
Brisbane City Council Tree Removal Laws and Regulations
The Brisbane City Council has clear regulations regarding the removal and pruning of trees, as outlined in the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL). These laws are divided into four categories of vegetation, helping residents understand whether they can legally remove trees on their property:
- Council Vegetation
- Waterway and Wetland Vegetation
- Significant Urban Vegetation
- Significant Native Vegetation
These categories apply to all trees in the Brisbane City Council area. There are no exempt species.
Do You Need Council Approval to Remove a Tree within Brisbane City Council?
You may need council approval to remove a tree, depending on the tree’s status. Let’s jump in:
Protected Trees in Brisbane
A tree can be removed without council approval if it is not classified as protected vegetation. Your property might have protected vegetation if it:
- Is near the Brisbane River or a waterway corridor
- Is located in a bushland or rural area
- Contains large, significant trees, even in urban areas
- Has heritage value
You should check with Brisbane City Council if these conditions apply by calling 07 3403 8888.
No Permit Required If:
- The tree poses an immediate hazard (e.g., split trunk, leaning with soil upheaval).
- The tree is dead.
You must provide photographic evidence of the hazard, and in some cases, submit an arborist’s report within 10 business days. Failure to do so could result in compliance action.

Applying for a Tree Removal Permit
To apply for a permit, complete the online application form or send a hard copy to CARS-NALL@brisbane.qld.gov.au. Supporting evidence such as photos or sketches will assist the council in reviewing your application, and an arborist report may be required.
Conditions of Approval
Once approved, you have six months to remove the tree. If not completed within this timeframe, you will need to reapply. The removed tree must be replaced with an approved species or, alternatively, you can opt to pay the council to plant a tree on public land, though this option can be expensive as it includes watering costs.
Fines for Illegal Removal
Fines for illegal tree removal in Brisbane can reach up to $10,000 if approval is not obtained for protected trees.
For more information, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone Council on (07) 3403 8888.
For any other permit application forms, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘protected vegetation permit’.
GPO Box 1434 Brisbane Qld 4001
Request to Prune a Public Tree
If a council-owned tree is encroaching on your property, you can request pruning by filling out an online form. The council will inspect the tree and handle the work at no cost to you.
Removal of Significant Native Vegetation
You must always get a permit to remove native trees in Brisbane. In emergencies, such as when a tree poses an immediate danger, you can remove or make it safe.
Removal of Significant Urban Vegetation
Non-native trees also require a permit if they are considered significant. The council determines which trees are significant based on factors like prominence in the landscape or historical importance. It’s best to contact the council for clarification on specific trees.
For more details, refer to Brisbane City Council’s “Do I Need a Permit?” document, which offers clear guidelines on tree pruning, removal for fence construction, and maintenance.