FAQs

Council recognises large trees located close to proposed dwellings or pools can restrict development and pose a future risk to residents. Clause 4.10 Special Considerations for Trees which are Growing in Close Proximity to Buildings would be amended to allow for the removal of trees in close proximity of planned dwellings or pools on private land.

The DCP guides the assessment of applications to remove trees on private land.

When development applications for new dwellings and pools are being assessed, the amended DCP will permit the removal of trees within 3 metres instead of requiring the trees to be retained.

Certain trees, such as heritage listed trees and endangered or threatened species are protected by other legislation and require greater consideration. 

For more information about removing trees on private land, visit our website.

Development Control Plans are guides that are periodically changed. Whilst this provision was amended in 2013 under the previous plan (SSDCP2006), it is not a provision of the current plan (SSDCP2015).

Clause 4.10 Special Considerations for Trees which are Growing in Close Proximity to Buildings in the DCP already allows for the removal of trees within 3 metres of existing dwellings or pools, subject to an assessment. Clause 4.5 already allows trees that pose a safety risk to be removed, subject to approval.

A “proposed/planned dwelling or pool” refers to any development approval for a dwelling or pool. An application must be submitted to Council and approved before a tree located within three metres of a proposed building or swimming pool can be removed. 

For the definition of a “dwelling” and “swimming pool”, please refer to the Dictionary in SSLEP2015.

It is anticipated that some canopy loss will occur in the short-term, as the canopy of a tree removed is larger than that which can be replanted.

Every tree removed is required to be replaced by at least 4 new trees. The DCP currently requires the following replacement planting ratios (Clause 4.15) for development:

These trees may be replaced on the site where appropriate, or by way of a contribution to replacement tree planting on Council land. The ratio is higher than removal to account for incidental tree loss and the time it takes to create tree canopy.

Council is focused on ensuring the next generation of canopy trees are established - the right trees, planted in the right place, at the right time.

Council recognises that trees play a vital role in keeping our neighbourhoods resilient and sustainable, and supporting habitat and biodiversity. To replace tree canopies removed from private properties, we have a program of planting new trees in our streets and parks. More information on the program is available on our website.

Council’s Community Strategic Plan aims to have no net canopy loss in urban areas. Council supports the NSW Government's canopy target of 40% canopy cover in urban areas and will continue to undertake tree planting to increase the tree canopy towards this target.

Council will soon be considering a draft Tree & Bushland Strategy. The Strategy aims to guide and coordinate the holistic management of trees and bushland throughout Sutherland Shire. The draft Strategy aims to mitigate this loss by proposing practical, risk-based solutions to slow down canopy reduction and increase tree planting efforts.

When an application to remove a tree is approved, the applicant can either plant replacement trees on their property or request Council plant replacement trees on Council land for a fee.

The current charge of $130 per replacement tree is insufficient to pay for planting, establishment, maintenance, watering and tree guards, which are needed to guarantee the survival of trees after planting. Planting and maintenance of the tree for six months costs in the order of $400. The new charge better reflects the actual costs.