There are many different reasons why you may need to remove a tree. For example, your tree might be sick or dying, it may be too close to your house and you’re worried it could fall on your roof in a storm or it might be blocking views and dropping excessive debris. While these are all very good reasons to have a tree removed, and you might think “well, it’s my house and my tree, so it’s my decision right?” – that’s not always the case.
In some instances, you may need to obtain your local council’s permission before cutting down a tree. Failing to do so can result in some pretty heavy fines, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Let’s take a look at what you need to do to avoid being caught out.
Get To Know The Rules
The rules and regulations vary in accordance with where you live, so always check with your local council for their specific laws relating to the pruning or removal of a local tree before any work is carried out. Go to your local council’s website and search the term ‘Tree Removal’ or give them a call to discuss. It’s usually a straight-forward process and you’ll be required to answer some simple questions about the reason for requesting to have the tree removed. In some cases however, it can be a little bit more tricky.
When A Permit Is Required
You will almost certainly require council approval and need to obtain a permit if your tree falls into one of these categories:
- It is protected under a current vegetation protection order
- It’s considered to be of great significance to the local area, environment or landscape
- It has heritage or historical value
- The tree has wildlife present
In these cases, your request may be denied outright unless there are significant extenuating circumstances such as the tree posing an immediate threat or danger. A number of factors will be taken into consideration such as the type, size and position of the tree. You may also be asked to provide an Arborist’s report to support your application. Each case will be assessed individually and you will be notified of the outcome.
Before You Remove A Tree
If you need to have a tree removed the best advice is – don’t make assumptions and think it will be fine without checking first. Make sure you or your Arborist has first checked with your local council before any work is carried out on your trees. If you are found to have illegally removed trees without the requisite permission, you could face fines of up to $10,000 depending on your local council’s laws, so just don’t take the risk.
Looking To Remove A Tree In Brisbane?
Cutting down trees is a easy with Aussie Tree Solutions. With over 40 years’ experience in serving the local Brisbane community, we’re here to take the stress and hassle out of tree removals. We’ll take care of everything by checking with the Council for any vegetation protection order on your behalf, provide you with an obligation free quote, safely remove your tree and clean up afterwards.
Call (07) 3351 1722 for an obligation free tree removal and stump grinding quote and speak with our Consulting Arborists today.