Can I Cut Down Trees on My Property?

Sharing is caring!

Yes! However, there are few things you need to consider before you get started. First, you have to check if the tree is protected or not, check with your local council to see if you require a permit. In case it is protected, then get a license prior to removing the tree. Tree Service Austin to cut trees – make sure to check it out. 

Well, there are various reasons why you would want to remove a tree from your property. It may be because the tree is dead, poses a danger to your property, falling, storm damaged, infested with diseases, or even the roots are interfering with your home foundation. 

Despite your reason, ensure you are on the safer side of the law. Adhere to all state, council, and federal regulations on tree removal. Make sure to check out the local tree experts Waco, TX.  

 

Cutting down Protected Trees

In Austria, there are kinds of trees that you cannot remove without taking a development application. Depending on your dwelling places, check on the Significant Tree register or Environmental Heritage Item List. 

Typically, you’ll need a permit to remove a tree in your property if; 

  • Your property holds an existing planning permit, significant permit, or heritage overlay.
  • The vegetation in the property is in the VPO3 area or native. Such regions are said to be environmentally significant.

Some of the commonly protected trees in greater parts of Australia include elms, Eucalyptus and Oaks. In other Cities like Randwick, the council has figs, Palms and pines listed. Therefore, cutting down heritage trees comes with expensive consequences. 

Some circumstances are so vital that you are left with no choice but to remove the tree. In that case, ensure you get an arborist report. The council will ask for this to verify if the tree is a risk or damaged. 

In order to permit you to remove a protected tree from your property, the council will consider such things as; 

 

  • Truck circumference 

The circumference is measured from 1.3m above the ground level. This is also referred to as Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) In such cases where the trunk circumference measures less than 40cm, you need not obtain a permit. You can go on and remove the tree safely. 

 

  • Tree Height 

Tree height is another consideration as you apply for a tree removal permit of a protected tree. For trees above 3m high, you need a license, and vice versa is valid. 

 

  • Tree species

As aforementioned, some tree species are highly protected, more so native trees. For noxious weeds or invasive trees, you can comfortably remove them without a permit. 

 

  • The tree distance from the house 

Even though this is a worth considering factor, it is dependent on your property location and size—for instance, fire-prone areas. You can remove a tree growing within 10 meters from your house without a permit. 

In such cases where you’re granted a tree removal permit for these protected trees, you’re required;

  1. To plant two trees for cutting down a regulated tree to compensate for the removed one.
  2. Plant three trees for a significant tree. 
  3. Pay a sum of $75 to the local council per tree removed. This fund will be applied to tree planting or the purchase of land to plant significant trees. 

Getting an arborist not only shows the number of trees to remove but also you get a quote on how much you’re likely to spend when removing the tree in question. 

You need no permit when maintaining or pruning protected trees when the act is based on the best interest of tree survival. Also, note that ferns and non-woody plants are not considered trees. In that case, they do not need the council local law permit to cut. 

 

The Cost of Tree Removal

Since you need to cut down a tree, the cost is worth mentioning. There are two options; to remove a tree by yourself or hire an experienced arborist to do the job. The former is dangerous and hectic and also quite expensive since you’ll need to hire machines and so. 

The best and most recommended approach is to hire a tree removal company. This is because their employees, arborists, hold considerable experience, skills, tools, and equipment to get the job done efficiently and safely. 

Tree removal costs ranges from $500 to $5,000. However, this will depend on such factors as location, complexity, precautions to be taken, size, transport, and other attached expenses. 

 

Point to Note 

Tree removal and pruning regulations vary from one council to the other. This is why you need to visit their website or call before you cut down a tree from your property. Tree-removal-related fines are hefty, and also they vary from one state to the other. On average, expect to pay from $2000 to $50,000.  

Check on the Local Environmental Plan, a document devised by the state for all councils. Each of them has a development control plan containing tree council plans, i.e., what can or cannot be done and the tree kinds exempted from permits in each state.