The Central Coast Council has a policy governing the removal of trees.

See https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/residents/property/trees-and-vegetation

Generally, residents need to make application for approval to remove trees.

There are certain exemptions to this rule that are explained on Council’s website eg “10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of the Rural Fire Service of NSW”.

See https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/plan-and-prepare/1050-vegetation-clearing/tool

It is advised that residents read the conditions on the Council’s web site prior to completing an application form to remove or heavily prune a tree on their property.

Fees & charges are associated with the application at the time of submitting the form.

Key conditions of the policy include:

• Nuisance matters will not generally be approved as a reason for tree removal.ie leaf drop, fruit fall, solar access, minor root creep

• The trees must not be part of a vegetation community.

• A comprehensive tree replacement planting proposal to offset the removal of the tree if removal is approved

The Pre-Tree Works Application Check List will assist in identifying the key issues residents will need to identify prior to making a submission.