Guide · Mosman Council
Mosman Council Tree Permit: When You Need One & How to Apply
Covers Mosman, Balmoral, Clifton Gardens, Beauty Point and Spit Junction. Checked against Mosman Council's published rules on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with Council before work starts.
Which trees are protected
- Any tree 5 m or taller.
- Any tree with a trunk circumference of 450 mm or more (about 150 mm diameter), measured 300 mm above ground level.
- In a heritage conservation area, or on a heritage item, any tree 2 m or taller.
- Tree ferns (Cyathea australis and Cyathea cooperi) 2 m or taller.
What's exempt
- Exempt species: camphor laurel (under 10 m only), citrus, cocos palm, coral tree, cotoneaster, cypress, giant bird of paradise, hackberry, hibiscus, Leyland cypress, mulberry, Norfolk Island hibiscus, oleander, paw paw, privet, prunus, rubber tree, umbrella tree, wild olive and willow.
- Declared weeds under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
- A tree Council is satisfied is dead and isn't needed as habitat for native animals.
- A tree an AQF Level 5 arborist confirms is high risk, where Council agrees.
- Work directed by Ausgrid around power lines.
Pruning
Mosman is stricter than its neighbours on pruning: all pruning on private land needs Council consent unless the tree is an exempt species.
How to apply
- Apply online with the owner's consent. For strata common property, include a letter from the managing agent or meeting minutes showing the owners support it.
- A Council tree officer inspects the tree, usually within about ten working days. You can ask to be there.
- Council issues a Tree Permit Assessment approving the work or giving reasons for refusal.
- Approved work must be carried out within 12 months. If you disagree with the decision, you can lodge an appeal with supporting professional advice.
Fees: Application fees are set in Council's fees and charges and paid online when you apply.
Reasons that usually aren't accepted
Council usually won't approve removal for leaf, fruit or bark drop, minor shading, a general worry that branches might fall, minor damage to paths or driveways, or pipe blockages unless they're serious and recurring.
Official sources
Tree removal in this council area
Common questions
Do I need council approval to remove a tree on the north shore?
Usually, if the tree is above your council's size threshold. Mosman, North Sydney and Ku-ring-gai protect most trees 5 m or taller; Willoughby and Lane Cove start at 4 m. Exempt species, dead trees and declared weeds are treated differently. Our council permit guide covers each council.
How long does a permit take?
Mosman Council usually inspects within about ten working days, and North Sydney Council aims to assess within 12 business days. Willoughby publishes applications for public comment, which can add time. Book the inspection early if the job isn't urgent.
Need a tree looked at?
Tell us the suburb and send a photo. We'll tell you what's involved, whether council needs to approve it, and what it should cost.