If you’ve ever thought, can you cut down trees on your own property in Brisbane? The answer comes down to how much paperwork you have.
When owning a piece of land, you may think that you have complete control over its resources. However, in Queensland, all vegetation, even on private land, is part of the community. So, you might not be able to cut down your trees, even on your own property.
Throughout this piece, we’ll dive deep into the various complexities of legal tree removal services and how to cut down trees on the property you own.
Do you need council permission to cut down a tree?
The short answer is: yes. The Queensland government is rather serious about protecting any natural resources, especially the vegetation, under its jurisdiction. Thus, despite owning the land, you need permission from the local government council before hiring a tree cutter service.
If you want to remove any trees in backyard, it is your responsibility to determine whether they fall within a protected category. It also helps to consider the long-term impact of the removal or modification.
How to apply for a permit to cut down trees on your property?
Fortunately, it is pretty straightforward to put your ‘can you cut down trees on your own property in Brisbane’ request in front of a tree removal council. Before applying for the required permit, you should know that there are different regulations depending on the job duration.
Short-term permit
A short-term permit lets you clear a patch of land once. You can also apply for it if you need one-time pruning or want to remove a single tree that is not ecologically essential. The approval rate for this permit is relatively high, and you can get one within minutes if you plan the meeting within the weekdays.
Long-term permit
If you require substantial vegetation removal or routine plant maintenance, it is best to go for a long-term permit. Sure, you may need more paperwork and wait a while for the approval. But, once it’s done, you save yourself plenty of trips to the office for every gum tree removal.
Council street trees permit
Sometimes, the council street trees can grow over and cause issues on your property. In such a case, you can apply for a special permit that allows you one-off or regular pruning. Any reputed tree services would probably ask you for it if you hire them to work on council street trees.
You should note that the Queensland government charges no fee for permit applications. It is just so that the tree removal council can report the activity to the EPA. Therefore, applying for the appropriate permit is critical.
You must submit the required documents to the Brisbane City Council to apply for a permit. You can do it online through their official website or call the council to book an appointment to submit a hard copy.
What trees are protected in Brisbane?
If you own houses for sale in Brisbane, you need to abide by the Natural Assets Local Law (NALL) 2003 under the Brisbane City Council. It was put into effect to protect the native vegetation of the region without disrupting the local lifestyle and culture.
The law makes it an offence to trim, prune, or remove any vegetation listed within the protected vegetation list, both above and below ground. Any wetlands and council plants also come under this category. Since the list is updated every few years, you may need to call your local council to check whether your backyard trees are included.
Exemptions for vegetation protection
Similar to most conservation laws, some leeway lets you remove vegetation, either with or without permits, in specific cases.
- Removal of vegetation that poses an immediate hazard or is dead doesn’t require any permit.
- You can prune or trim council trees creating problems on your property with an adequate license.
- There is no permit requirement for removing weeds, invasive species, or unprotected vegetation on privately owned land.
- You can apply for a permit to remove or trim protected vegetation on the grounds you own.
- You can remove protected vegetation with a license if you need to prepare for storms or bushfires. Is a fire-rated ceiling necessary or do you have a tree in the way? You need to be sure.
- Trees located near Brisbane waterways, within a rural area, or carrying a heritage value are considered protected vegetation.
What is the fine for cutting down protected trees?
Queensland’s native vegetation clearing laws prohibit the removal, degradation, or modification of any protected plants within the state. Depending on the severity, you may need to face legal consequences if you fail to follow the regulations.
- Under the Brisbane Council, you can face a fine of up to $10,000 if you remove protected vegetation without prior approval.
- The state of Queensland enforces an on-the-spot fine of a minimum of $500. Continued removal per day can attract penalties as high as $250,000.
What to do after cutting down a tree?
Once you understand can you cut down trees on your own property Brisbane, you can look forward to how to clear the area safely. Unattended trees on fields or roads can create significant hazards. You can look over our guide to subdividing land in Brisbane to prevent legal troubles as well.
Moreover, dead trees often give way to pests and weeds, damaging the surrounding area. So, it is best to relocate it to a local wood chipping shop or dispose of it through safe burning.
You need a DA form-1 submitted to your local council for legally removing waste vegetation from your property. It is usually included in your permit, but you can also apply for it online in case you missed it.
More on cutting down trees in Brisbane
Can I Cut Down a Tree on My Property in Brisbane?
In Brisbane, you may need to obtain a permit to remove a tree from your property, especially if it’s a protected species or of a certain size. The Brisbane City Council has regulations regarding “Significant Urban Trees” and “Vegetation Protection Orders” (VPOs), which can affect whether you’re allowed to remove a tree.
What Trees are Protected in Queensland?
In Queensland, certain tree species are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Additionally, local councils may have their own lists of protected species. Trees that are significant due to their size, species, historical value, or contribution to the local ecosystem are often protected.
How Close to Property Line Can I Cut Trees?
The distance from the property line for cutting trees can vary. Some councils have specific guidelines, such as not allowing the removal of trees within a certain distance from the property boundary without a permit.
What Trees Can You Cut Down in Australia?
In Australia, the types of trees you can cut down without a permit depend on local regulations, the tree’s size, species, and whether it’s considered a risk to property or people. Native trees are often more protected than non-native species.
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