Tree removal

Mikita · Sep 27, 2007 10:49 pm

Hi everyone,

Does anybody know how long it takes to get council approval to remove trees and how likely it is? We have three trees in our backyard we need to remove in order for building to start in December. I think they are called Cyprus Pine.

I submitted the permit application to council about a week ago and haven't heard back yet.

Just wondered if anyone else has had to do this and could tell me what to expect.

Thanks
Mikita

_Al_ · Sep 28, 2007 7:59 am

Pines aren't native so you should just be able to chop 'em. Just ring the council to confirm.

commodorenut · Sep 28, 2007 9:41 am

All councils have different rules, so you will need to talk to yours, as some have loopholes & quirks that may be of benefit to you..

As an example, my local council requires permission for anything over 3m in height, yet palm trees need no permission regardless of how tall they are.

When we first moved into our old place, we had 3 cypress pines across our back fence, and it was creating a nasty problem for the neighbour's pool, especially in summer when the southerly breeze would blow all the sap & needles into his place.

He saw me before i'd even bought the house, and offered to pay the removal costs (an offer I wanted to take him up on ASAP).

Unfortunately council rejected my application. Then one night a large branch fell into the yard behind us, which was a school. I wrote to council describing what had happened, sent pictures with it, and put in the letter that if I was not given permission, that they would assume any liability if a child was injured by a falling branch.

I got written permission within 3 days......

Also, talk to a local tree removal specialist, as they will be well-versed in the local council regs, and know the right people to talk to. Often times they will know how to gain permission easily, if it may be one that you might struggle with.

devank · Sep 28, 2007 1:19 pm

It may sound a bit bad... but... how would the council know if you don't tell them in the first place?
:twisted:

Cookiemonster · Sep 28, 2007 1:23 pm

devank

It may sound a bit bad... but... how would the council know if you don't tell them in the first place?
:twisted:

Neighbours.

Casa2 · Sep 28, 2007 1:53 pm

I'm also lead to believe that they look at aerial photographs for things like missing trees.

Big brother is watching.

newhomebuilder · Sep 28, 2007 2:22 pm

I just took out 3 cypress pines. There was no need for a permit, however a $300 dollar bill.

Got a quote this morning to remove some huge "flax" plants. $450.

Mikita · Sep 28, 2007 2:30 pm

Al

Pines aren't native so you should just be able to chop 'em. Just ring the council to confirm.

I did ring them to check before I submitted the application and I definitely need a permit but I was just wondering what the average turn around time would be between submitting and approving. They weren't able to give me an estimate.

Mikita · Sep 28, 2007 2:45 pm

Also, talk to a local tree removal specialist, as they will be well-versed in the local council regs, and know the right people to talk to. Often times they will know how to gain permission easily, if it may be one that you might struggle with.[/quote]

Thanks for that! Rang a local one today and they said they'd come around and have a look and help with the permit. They also said they deal with my council a lot and the process is usually pretty quick and painless.