Did you know that laws have changed around removing trees from your property?
In May 2024, the state government introduced new regulations that protect trees with a smaller trunk circumference, which means you now need to seek development approval to remove any tree with greater than 1 metre circumference.
The changes now mean that a tree with a circumference of at least 1m is considered a “regulated”, and at least 2m is considered a “significant” tree.
Meanwhile, the penalties for destroying or removing protected trees have significantly increased – up to $120,000 for a private person or $600,000 for a company.
Renee Mitchell, City of Onkaparinga’s Director of Planning, says it’s vital you know what rules apply when considering whether to remove a tree on your property.
“These changes were brought in by the state government to better protect Adelaide’s urban tree canopy and biodiversity, help cool our suburbs and provide habitat for wildlife,” she says.
“While this is a big win for the environment and community wellbeing, the changes can lead to hefty unwanted fines for those who don’t do their research before removing a tree.”
The council regularly prosecutes unauthorised removals of regulated and significant trees. In one recent case, a fine of $28,000 was applied by the Environment, Resources and Development Court.
A development application must be approved to remove a regulated or significant tree. This requires a development application fee and either the planting of replacement trees or contributing to the state government’s Urban Tree Canopy Off-set Scheme. The latter contributes to tree planting and greening elsewhere such as in public parks or reserves.
Renee says while the new regulations may take some time getting used to, it pays to be on the safe side when you’re considering changes to your property.
“By going through the formal development application process, you’ll not only be helping to protect Adelaide’s under-threat urban tree canopy, but you’ll also be protecting your hip pocket,” she says.
“It’s also worth carefully considering your reasons for wanting to remove a tree in the first place, taking into account their potential to provide habitat, cool your home and increase your property value.
“Rather than removing a tree, you can apply for a council rebate to get 50 per cent off the cost of an initial arborist assessment – including pruning and general management advice – for your regulated or significant tree, up to a maximum of $150.”
The City of Onkaparinga is doing its bit to protect and enhance the region’s tree canopy, having planted more than 66,000 trees towards its target of 100,000 trees in street verges, waterways and parks by 2037.
The state government’s PlanSA website has more information about the protections of trees.
If you’re in doubt about whether you can remove a tree from your property, contact the City of Onkaparinga’s Development Support team in the first instance via applications@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au or 8384 0666.