public land such as a verge, nature strip, or street tree rather than fully within private property.
• The tree is a regulated tree. Some councils define this as height greater than or equal to 8 m, canopy diameter greater than or equal to 6m, or trunk circumference greater than or equal to 1.5 m at 1.4 m above ground.
• The tree is in a heritage or conservation zone, or subject to a council’s tree retention policy or urban greening strategy.
• The tree removal is associated with development, building works, or changes in land use.
Here is a checklist for homeowners before proceeding with tree removal:
1. Check your local council’s tree removal or vegetation policy. Each local government area sets its own thresholds, definitions, and approval pathways.
2. Determine if the tree is regulated or protected, If so, tree removal works probably need a formal application.
3. If on a verge, nature strip, or street reserve, you will likely need council approval even before removal. For example, the City of Perth street tree policy states that removal requests must be considered by the Manager Parks and generally work on a remove and replace basis.
4. If removing a tree due to safety or hazard, document the hazard such as leaning trunk, root failure, or branches at risk, and consider engaging a certified arborist report. Some councils allow removal without a permit in an urgent hazard scenario, but you may still need to inform or seek retrospective approval.
5. Prepare for possible conditions – If removal is approved, the council may require replacement planting, reinstatement of canopy or vegetation, or payment of a bond or fee.
6. Avoid acting without approval – Removing a regulated tree without permission may be an offence under the relevant planning legislation, with fines and other enforcement actions.
At Lumberjacks, we are familiar with Perth’s local council tree removal regulations and can assist you with:
• Assessing whether a tree on your property is regulated or likely to require council approval
• Providing an arborist report to support a tree removal application
• Liaising with your local council so the process is managed properly and in accordance with policy
• Performing safe, professional tree removal and stump grinding once approval is in place
• Offering advice on replanting, landscaping, or substitution species to comply with any replacement requirements
Tree removal in Perth is not simply a matter of cutting wood. With local council regulations evolving and recent legal decisions making clear that even private property tree removal can require development approval, homeowners need to proceed carefully. At Lumberjacks, our arborists can help you ensure compliance, minimise risk, and carry out the work safely and effectively. Ready to explore your tree removal needs or check whether your tree needs approval? Contact us today, and we will guide you through the process.
