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Tree Assessment Principles

Hornsby Council Development Control Plan 1.2.6 Tree and Vegetation Preservation is made in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy (Vegetation in Non-Rural Areas) 2017 (the Vegetation SEPP). It requires a focus on retaining and protecting trees unless there are strong reasons for removal.

The following are NOT considered reasons for tree removal or pruning where there is evidence the tree is healthy and has no major structural issues:

  • Flower, leaf, fruit, seed or sap fall
  • Belief the tree too large or high
  • Insects and animals e.g. possums jumping from tree to roof or cockatoos damaging the property or scale insects causing sooty mould or spiders in the tree
  • Reduce bird or animal droppings
  • Termite infestation where the structural stability of the tree is not affected
  • Increasing natural light, including for solar access/panels
  • Enhancing views
  • Tree does not suit the existing or proposed landscaping
  • Lifting of driveways, paths and paving where there are alternatives to solve problems and retain the tree
  • Damage to building ancillary to a dwelling house, detached garages, carports, roof structures, outbuildings, footpaths, garden structures, retaining walls, driveways and fences
  • Damage to underground services such as sewer and water pipes and where there are alternatives to solve problems and retain the tree
  • Proposed development. Tree removal is considered under the development assessment process and not in a Tree Removal Application Form
  • Fence construction
  • Tree removal for bush fire hazard reduction, unless identified by NSW Rural Fire Services as a bush fire threat

The following may be considered reasons for tree removal or pruning:

  • Where there is likelihood of tree failure and remedial actions are not feasible or practical. An AQF5 Arborists report and testing may be required as supporting documentation. The report must comply with Council’s report guidelines that are available on the Council’s trees webpage
  • Where the tree is causing substantial and continuing structural damage to a dwelling or substantial structure (excluding building ancillary to a dwelling house, detached garages, carports, roof structures, outbuildings, footpaths, garden structures, retaining walls, driveways and fences) and remedial actions are not feasible or practical. A structural engineering assessment may be required
  • Where the tree is in poor condition or structure, or declining health with a life expectancy of less than 5 years. There are no tree management options. An AQF5 Arborists report and testing may be required
  • A tree located in an unsuitable position where its future growth will result in major damage to a dwelling or substantial structure and there are no practical options to prevent damage
  • Pruning to improve tree’s health and structure
  • Where the tree is proven to be directly causing substantial ill health, such as severe allergies. This must be supported by specialist medical evidence linking the health condition to the tree and where all other reasonable management options have been explored