Tree Removal Cost in Sydney (2026 Guide)
Pricing guide · Updated May 2026
What Sydney homeowners actually pay to take a tree down — broken out by height, access, council permits, the 10/50 rule, stump grinding and the surcharges that surprise people.
Cost by tree height
| Tree height | Typical Sydney price | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 m | $400 – $900 | Frangipani, small fruit trees, lillypilly |
| 5 – 10 m | $800 – $2,000 | Jacaranda, magnolia, small gum |
| 10 – 15 m | $1,500 – $4,000 | Suburban gum, palm, mature jacaranda |
| 15 – 20 m | $3,000 – $7,500 | Mature spotted gum, ironbark |
| Over 20 m | $5,000 – $15,000+ | Old-growth eucalypts, Norfolk pines |
Sydney council permits
You almost certainly need council approval before removing a tree in Sydney. Every Sydney council publishes a Development Control Plan (DCP) or Tree Preservation Order (TPO) that protects most trees on private land — and the fines for breaching it are serious. We're talking $3,000 to $1.1 million for major breaches under the Biodiversity Conservation Act.
Common thresholds: tree height over 3–5 metres (varies by council), trunk diameter over 30cm at 1m above ground, or listed native species (angophora, Sydney red gum, blackbutt). Heritage-listed properties face stricter rules still.
Trees you can usually remove without approval: dead/dying trees with an arborist report, listed exempt weed species (camphor laurel, privet, cocos palm), or trees covered by the 10/50 code below.
The 10/50 rule (NSW bush fire clearing)
The NSW 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code overrides council DCPs in declared bush fire prone areas. If your home is on the NSW RFS 10/50 entitlement map, you can remove any tree within 10 metres of an external wall and clear underlying vegetation within 50 metres — without council approval.
Run your address through the NSW RFS 10/50 entitlement tool at rfs.nsw.gov.au. Print the certificate and keep it on file. Note: 10/50 doesn't override koala habitat protections, threatened ecological communities, or National Trust register listings.
Stump grinding
| Stump diameter | Sydney price |
|---|---|
| Under 30 cm | $150 – $220 |
| 30 – 60 cm | $220 – $350 |
| 60 – 100 cm | $350 – $500 |
| Over 100 cm | $500 – $900+ |
Access difficulty surcharges
| Access factor | Surcharge |
|---|---|
| Backyard with no side gate | +20–40% |
| Within 4m of powerlines | +20–50% (Ausgrid shutdown may be needed) |
| Overhanging neighbour's roof / pool | +15–30% |
| Steep block / cliffside | +25–50% |
| Crane required | +$1,500–$4,000 day rate |
Insurance considerations near structures
- Public liability cover. $20 million minimum. Get the certificate emailed before work starts.
- Workers' compensation. Confirm the company carries it — climbers face the highest workplace risk in Australia.
- Neighbour consent. If any limb falls in their direction, get written consent. A WhatsApp message will do — keep the receipt.
- Pre-job photos. Photograph fences, paving and roof tiles before the crew arrives.
- Strata properties. Owners corporations require written approval before any work on common-property trees.
FAQ
Q: How much does tree removal cost in Sydney?
A: Sydney tree removal ranges from $400 for a small backyard tree under 5 metres to $15,000+ for a mature 20m-plus eucalypt with poor access. Most jobs land between $1,500 and $4,000.
Q: Do I need a council permit to remove a tree in Sydney?
A: Usually yes. Most Sydney councils require a tree removal application for any tree over 3m tall or with a trunk wider than ~30cm. Each council publishes a Development Control Plan with the exact thresholds.
Q: What is the 10/50 rule and does it apply to me?
A: The NSW 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code lets eligible homeowners in a bush fire prone area clear trees within 10 metres of their home and underlying vegetation within 50 metres without council approval. Check your address on the NSW RFS 10/50 entitlement tool.
Q: How much does stump grinding cost in Sydney?
A: Stump grinding is typically $150–$400 per stump depending on diameter, root spread and access. A small fruit tree stump might be $120, while a mature gum tree stump with surface roots can hit $500.
Q: Why is access difficulty such a big factor?
A: The cheapest tree to remove is one a crane or EWP can park next to. Backyard trees with no rear access mean every limb gets carried through your house or craned over the roof — adding 20–50% to the price.
Q: What insurance should a Sydney arborist have?
A: Minimum $20 million public liability is the Sydney standard. Ask for a current certificate of currency before any work starts. Reputable arborists also carry workers' compensation for their climbers.
Q: Do I need my neighbour's consent to remove a tree?
A: Not legally if the tree is wholly on your land, but if limbs will be felled in their direction, written consent and photos before/after are strongly recommended.
Q: How long does a tree removal job take?
A: A small backyard tree is typically 2–3 hours. A medium 10–15m tree with stump grinding is a half-day. A large 20m+ tree with a crane is a full day, sometimes two.
Run a Sydney arborist or landscaping business?
Stop missing leads while you're up a rope. BackOnTools answers every call, qualifies the job (height, access, powerlines, urgency), books the site visit and texts the customer back.
See the landscaper answering service →Last updated May 2026. Prices reflect Sydney metro rates. Always confirm council approval requirements with your local council before booking work.