Are the trees on your property protected by local council?

In Brisbane, certain trees are protected under local laws, and removing or interfering with them without approval can result in significant fines.

Before doing any work, it’s important to understand how Brisbane City Council regulates vegetation.

Why Are Trees Protected?

Large trees play a vital role in Brisbane’s environment. They:

• Provide habitat for wildlife
• Help reduce urban heat
• Improve air quality
• Add value and beauty to properties

However, they can also become problematic when:

• Overhanging roofs or structures
• Interfering with driveways or boundaries
• Creating safety risks in storm conditions

Brisbane City Council’s Definition of Protected Vegetation

Under the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL), protected vegetation falls into four main categories:

1. Council Vegetation

Any vegetation located on land owned or managed by Brisbane City Council. This includes:

• Street trees
• Parks and reserves
• Council-managed land

You cannot prune or remove these trees without council approval.

2. Waterway and Wetland Vegetation

Vegetation located within mapped waterways or wetlands is protected (excluding declared pest species). If your property contains mapped waterway corridors, you will need a permit before carrying out any work.

3. Significant Native Vegetation

This includes native vegetation identified on council mapping layers.It can include:

• Trees
• Shrubs
• Ground covers and grasses

Protection depends on whether your property is mapped, not just the type of tree. You can request a map of your property from council here. 

4. Significant Urban Vegetation

This applies to trees that are:

• Mature and prominent
• Historically or culturally important
• Individually listed or part of a protected group

These can include both native and non-native species.

Important: Not All Trees Are Automatically Protected

A common misconception is that all large or native trees are protected; this is not the case. Protection depends on:

• Council mapping overlays
• Property zoning
• Specific vegetation categories

The most reliable way to check is:

• Use Brisbane City Council’s online mapping tools, or
• Contact council directly with your property address

Do You Need a Permit?

If a tree on your property falls under any protected category, it is likely you will need to apply for a permit to interfere with the tree. 

However, there are exemptions under the NALL that may apply to you. So it's also best to check those first. For example, a permit is not required to prune a protected tree as long as: 

• No more than 20% of the live foliage is removed in any 12-month period 
• The part removed is distributed evenly over the whole crown and not left lop-sided. 

Pruning of amenity trees AS 4373-2007 needs to be followed when carrying out these pruning works, so please engage an Arborist. 

For a full list of exemptions - see the fact sheet from council here. 

Tree Removal Permit Process

There are generally two types of permits:

• Short-term permits – for one-off pruning or removal
• Long-term permits – for ongoing maintenance

Approval requirements vary depending on:

• Tree condition
• Risk factors
• Location and mapping

How Oasis Tree Management Can Help

At Oasis Tree Management, we regularly work with Brisbane City Council regulations. 

When we assess your tree, we can:

• Identify whether council approval is likely required
• Assist with contacting council
• Guide you through the permit process
• Ensure all work is carried out safely and compliantly

Get Expert Advice Before You Act

If you're unsure if you need approval before interfering with a tree, it's always best to check first. 

Contact us today for more information 07 5546 3958

Protected Vegetation Brisbane Council Resources and Information