Trees in Bayside
Trees are wonderful assets to our community. They add colour and life to our streets, parks and gardens. They provide environmental benefits above and below the ground, and provide a home for wildlife.
In Bayside you can find trees in our parks, gardens, bushland, on streets and on private property.
We manage trees on the land that we own, including street trees. We also provide policies and guidelines that you need to follow when managing a tree on private property.
All our policies, procedures and guidelines are designed to protect and enhance the trees in our community while making sure they are safe.
Tree services
Pruning or removing a tree on private property
Apply to prune or remove a tree (PDF).
You must obtain a permit before you prune or remove a tree on your property, unless the tree is:
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no higher than 3m and has a girth of no more than 300mm at a height of 1m above the ground
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a weed listed on the NSW Government's WeedWise website
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a fruit tree.
Fruit trees include:
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berry fruit
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cacti
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citrus fruit
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melons
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plantation fruits
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pome fruit
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stone fruit
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tropical fruits
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the following fruit - carambola, feijoa, fig, guava, jackfruit, jujube, longan, loquat, mammey sapote, medlar, olive, pepino, persimmon, pomegranate, sapodilla, tomato, cherry tomato, tamarillo, quandong, date and abiu.
Pruning or removing a tree on public land
If you see a tree on public land that is causing you concern or needs attention, please report it. Please do not prune or remove the tree yourself.
You can also report it:
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over the phone: 1300 581 299
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in person at one our our Customer Service Centres.
One we receive your report we will assess the tree. From there, we'll decide whether the tree needs to be pruned, removed or left as it is.
We usually prune trees to maintain an adequate clearance from nearby buildings, plants, roads and footpaths.
It's unlikely we will remove a tree if it is healthy, stable and isn't causing any danger.
Your neighbour's tree
Overhanging branches
If you wish to prune a neighbour's tree, you may need a permit.
Before you apply we recommend speaking to the neighbour first. We will contact them before we grant a permit.
Apply to prune or remove a tree (PDF).
Conflict
Trees can cause conflict between neighbours, especially if they cause damage, obscure views or block sunlight.
The fastest, cheapest and easiest way to resolve conflict is usually by discussing it with your neighbour and trying to come to an agreement.
Otherwise you may apply to the Land and Environment Court to obtain orders under the Trees (Disputes between Neigbours) Act 2006.
We don't have any authority to act in disputes between neighbours.
Problems with tree roots
If a tree on public land is causing damage to your building, please let us know so we can investigate.
You can also report it:
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over the phone: 1300 581 299
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in person at one our our Customer Service Centres.
Damage to pipes
As a property owner, you are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of drainage pipes that service your property.
The best way of avoiding damage from tree roots is to make sure your pipes are modern and correctly installed. A tree root usually won't cause any damage to an intact and well-maintained pipe.
Tree vandalism
Anyone caught vandalising a tree can be charged with a serious criminal offence and may be liable for a large fine.
You can help us protect our trees by reporting tree vandalism:
You can also report it:
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over the phone: 1300 581 299
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in person at one our our Customer Service Centres.
Please supply as much detail as possible about the:
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offender, if known
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location of the tree
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nature of the damage.