Trees are an essential part of any ecosystem, and they provide a range of benefits to both the environment and humans. However, sometimes, it becomes necessary to remove trees for safety or practical reasons.
If you’re a Gold Coast resident looking to remove a tree, it’s likely you’ll require council approval to do so. In this blog post, we take you through the process of obtaining council approval for tree removal on the Gold Coast.
When Approval Is Not Required
As a guide, you can typically remove trees without an approval when trees or vegetation are:
- Along an existing property boundary fence and for the construction of a new boundary fence
- Close to an existing approved building, such as a house, shed or garage
- Within 1.5 meters of an existing pool fence
- Native undergrowth such as native herbs, grasses and small trees under the canopy of taller trees on a lot size less than 1000m
- A pest species as identified by a Level 3 Arborist
- A potential bushfire hazard around an approved dwelling when the location of the vegetation is contained with the City Plan Bushfire Hazard Map and there is no approved bushfire management plan
- Actually or potentially dangerous as determined by a Council Level 5 Arborist
These guidelines apply to trees and vegetation that are not located on land managed by a body corporate or within a community management scheme.
Tree Removal Application Checklist
If you do not meet the requirements for removing a tree without a development approval, you’ll need to lodge a development application for operational works – vegetation clearing, which can be found on the City of Gold Coast website.
There are different types of applications depending on your circumstances, each of which requires different fees and supporting information. Applications can be submitted online or in person at a council customer service centre.
After submitting your application, the council will assess it to determine if the tree removal is necessary. They will consider factors such as the tree’s health, size, location and environmental impact.
General Tree Removal Tips
Here are some general tips to consider when removing trees:
Safety first – Tree removal can be dangerous, and it’s important to ensure you and your property are safe during the process. Consider hiring a professional tree removal service to do the job.
Consider replacement planting – Trees provide a range of benefits to the environment, and it’s important to replace any trees removed with new ones.
Check for nesting animals – Before removing a tree, check for nesting animals such as birds, bats and possums. If any are found, you’ll need to contact a wildlife rescue service to relocate them before proceeding with the removal.
If you want a reliable and professional tree services, contact Mike Brewer Tree Services today. Let our team of experts take care of all your tree-related needs and ensure the safety and beauty of your property.
