Brisbane City Council Tree Removal Laws and Regulations

The Brisbane City Council has clear regulations regarding the removal and pruning of trees, as outlined in the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL). These laws are divided into four categories of vegetation, helping residents understand whether they can legally remove trees on their property:

  • Council Vegetation

  • Waterway and Wetland Vegetation

  • Significant Urban Vegetation

  • Significant Native Vegetation

These categories apply to all trees in the Brisbane City Council area. There are no exempt species.

No Permit Required If:

  • The tree poses an immediate hazard (e.g., split trunk, leaning with soil upheaval).

  • The tree is dead.

You must provide photographic evidence of the hazard, and in some cases, submit an arborist’s report within 10 business days. Failure to do so could result in compliance action.

Workplace Health and Safety Statement

Tree & Hedge Services is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment for our workers, subcontractors, clients and members of the public.

We conduct all tree, hedge and vegetation-management work in accordance with applicable Queensland workplace health and safety legislation, industry standards and safe work practices.

Do You Need Council Approval to Remove a Tree within Brisbane City Council?
You may need council approval to remove a tree, depending on the tree’s status. Let’s jump in:

Protected Trees in Brisbane
A tree can be removed without council approval if it is not classified as protected vegetation. Your property might have protected vegetation if it:

Is near the Brisbane River or a waterway corridor?
Is located in a bushland or rural area?
Contains large, significant trees, even in urban areas?
Has heritage value?
You should check with Brisbane City Council if these conditions apply by calling 07 3403 8888.

Applying for a Tree Removal Permit

To apply for a permit, complete the online application form or send a hard copy to CARS-NALL@brisbane.qld.gov.au. Supporting evidence such as photos or sketches will assist the council in reviewing your application, and an arborist report may be required

Request to Prune a Public Tree

If a council-owned tree is encroaching on your property, you can request pruning by filling out an online form. The council will inspect the tree and handle the work at no cost to you.

Removal of Significant Native Vegetation

You must always get a permit to remove native trees in Brisbane. In emergencies, such as when a tree poses an immediate danger, you can remove or make it safe.

Removal of Significant Urban Vegetation

Non-native trees also require a permit if they are considered significant. The council determines which trees are significant based on factors like prominence in the landscape or historical importance. It’s best to contact the council for clarification on specific trees.

For more details, refer to Brisbane City Council’s “Do I Need a Permit?” document, which offers clear guidelines on tree pruning, removal for fence construction, and maintenance.