Everything You Need to Know about Gold Coast Tree Removal Laws

Queensland tree removal laws differ from council to council. Namely, every local council has its own tree removal regulations which people need to follow. So, in order to help you understand the tree removal regulations of the Gold Coast City Council, we – TPS Tree Lopping – have come up with this simple guide which will help you remove trees legally and safely.

However, this guide is a general one and there are often some exceptions and differences depending on the property size and zoning overlays. Hence, before starting the tree removal process, make sure you consult a professional and qualified arborist. A TPS Tree Lopping arborist will give you a detailed and correct assessment and explain which steps exactly you need to take.

Now, let’s begin and dig deeper into the Gold Coast tree removal laws:

When Can You Remove a Tree without Getting an Approval?

Sounds strange, but yes, you sometimes need to ask the local council for approval to cut down your tree, especially if it is a protected tree. On the other hand, you can legally remove a tree from your private property if:

• the tree is within a 3-meter radius from your house or other building structure
• the tree is within a 1.5-meter radius from your fence, including your pool fence
• the tree hasn’t grown 4 meters in height or 40cm in circumference
• the tree is on the pest species tree list which includes Cocos Palm, Cadagi Tree, Coral Tree, Umbrella Tree, and Slash Pine Tree

So, if you want to take down any tree that fits any of the above-mentioned descriptions, feel free to do so without asking for consent from the council. But again, make sure an experienced arborist inspects your tree before you begin.

How to Get Approval from the Gold Coast City Council?

In the second case, if your tree doesn’t meet the descriptions mentioned above or it is located on body corporate common property, you need to ask the Gold Coast City Council for approval before you begin with the tree removal process.

But, don’t think of council approvals as obstacles because you can easily get the approval if you notify the council in the right way. And, what’s even more convenient, your arborist can lodge the application to the Council on your behalf and get the approval without any complications.

Tree Removal on Body Corporate Land

Last but not least, we’ve already mentioned that you need to ask the council for approval if the tree is located on body corporate common property. This is needed because all trees on such land are protected and because by doing so the council will ensure vegetation levels are maintained from the original approved landscaping plan.

Luckily, the TPS Tree Lopping tree service company is here to help and advice you on what you should or shouldn’t do when thinking about tree removal. Don’t hesitate and call us today to ensure a legal and safe tree removal!