Planning on removing a tree in Sydney’s Hills District?
The Hills Shire Council is dedicated to ensuring a high quality of life for their Hills Districts residents, with beautiful trees playing a vital role in providing that quality. However, in certain situations, trees can become burdensome, or even pose a danger to people and property.
In 2014, the Hills Shire Council guidelines for tree removal were modified to make tree management in the area a little easier for residents.
Homeowners who would otherwise have been forced to keep trees which were in some way damaging to their properties would now be able to have them removed.
The biggest catalyst for the change came from the areas elderly residents, who were increasingly making complaints that trees on their property were becoming too much of a financial burden and were negatively impacting their lifestyle.
It’s a sensible adjustment but only makes allowances for trees which are under 6 metres in height and are at least 3 metres from a dwelling or structure. Trees help to beautify a community and so are an asset to the area, but if they are negatively impacting the surrounds, then it’s a reasonable move to give residents the ability to deal with them sensibly.
Trees greater than 6 metres require local council approval
Of course, trees that are greater in height than 6 metres, or are situated closer than 3 metres to houses and structures will always have to be dealt with by a professional tree removal service operating in the Hills District area, and only if they fall within the guidelines.
Trees which fit within the new guidelines will be able to be removed without waiting for council approval.
The Hills Shire Council tree removal guidelines
A few of the general guidelines for tree management you should also be aware of are:
- Minor pruning is permissible if it is less than 10% of the tree
- You are not permitted to remove any tree not exempted by the Tree Preservation Order
- You cannot change the level of soil within 3 metres of the tree’s trunk
- Dead trees posing a danger do not require council approval
- You can prune tree branches which are covering the roof line
- You can prune tree branches which are covering or are encroaching on electrical wiring.
- You can remove any tree grown for its fruit.
Non-compliance risks harsh penalties so the safest course of action is to always consult with qualified Hills District tree services who are familiar with the local guidelines and have the necessary skills and equipment to do the job safely.
Further guidelines can be found at The Hills Shire Council website: [ https://www.thehills.nsw.gov.au/Services/Our-Community] which also contains a link to a tree management application and a tree management fact sheet.
Don’t risk it. We explain the importance of working with a professional tree services company in Sydney’s Hills District
Working with qualified tree services is essential, not only because they will have familiarity with the local guidelines, but also because they will be covered by adequate insurance to cover your property in the event of any damages.
Also checking their level of experience and reviewing references will go a long way to providing peace of mind that you are dealing with a reputable tree removal service.
Tradebusters Connect.com.au have several qualified tree removal services on file; each one vetted for quality before earning a place on their site.
Other Useful Links:
Expert Arborists & Tree Care Services Sydney
Arborists – Tree Services in Hills District
Website Designer Hills District