National Construction Intelligence Platform
Fair Work Award [MA000020] Calibrated
BuildCheck
Independent 2026 Estimator

Tree Removal & Lopping Permits Cost Calculator

Hazardous tree lopping, stump grinding, crown thinning, and municipal Tree Preservation Order (TPO) permit applications.

Benchmark Installed Rate (Fair Work CW3)
$140–$290/hr
View Full Trade Hub & Rules
8m
2m30m

Small ornamental: 2–6m | Medium native: 7–15m | Large mature gum/pine: 16m–30m

0.6m
0.1m3m

Trunks exceeding 0.3m (300mm) diameter automatically trigger local council Tree Preservation Order (TPO) assessment in most metropolitan LGAs.

5m
0m50m
Within 10m of residential dwelling: May qualify for immediate clearing under the NSW RFS 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme if your property is situated within a designated bushfire zone.

Tree preservation rules vary significantly between municipal councils. Tree lopping or canopy removal without a council permit can attract statutory fines exceeding $20,000.

Estimated Total Removal & LoppingFair Work CW3 Loaded
$1,400Includes stump grind & mulch
Tree Profile:8m Height | 0.6m DBH
Council / Jurisdiction:Parramatta

Itemised Cost Breakdown

Includes climbing/rigging dismantle, woodchipping, site raking, and below-ground stump grinding.

AUD

8m height @ $50–$150/m

$80057%

Large chipper hire and waste disposal

$50036%

Tree removal permit application

$1007%
Total Estimated Cost$1,400 AUD

Council Tree Permit REQUIRED

Tree height 8m exceeds exemption threshold.

  • ⚠️ Height: 8m (threshold: 5m)
  • ⚠️ DBH: 0.6m (threshold: 0.5m)
  • ⚠️ Arborist assessment likely required
  • ⚠️ Fines for non-compliance: $5,000–$50,000+
  • Council approval must be obtained BEFORE removal
  • Timeline: 2–6 weeks

Native Gum - Tree Preservation Order May Apply

Native eucalyptus species often protected under council TPO.

  • ⚠️ Most councils protect native trees by default
  • ⚠️ Removal fines can exceed $10,000
  • Get council written approval before any work
Tree Preservation Order (TPO) Notice

Removing protected trees without prior council consent or a formal AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist Report breaches the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In high-density councils like Ku-ring-gai, Woollahra, or Brisbane, illicit tree removal penalties can reach $110,000 in the Land and Environment Court.

Review state vegetation clearing & planning guidelines

Material Price Brackets

Small Tree Pruning & Canopy Lift (Under 6m)
$80–$140/hr

Branch trimming, deadwood removal, and canopy shaping using ground crews.

Expected lifespan: N/A years

Medium Tree Removal (6m - 12m)
$140–$220/hr

Sectional dismantling, rigging, chipper disposal, and green waste cartage.

Expected lifespan: N/A years

Stump Grinding (Per Stump)
$180–$380/hr

Machinery grind to 300mm below natural turf level.

Expected lifespan: N/A years

Hazardous Large Tree + Crane Rigging (12m+)
$220–$350/hr

Climbing arborist dismantling over roofs or power lines with crane assist.

Expected lifespan: N/A years

Want Council Exemption Rules for Your Property?

Select your local government area to check planning regulations, boundary setback thresholds, and statutory council approval requirements.

Browse Council LGAs