Question 1

Do I need council approval to remove a tree in the Northern Beaches?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, yes. Northern Beaches Council protects trees through their Development Control Plan (DCP) and requires approval for removing most trees with a height over 3 metres or a trunk diameter of 200mm or more measured at 1.4 metres above ground level. Some exceptions exist for certain invasive species, dead trees, or trees within proximity to approved structures. Our arborists can assess your specific situation and assist with determining if approval is required. We also offer a complete council application service where we handle the entire approval process on your behalf, including preparing and submitting all required documentation.

Question 2

How long does council approval take for tree removal in the Northern Beaches?

Accepted Answer

Northern Beaches Council typically takes 2-6 weeks to process standard tree removal applications, depending on current workloads and the complexity of your specific case. Applications involving significant or heritage trees, properties in environmental protection zones, or trees visible from public areas may take longer for assessment. We recommend planning well ahead for non-urgent tree removals. For emergency situations involving hazardous trees, Northern Beaches Council has provisions for expedited assessment or retrospective notification procedures which our team can guide you through.

Question 3

How much does tree removal cost in the Northern Beaches?

Accepted Answer

Tree removal costs in the Northern Beaches typically range from $450-$5,000+ depending on several factors: tree size, species, location, access difficulties, and whether a crane or other specialised equipment is required. Small trees (under 5m) generally cost $450-$900, medium trees (5-10m) range from $900-$2,500, and large trees (over 10m) or trees in difficult locations can cost $2,500-$5,000+. Factors that increase costs include trees near structures, poor access requiring manual removal methods, trees requiring crane assistance, and trees with complex structures. We provide detailed, obligation-free quotes after a thorough on-site assessment to ensure you receive an accurate price specific to your Northern Beaches property.

Question 4

Can you remove trees that are close to my house or power lines in the Northern Beaches?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we specialise in the safe removal of trees in challenging locations throughout the Northern Beaches, including those close to homes, power lines, swimming pools, and other structures. These high-risk removals require specialised techniques such as sectional dismantling, precise rigging systems, and sometimes crane assistance. Our team is specifically trained and equipped for these complex situations, with extensive experience handling the unique challenges of Northern Beaches properties, including narrow access ways, sloped sites, and sensitive surrounding landscapes. For trees near power lines, we coordinate with Ausgrid when necessary and follow all safety protocols required for working around electrical infrastructure.

Question 5

What happens to the tree after it's removed from my Northern Beaches property?

Accepted Answer

We offer several options for handling removed trees from Northern Beaches properties. The most common approach is complete removal, where we process all material into manageable pieces and transport it off-site for recycling into mulch or biomass products. Alternatively, we can provide on-site processing services where we chip branches and smaller material into mulch that you can keep for garden use. For quality timber from larger trees, we can sometimes cut usable logs to specific lengths for firewood. Some Northern Beaches clients also choose to retain larger logs for landscaping features or future milling. We discuss all available options during the quoting process to find the approach that best suits your specific needs and property constraints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tree Removal & Council Approval Questions

Do I need council approval to remove a tree in the Northern Beaches?

How long does council approval take for tree removal in the Northern Beaches?

How much does tree removal cost in the Northern Beaches?

Can you remove trees that are close to my house or power lines in the Northern Beaches?

What happens to the tree after it's removed from my Northern Beaches property?

Tree Pruning & Maintenance Questions

When is the best time to prune trees in the Northern Beaches?

How much does tree pruning cost in the Northern Beaches?

Do I need council approval for tree pruning in the Northern Beaches?

How often should I have my trees pruned in the Northern Beaches climate?

Can pruning help protect my Northern Beaches property during storm season?

Arborist Reports & Professional Services

What is an arborist report and why might I need one in the Northern Beaches?

How much does an arborist report cost in the Northern Beaches?

How long does it take to get an arborist report in the Northern Beaches?

Can an arborist report help me get approval to remove a tree in the Northern Beaches?

What qualifications should an arborist have in the Northern Beaches?

Emergency & Specialised Tree Services

Do you provide emergency tree services in the Northern Beaches?

How much do emergency tree services cost in the Northern Beaches?

What constitutes a tree emergency in the Northern Beaches?

Do you offer stump grinding services in the Northern Beaches?

Can you help with land clearing for development in the Northern Beaches?

Company Information & Service Questions

How long has Affordable Tree Services been operating in the Northern Beaches?

Are you fully insured for tree work in the Northern Beaches?

Which Northern Beaches suburbs do you service?

How do I get a quote for tree work on my Northern Beaches property?

What payment methods do you accept in the Northern Beaches?

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