Trees are beneficial to our everyday lives. Fruit trees provide you with food when they’re in season and even provide shade in the scorching heat. As much as they are beneficial, sometimes you need to remove them with the help of ISA-Certified Arborist Tree Services like the ones at https://treenewal.com/.
If you plan to clear some trees on your property, here is a quick guide regarding NSW regulations.
Before removing any trees, it is essential to check with the local council regarding permits and approvals required. Certain trees may be protected, especially if they are considered significant, rare, or part of a conservation area. Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in hefty fines. Additionally, it is crucial to consider the environmental impact of tree removal and to replant where possible to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health. When it comes to Tree Removal, Fire Mitigation, & Land Clearing in Tabernash, CO, similar considerations apply. Local regulations and permits are necessary to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards. Proper tree removal practices not only mitigate the risk of wildfires but also promote safer land use and development. Consulting with professionals experienced in tree removal and land management can help navigate the process effectively while minimizing the impact on the surrounding environment. By following regulations and employing responsible practices, tree removal can be conducted efficiently while preserving the natural landscape for future generations.
Why You Might Want to Cut Down a Tree
We have an interdependent relationship with trees. We provide them with the carbon dioxide they need for photosynthesis while they give us the oxygen we breathe. Trees also provide shade and lower the temperature during scorching days.
- However, there are some situations where you might need to cut down a tree. Among these reasons are the following.
- It is diseased or pestiferous, posing harm to surrounding vegetation
- It is dead or dying
- It causes damage to your property, such as underground pipes
- It is positioned at an incorrect position
- It might be a fire risk
When a tree fits one of these reasons, we highly suggest that you cut it down.
Reasons for Protected Trees
Unfortunately, you cannot freely remove any tree from your property. Some tree species are protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Local Environment Plans (LEPs).
In NSW tree removal law, there is a Register of Protected Trees listing down species considered significant. Among these tree species are the following.
- Camphor Laurel
- Chinese Nettle Tree
- Coral Tree
- American Nettle Tree
- Liquidambar
The local council of NSW labels a tree significant or protected by considering the following factors.
- Aboriginal importance
- Historical importance
- Landscape amenity
- Botanical importance
- Functionality
Before you can cut down significant or protected trees, you must obtain permission from the local council first.
Removing Unprotected Trees
In general, you can remove unprotected trees from your property. You can cut them down even without getting a permit from your local council.
However, there are still conditions to meet before you can cut down trees. Some of these conditions include the following.
- The tree should have a height and foliage size of at least five metres
- The tree should have a trunk diameter of at least 300 mm
- The tree should be considered invasive or a pest
If the above conditions are met, you can remove the tree freely without council’s permission.
10/50 Rule
Certain areas of NSW are prone to bushfires that threaten us and wildlife. Because of this, the 10/50 rule was passed, aiming to protect people from bushfires.
The rule allows you to cut down trees and vegetation within ten to fifty metres from your home’s outermost wall. If you live in a bushfire-prone area, you do not need a permit from the council.
However, you must still take note of the following before you can use the 10/50 rule.
- The method of cutting trees down and vegetation must not alter the profile of the soil underneath
- Clearing practices must not include bulldozing, ploughing, and burning
- Slopes are not covered by the rule as vegetation and trees in these areas are essential in erosion control
Penalties for Illegal Tree Removal in NSW
As we mentioned earlier, you cannot just remove any tree from your property as it can be classified as a protected tree by the local council of NSW.
Illegal tree removal in NSW is considered a criminal offence, as it violates the TPOs in the state. Exemption to this is if the tree you plan to cut down is deemed unprotected.
You can face fines and penalties for illegally removing a tree in NSW. Penalties can range from $1,000 and can go up to $1.1 million. Still, you should remember that removing trees of heritage or importance is illegal in the state.
Trees hold many benefits in our lives. But trees can also cause harm such as catching fire and harming you, your property, and plant life. However, we should remember that we cannot freely cut down a tree on our property, as some species hold cultural and aboriginal significance. If we do so, the local government will consider it a criminal offence, and we will get fined. If you have plans to remove trees on your property, we suggest consulting with your local arborist and getting tree removal services.
