Can you Remove Trees Without Brisbane City Council Approval

Understanding Tree Removal Regulations in Brisbane

In the Brisbane City Council region, removing trees often requires council approval due to the environmental and heritage value many trees hold. Council approval typically applies to trees of certain sizes or species on private and public lands. This regulation aims to preserve biodiversity, manage environmental impact, and protect Brisbane’s green spaces.

When is Approval Needed?

You may need council approval to remove or prune significant trees, especially if:

• They fall within protected vegetation categories.
• They are large native species over certain height or trunk diameter thresholds.
• They are located in areas with specific environmental overlays.

To apply for approval, you’ll generally need to submit an application that outlines the tree’s location, species, and reason for removal, after which council may require an arborist’s report.

48 Trees You Can Remove Without Council Approval

In Brisbane, certain invasive or non-native tree species do not require council approval for tree removal. Here’s a list of 48 trees exempt from council regulation:

1. African tulip tree -
2. Athel pine -
3. Broadleaved pepper -
4. Broad leaved privet -
5. Cadaghi -
6. Camphor laurel
7. Candleberry myrtle
8. Cherry guava
9. Chinese celtis
10. Chinese tallow tree
11. Cockspur coral tree
12. Cocos palm
13. Common coral tree
14. Curry-leaf tree
15. Golden chain tree
16. Golden rain tree
17. Golden shower tree
18. Golden trumpet tree
19. Guava
20. Harungana
21. Himalayan ash
22. Honey locust
23. Honey mesquite
24. Jacaranda
25. Karroo thorn
26. Algarroba
27. Miconia
28. Paper mulberry
29. Parkinsonia
30. Pond apple
31. Pongamia
32. Prickly acacia
33. Quilpie mesquite
34. Red sesbania
35. Rhus tree
36. Satin leaf
37. Sicklebush
38. Small leaved privet
39. Tipuana
40. Tree of heaven
41. Trumpet tree
42. Umbrella tree
43. White ball acacia
44. White mulberry
45. White oak
46. Wild tobacco tree
47. Willows
48. Yellow bells

Many of the trees listed above are considered invasive or noxious species in Brisbane due to their ability to spread rapidly and outcompete native vegetation. These trees often grow aggressively, with fast-growing root systems and prolific seed production, making it difficult for native plants to thrive. Some, like the Camphor Laurel and Chinese Tallow Tree, are notorious for taking over large areas of land, disrupting local ecosystems. As a result, they are classified as weeds, and their removal is encouraged to protect the natural environment.

Consider Professional Tree Removal Assistance & Identification in Brisbane:

For tree removal and   tree lopping services in Brisbane, contact Treepeeps Tree Services to arrange a free written quote. Our qualified arborists can help identify the above weed trees and  ensure safe removal, manage risks, and handle large tree removal projects efficiently. Contact a reputable tree lopper in Brisbane for expert help with these services.