Trees

Trees are important to the landscape of Port Stephens and provide a range of benefits to the community:

  • improving the appearance and value of property
  • contributing to a sense of wellbeing in communities
  • reducing noise, dust and soil erosion
  • providing a cooling effect and reducing the impact of extreme heat
  • providing food and shelter for animals (including koalas) and plants
  • improving water quality by filtering out nutrients and contaminants
  • improving local air quality by absorbing air pollutants and producing oxygen for us to breathe.

Tree pruning and removal assessment form

Complete our online assessment and form to determine if you'll need Council-issued approval to remove or prune a tree on your property.

Start form here

To ensure trees are managed responsibly in Port Stephens, we've answered some frequently asked questions below:

The preservation of trees and vegetation in Port Stephens is set out in the Vegetation in Non Rural Areas State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) and chapter B1 of our Council's Port Stephens Development Control Plan 2014.

On Tuesday 25 August 2020, the elected Council resolved to amend chapter B1 (Tree Management) of the Development Control Plan to align it with the SEPP.

Tree removal with a Development Application will be considered as part of the Development Assessment process.

Tree removal without a Development Application may require a Tree Permit application from Council when in a non-rural area. Please refer to our fact sheets:

The Development Control Plan chapter B1 Tree Management contains specific information about when approval is required.

On Tuesday 25 August 2020, the elected Council resolved to amend chapter B1 (Tree Management) of the Development Control Plan to align it with the SEPP. Council also resolved to identify additional circumstances where tree removal does not need a Council-issued permit.

There are 7 exemptions that don't require a Council-issued permit for the removal of an owner's tree in a non-rural area:

  1. The tree is in danger of immediate failure (within 48 hours) — a self-certification form must be completed and submitted to Council after removal.
  2. The tree presents a risk to property or life — a self-certification form must be completed and submitted to Council at least 10 working days prior to removal.
  3. The tree is dead or dying and is not required as the habitat of native animals — a report by an AQF3 Arborist and a self-certification form must be completed and submitted to Council at least 10 days prior to removal.
  4. Minor pruning of less than 12 months’ growth or 10% of foliage.
  5. Removal is authorised under a Council-issued development consent, certificate, or under other legislation (for example, the Rural Fires Act 10/50 vegetation clearing rule).
  6. The tree is less than 3 metres high and the trunk diameter is less than 300mm measured at breast height and removal does not otherwise require a permit.
  7. The tree is more than 3 metres high or the trunk diameter is more than 300mm measured at breast height and removal does not otherwise require a permit or the tree is within 5 metres of a wall of an approved structure, is a tree grown for fruit or nut production, or is an undesirable species listed in the Port Stephens DCP.

Please see our fact sheet on removing trees without Council permission (PDF 1.4MB) for more details and requirements.

For exemptions 1 to 3,  a Tree Pruning and Removal Assessment Form will need to be completed and either submitted to Council or retained for 12 months to assist with follow-up enquiries.

In most rural properties, the Local Land Services Act 2013 applies with Hunter Local Land Services as the consent authority.

Information on how we assess tree removal applications, right of appeal and applicant responsibilities can be found in our fact sheet:

Difficulties can emerge over nuisance or allegedly dangerous trees on a neighbour’s property. Complex factors arise in these situations, and can result in conflict between neighbours.

While Council has no jurisdiction on these matters, we can provide advice on how you might resolve these issues.

Assistance in resolving disputes between neighbours:

Properties in Port Stephens may be affected by the NSW 10/50 Entitlement. This allows for the removal of trees on some properties within 10 metres of a home. These properties are deemed to be in a 'clearing entitlement area' which meets the 10/50 Code of Practice.

It is the home owner's responsibility to find out if the 10/50 Entitlement applies to trees within 10 metres of a home. There is no need to apply to Council to remove trees that are in a clearing entitlement area.

You can find out if the 10/50 Entitlement and exemptions applies to you by visiting Rural Fire Service vegetation clearing or by calling Council for free advice on 02 4988 0326.

Why Our Trees and Vegetation Matter

Trees and plants in public spaces provide many benefits. They offer shade, improve air quality, and serve as habitats for local wildlife. Keeping these green spaces healthy supports community recreation and maintains Port Stephens' natural beauty.

Everyone can play a role in helping to preserve these areas for the future.

What Is Vandalism?

Vandalism includes any intentional and unlawful actions that damage trees and vegetation. Examples include poisoning plants or trees, slashing or damaging foliage, pruning or cutting vegetation without permission, removing plants altogether, or ringbarking—cutting around a tree’s trunk to kill it. These actions harm the health of trees and plants and can lead to their death, impacting the environment and the aesthetic appeal of our public spaces.

Impact of Vandalism

When vegetation is vandalised, it can take a long time and significant resources to repair or replace it. The damage doesn’t just affect the area's appearance, but can disrupt local ecosystems by harming wildlife and reducing natural habitat. This makes community awareness and vigilance important, as protecting these spaces benefits everyone.

Reporting Vandalism

If you see someone damaging trees or vegetation or find vandalism in progress, please help us respond quickly.

  • If you witness or discover damage, please report it to Council’s Compliance team on 4988 0255 or compliance@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
  • Please provide details such as the location and nature of the damage
  • Please provide photos if available.
How You Can Help

Respect for trees and vegetation is key. Avoid damaging or harming plants; if you notice suspicious activity around green spaces, please report it. Participating in community planting or clean-up events is also a good way to get involved. Educating friends and family about the importance of protecting these areas helps foster a more responsible community.

Legal and Council Actions

The deliberate poisoning or vandalism of trees and vegetation is illegal.

Court fines of up to $1.1 million may apply.

When incidents are reported, the council investigates, works to repair the damage, and holds offenders accountable. Protecting our natural environment is a shared responsibility that benefits everyone.

For more information about our Tree policy, contact us on 4988 0255