Just because a tree is located on your property it doesn’t automatically mean you can remove it. Before having a tree removed, you need to check with your local council if the tree is protected and whether a permit is required to do work on the tree. If work is done on a tree without the appropriate permit, you can face serious penalties.

Let’s take a closer look at tree removal permits in Brisbane, so you don’t get caught out.

What’s The Process?

So, you need to have a tree removed from your property. Before any work is carried out, these are the steps you will need to follow:

1. Contact Your Local Council

The first thing you’ll need to do is contact your local council to find out if your tree is protected.  In Brisbane, a tree cannot have any significant work done or be removed without obtaining council approval if it has been classified as being protected vegetation without an exemption.

Your tree is more likely to be protected if it is large or considered to be ‘significant’ to the area, it has heritage value, it is located on or near to the Brisbane river or a water corridor or if it is located in a bushland or rural area. If your tree is not protected, you can proceed with having the tree removed. If your tree is protected, you will need to move to step 2.

2. Apply For A Permit Or An Exemption

To apply for a permit or an exemption, you will need to fill out the required application form which can be found on the Brisbane City Council website. Here in Brisbane, this is a free process. Council may give you an exemption if your tree is considered to be dangerous and posing a threat or if it is a potential fire risk due to its location or condition. Exemptions are usually not granted for aesthetic reasons such as blocked views or annoyance for example flowers dropping and causing a mess.

You may wish to provide photographs or drawings to support your case.

3. Wait For Your Approval

Now it’s time to play the waiting game until you receive approval. The council will need to thoroughly review your application and take into consideration your tree’s condition, type and overall contribution to the local ecosystem and community before making a decision. They may request further supporting information to help your case and could request a detailed Arborist report depending on your particular tree and circumstances.

4. Permit Issued

Success! You’ve received your permit and have the green light to go ahead. The permit will contain details as to how the tree will need to be removed or pruned, so be sure to adhere to all of the conditions.

5. Have The Tree Removed

Now it’s time to have the tree safely removed. Tree work and especially removals, can be highly dangerous, so it’s best left to the professionals who are fully insured, qualified and experienced to safely remove the tree. Attempting DIY tree removals can lead to costly damages not to mention injuries, so it’s just not worth the risk.

6. Post Removal

Check if your council has requested replanting once the tree has been removed as part of your permit conditions, which aims to ensure the preservation of the local ecosystem and vegetation.

Stress-Free Tree Removals In Brisbane

Take the hassle out of tree removals and leave it to your trusted, local Arborist. Your arborist will expertly handle the entire permit process from start to finish and will know how to handle everything for you. Job done!

For all your professional tree removal needs in Brisbane, speak to the team at Aussie Tree Solutions today. Our team have been providing the very best in tree care for over forty years, so whatever your tree need – we’ll get to the root of it! Whether it’s tree removal, stump grinding or consulting Arborist services, we’ve got the solution.