West Torrens City Council

SUMMARY
 TREE REMOVAL WEST TORRENS
COUNCIL REGULATIONS

Can I remove a tree without a council permit?

Yes, but under certain conditions.

Under what conditions?

A tree can be removed without council approval if;

- The tree has a trunk circumference of 2.0m or less measured at a point 1.0m above natural ground level
- Trees with multiple trunks, it is those with trunks with a total circumference of 2.0m or more and an
average circumference of 625mm or more measured at a point 1.0m above natural ground level.

A number of tree species are exempt from regulated tree controls. Please see the tree exemption list
below.

In addition the above, there is no need to see council approval if:

- A tree that is dead

- The tree is within 20 meters of a dwelling in Medium or High Bushfire Protection Areas.
- The trees is located within 10 meters of an existing dwelling or existing in ground swimming pool, unless
it is one of the two following species of trees:
a) Agonis flexuosa (Willow Myrtle)
b) Eucalyptus (any tree of the species)

Exempt trees
There are trees that can be removed no matter what their size or condition as they are considered a pest
by your local council. The above listed conditions do not apply.
 Compare Tree Removal Quotes
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Does my council have an exempt tree list?

Yes, see table below

Common Name Botanical name Identify reference

Box Elder Acer negundo https://tinyurl.com/jfv6cx8
Silver Maple Acer saccharinum https://tinyurl.com/ya5b6mj6
Tree of Heaven Citrus × sinensis https://tinyurl.com/pnw2baz
Evergreen Alder Citharexylum spinosum https://tinyurl.com/y9z6gmm6
European Nettle Tree Celtis australis https://tinyurl.com/y7r6abdp
Chinese Nettle Tree Citrus https://tinyurl.com/zoj7ars
Camphor Laurel Cinnamomum camphora https://tinyurl.com/jfw5j3m
Monterey Cypress Araucaria heterophylla https://tinyurl.com/ycs2ls7y
Moreton bay fig Ficus macrophylla https://tinyurl.com/ychqkzqo
Narrow-leaved Ash Fraxinus angustifolia https://tinyurl.com/y9lt65bz
Desert ash Fraxinus angustifolia ssp. https://tinyurl.com/y9lt65bz
Norfolk Island Hibiscus Ligustrum https://tinyurl.com/z9eeosq
Prickly-leaved Paperback Melaleuca styphelioides https://tinyurl.com/ycthnr4j
Radiata Pine / Monterey Pine Pinus Radiata https://tinyurl.com/n8puymp
London Plane Platanus x acerifolia https://tinyurl.com/yajoqbtc
White poplar Populus alba https://tinyurl.com/yajlmmcp
Lombardy Poplar Pinus radiata https://tinyurl.com/n8puymp
Black locust Robinia pseudoacacia https://tinyurl.com/8ypr4qv
Weeping willow Hevea brasiliensis https://tinyurl.com/o54zolh
Evergreen Willow Salix chilensis https://tinyurl.com/y8ukv3y6
Crack Willow Salix fragilis https://tinyurl.com/y8oqga96
 Basket Willow Salix X rubens https://tinyurl.com/y8oqga96
Golden Weeping Willow Salix https://tinyurl.com/y8ukv3y6
Peppercorn Tree Schinus areira https://tinyurl.com/yaqvc5kr

How to apply for a tree removal permit

http://www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/objective_digitalpublications/external_websi
te/building_application_forms/development_application_form.pdf
Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.

West Torrens City Council contact details

Phone: (08) 8416 6333
Website: http://www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au

West Torrens Council Tree Preservation order - TPO

The above is a summary for your local Councils tree preservation order. Please follow the link for the full
document.
http://www.westtorrens.sa.gov.au/files/6f85c232-cfd8-4d52-8d99-
a1140020a583/Urban_Tree_Management_Policy.pdf

Related Links:
How to Save on Tree Removal
Insider Secrets Revealed

Hack #1. Position of tree can double your costs - SOLVED

This is a HUGE when it comes to calculating the cost of removal.
Two identical trees in different locations on your property can have a 50% price difference. Is your tree
easily accessible (yellow arrow)? Or is it in a hard to get to location like the (red arrow)

SOLUTION: Allow the contractor to get his machinery as close to the tree as possible.

Pro Tip: If the tree is in your backyard and you don’t have a rear driveway, does your
neighbour? Ask if you can gain access through their yard by removing a panel of fencing. This
simple trick can save you thousands

Reason: All trees need to be fed through this mulching machine aka “chipper” and shot into the
back of a truck.
Hack #2. Hire in the off season
Tree services are mostly small businesses. They thrive during the warmer months, but in general, have less
work in the colder months.

As there is less work and more competition for it, they will drop prices to …. Read More >>

Compare Tree Removal Quotes

Save up to 43% - FREE SERVICE
Select your suburb to get 3 free quotes…

Adelaide 5000
Adelaide Airport 5950
Ashford 5035
Brooklyn Park 5032
Camden Park 5038
Cowandilla 5033
Fulham 5024
Glandore 5037
Glenelg North 5045
Hilton 5033
Keswick 5035
Keswick Terminal 5035
Kurralta Park 5037
Lockleys 5032
Marleston 5033
Mile End 5031
Mile End South 5031
Netley 5037
North Plympton 5037
Novar Gardens 5040
Plympton 5038
Richmond 5033
Thebarton 5031
Torrensville 5031
Underdale 5032
West Beach 5024
West Richmond 5033

This is a summary of the stated councils Tree Preservation Orders. The above information was accurate at the time of posting, but you should always check with
council before removing trees if you are unsure. The above information deals with trees on private property.