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 to $900 | Frangipani, small fruit trees, lillypilly |
| 5 to 10 m | $800 to $2,000 | Jacaranda, magnolia, small gum |
| 10 to 15 m | $1,500 to $4,000 | Suburban gum, palm, mature jacaranda |
| 15 to 20 m | $3,000 to $7,500 | Mature spotted gum, ironbark |
| Over 20 m | $5,000 to $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 to 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 to $220 |
| 30 to 60 cm | $220 to $350 |
| 60 to 100 cm | $350 to $500 |
| Over 100 cm | $500 to $900+ |
Access difficulty surcharges
| Access factor | Surcharge |
|---|---|
| Backyard with no side gate | +20 to 40% |
| Within 4m of powerlines | +20 to 50% (Ausgrid shutdown may be needed) |
| Overhanging neighbour's roof / pool | +15 to 30% |
| Steep block / cliffside | +25 to 50% |
| Crane required | +$1,500 to $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 to $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 to 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 to 3 hours. A medium 10 to 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?
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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.