Approvals and rules
Do I need permission to remove a tree on my property?
Often. Central Coast Council regulates the removal and pruning of many trees on private land through its planning controls. Some trees are exempt, some need a permit, and some work needs development consent. Heritage items, waterfront land and environmentally zoned land can have extra conditions. The safest course is to check with Council before any cutting starts, or ask the contractor to help you check.
What is the 10/50 rule?
The NSW 10/50 vegetation clearing code, run by the NSW Rural Fire Service, lets owners of land inside a mapped entitlement area clear trees within 10 metres of a home, and other vegetation (but not trees) within 50 metres, without separate approval, as long as they follow the code. You must check your address with the RFS online tool before clearing. Our 10/50 guide explains the details and the limits.
Can I remove a tree that is damaging my house or drains?
Damage to a building or pipes can support an application to Council, but it does not automatically exempt the tree. Evidence such as a plumber's report or photos of cracking helps. Check with Council before removing it.
What about trees on the nature strip?
Street trees on the verge are generally Council's responsibility. Do not prune or remove them yourself; contact Council about any concern.
Do I need approval to prune?
Council's controls cover pruning as well as removal for many trees. Light maintenance pruning is often treated differently from heavy cutting. Ask Council if you are unsure.
Neighbours
My neighbour's tree overhangs my yard. What can I do?
Start with a conversation. Many disputes are sorted by agreeing to share the cost of pruning. Council's tree rules still apply to the tree regardless of which side the branches are on, so check before cutting. If you cannot agree and the tree is causing damage or is likely to cause injury, NSW has a separate process for tree disputes between neighbours.
A tree is on the boundary. Who decides?
A tree whose trunk straddles the boundary is generally treated as belonging to both owners. Get written agreement before booking work.
Safety and storms
A large branch is hanging after a storm. Is it dangerous?
Treat it as dangerous. Keep people, pets and cars out from underneath, and get a contractor to assess it. Hung-up branches can fall without warning.
A tree is touching power lines. Who do I call?
Stay well clear and call Ausgrid on 13 13 88. Only people authorised to work near live electrical lines should touch trees near them.
What should I do after a tree falls on my house?
Get everyone clear, check for wires, call the NSW SES on 132 500 for storm help if the roof is open, take photos, contact your insurer, then call us. The storm damage page covers this in detail.
Stumps and roots
Should I grind the stump or remove it?
Grinding suits lawns and garden beds. Full removal suits slabs, pools and driveways where roots would get in the way. See stump grinding.
Will roots keep growing after the tree is gone?
Most trees do not regrow once the stump is ground. Some species can sucker from roots left in the ground. The contractor can tell you if your tree is likely to.
Prices and quotes
How much will my job cost?
It depends on the tree, the site and what is underneath. The cost guide has 2026 planning ranges and explains what moves the price.
What should a written quote include?
What is cut and how, the stump, the waste, protection of property, approvals and timing. If any of these are missing, ask.
Can I keep the wood and mulch?
Yes. Ask for logs to be cut into rounds and stacked, and for the mulch to be left in a pile. It can lower the price.
Bushfire season
What tree work helps with bushfire preparation?
Clearing gutters, removing dead branches over the roof, keeping overhanging limbs away from the house and reducing dry debris near buildings all help. On mapped land, the 10/50 code may allow more clearing. The NSW Rural Fire Service publishes guidance on preparing properties.
Are there times when tree work is restricted?
During total fire bans, rules can limit the use of some equipment outdoors. Contractors follow the conditions that apply on the day.
Who does the work
Who carries out the tree work?
Independent local tree contractors. We ask them to hold the licences and insurance the job needs. Ask to see them before work starts.
Which areas do you cover?
Gosford, Erina, Terrigal, Kincumber, Woy Woy, Lisarow, Wyong, Tuggerah, The Entrance and Toukley, and the streets in between. See the area pages for Gosford, Terrigal, Woy Woy, The Entrance and Wyong.