We love trees and we’re committed to holding on to them and protecting them, especially large canopy trees that take years to mature.
In line with the State Government’s Biodiversity Strategy, we're aiming for no further net loss in tree canopy cover in our beautiful city.
A permit is needed to remove, prune or undertake works to any tree (including multi-stemmed trees) with a trunk circumference of 110cm or more measured at ground level. A permit is also required to undertake works within the structural root zone of any protected tree or vegetation.
Permits cost $116 per tree. There is no fee for pensioners.
Depending on your application the following supporting evidence may be required:
- property damage – a photo of the damage and/or a report from a qualified person (engineer, plumber, builder) providing details/evidence to support the claim
- health and safety – a report prepared by a qualified Arborist including an internationally recognised tree risk assessment
- development/construction – copy of building permit or any other relevant documentation
- other – medical certificate issued by a specialist providing details/evidence to support the claim.
Read more in our tree removal fact sheet(PDF, 140KB).
Consent form
If you are not the owner of the property, consent is required before we can assess your application. Download the owner's consent form(PDF, 284KB).
Planning history
If your property has been developed under a Planning Permit, there may be requirements for vegetation protection under that permit. Planning Permits contain permit conditions that are binding and must be followed. Planning Permits continue to have effect even when the development has been completed.
Please request a copy of planning permit history before lodging a tree removal application.
Apply for a tree pruning permit
Apply for a tree removal permit
Replacement planting
To assist in protecting/enhancing Kingston’s urban forest, most permits allowing the removal of a protected tree will include conditions to plant replacement trees. Photographic evidence of the replacement tree(s) must be provided to Council within 30 days of planting. To lodge evidence of the replacement planting, please use the link below.
Note that a tree planted as required by a replanting condition of a permit issued for the removal of a protected tree is also considered protected regardless of the size.
Submit photo(s) of replacement planting
Bookings are for 10 minutes and can be made Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm.
Book an appointment
A Planning Permit may be required to remove any vegetation on land greater than 4,000m2. Speak to our Vegetation Management Officer or visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) for more details on native vegetation removal.
If you have trees on your property that may be affected by a proposed development, you may be required to submit an aboricultural report with your Planning Application. Download the aboricultural reporting guidelines(PDF, 127KB).
Planning a development?
For large development proposals, you must submit a landscape plan as part of the planning application. Read our fact sheet preparing a landscape plan(PDF, 5MB) for further information.
Download our Indigenous and native plants guide(PDF, 23KB) or view our list of Indigenous plants local to the Kingston area to assist the preparation of your development application.
Any potential development of land of two or more dwellings may be impacted by existing trees on the land. If you would like information on trees that may affect any future development, you can apply for a tree inspection report on private property. We will visit the site and provide a report detailing advice for specific trees and information on how trees may be managed prior to any planning application being lodged. Please note that the standard turnaround time for a response is ten (10) business days.
Apply for a tree inspection report