Council Tree Permits in WA: A Homeowner’s Complete Guide

Council Tree Permits in WA: A Homeowner’s Complete Guide

Tree rules in Western Australia confuse a lot of homeowners. There is no single state-wide law covering trees on private land, and each local government sets its own rules, so what is allowed in one suburb may need written approval in the next. Here is a guide for you to understand council approval for tree removal works across WA.

Understanding Tree Removal Rules in Western Australia

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in WA?
It depends on where you live and where the tree stands. Trees on your own land are usually your responsibility, while verge and street trees belong to the council. Some councils also protect trees in defined zones or on significant tree registers.

Can I remove a tree from my own property?
Often, yes. The City of Rockingham has no requirement in its town planning scheme for approval to remove a tree on a residential property. The City of Mandurah differs, requiring written permission before you remove, prune or alter vegetation inside a Tree Approval Area.

Separate rules apply to native vegetation, and threatened species may require a permit from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Do You Need Council Approval for Tree Pruning in WA?

Pruning a tree on your own land generally needs no approval, unless it sits in a protected zone or on a significant tree register.

Can I prune a council tree?
No. Councils manage street tree pruning themselves or through approved contractors. Lopping or topping a street tree damages its structure and creates a hazard, which is why unauthorised work is treated seriously.

If a neighbour’s branch overhangs your boundary, you are generally entitled to trim back to the boundary line at your own cost, provided you do not damage the tree. Neighbour disputes are a civil matter, not a council one.

Removing a Council Verge Tree: Legal Requirements in Western Australia

Who owns verge trees in Western Australia?
The verge is owned by the local government, even though the adjoining property owner maintains it. Any tree planted on that verge belongs to the council, so verge tree removal always requires council approval.

Councils assess these requests against set criteria, not preference. A verge tree may be considered for removal if it:

• Poses an unacceptable safety risk from structural faults, poor health or storm damage
• Is causing substantial infrastructure damage that remedial works cannot fix
• Blocks essential sight lines for drivers or pedestrians
• Is an inappropriate weed species

Requests are usually refused where the reason is leaf litter, blocked views or aesthetics.

What Happens If You Remove a Council Tree Without Permission?

Removing or damaging a council tree without approval can lead to enforcement action under local laws. Councils may issue fines, require you to fund a replacement, or seek recovery of the tree’s assessed value. Penalties differ between local governments.

What happens if I remove a protected tree?
Trees on a significant tree register or within a protected zone carry the same risk, even on private land. These registers are public, so checking first takes minutes.

Situations Where a Tree Removal Permit May Be Required

• The tree grows on a verge, reserve or other council land
• Your property sits in a tree protection or approval area
• The tree is on a significant tree register
• You are clearing native vegetation, or the site supports protected fauna
• The lot is rural, rural-residential or above a set size threshold

How do I apply for a tree removal permit in WA?
Contact your council’s planning or parks team, or use its online request system. You will usually need the property address, tree details, photographs and your reason for removal. An arborist’s report is often required when a tree appears healthy.

Tips Before Removing or Pruning a Tree

• Confirm the tree’s position against your title boundary, not the fence line
• Check your council’s online mapping for protected or approval areas, and get any approval in writing
• Have a qualified arborist assess health and risk before deciding
• Call emergency tree services for storm-damaged or unstable trees rather than attempting it yourself
• Plan for the stump, since stump grinding is a separate job

Conclusion

Requirements vary across Western Australia, so advice that applies in Mandurah may not apply in Rockingham, Kwinana or Serpentine-Jarrahdale. Before any tree removal or tree pruning, check with your council and keep a copy of any approval in writing.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For a professional assessment of your tree, contact Jordan’s Tree Services or request a free quote from our qualified arborist services team.