This is one of the most common questions we get from Adelaide homeowners — and the answer is: it depends. Tree removal regulations in South Australia vary depending on your council area, the size and species of the tree, and whether the tree is on a heritage or significant tree register.

Getting it wrong can be costly. Removing a protected tree without approval can result in fines of up to $120,000 under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. Here is what you need to know before you touch a tree on your property.

In most Adelaide council areas, you do not need approval to remove a small, non-significant tree on your own property — provided it is not listed as a significant tree and you are not in a designated area with additional protections.

However, you do need approval (or at minimum need to check) if:

• The tree is large (trunk circumference over 2 metres at 1 metre above ground is a common threshold)
• The tree is listed as a significant tree under the Significant Tree Register
• Your property is in a Historic Conservation Zone or Character Preservation District
• The tree is a native species in certain council areas
• The tree is on a boundary or overhangs a neighbouring property

South Australia has a Significant Tree Register administered by the State Heritage Council. Trees on this register are protected regardless of which council area they are in. Removing or substantially damaging a significant tree without approval is a serious offence.

You can search the Significant Tree Register at the SA Planning Portal. If your tree appears on the register, you will need to apply for development approval before any work can proceed.

Beyond the state-level significant tree protections, each council in Adelaide has its own rules about tree removal. These are set out in the relevant Development Plan or Planning and Design Code.

Some councils are stricter than others. As a general guide:

Adelaide City Council: Strict protections apply to trees in the CBD and inner suburbs. Many trees require approval regardless of size.

Burnside Council: Strong tree protections, particularly for native species and large canopy trees. Check before removing any substantial tree.

Unley Council: Heritage and character zones have additional protections. Many streets have significant street trees that cannot be removed without approval.

Mitcham Council: Significant tree protections apply, and the council has its own list of locally significant trees beyond the state register.

Tea Tree Gully, Salisbury, Morphett Vale: Generally less restrictive than inner-city councils, but significant tree rules still apply.

This is not an exhaustive list. Always check with your specific council before proceeding.

The simplest approach is to:

1. Search the Significant Tree Register at the SA Planning Portal to see if your tree is listed.
2. Contact your local council and describe the tree (species, trunk circumference, location on the property). They can advise whether approval is required.
3. Ask your arborist. A licensed arborist familiar with Adelaide's regulations can assess the tree and advise on the approval process as part of a site visit.

At Landmark Outdoor Projects, we check the regulatory status of trees as part of our quoting process. If approval is required, we can advise on the application process and provide supporting documentation.

If your tree requires development approval, you will need to submit an application to your local council. The application typically requires:

• A description of the tree (species, size, condition)
• The reason for removal
• In some cases, an arborist report assessing the tree's health and structural condition
• A plan showing the tree's location on the property

Processing times vary by council — allow 4–8 weeks in most cases. Some councils have a fast-track process for trees that are dead, dying, or pose an immediate safety risk.

There are situations where tree removal is exempt from the approval process even for larger trees:

• Dead trees: A tree that is dead (confirmed by an arborist) can generally be removed without approval in most council areas.
• Immediate safety risk: A tree that poses an immediate risk to life or property — for example, a storm-damaged tree leaning over a house — can usually be removed as an emergency without prior approval. Document the situation thoroughly and notify your council promptly.
• Trees under the size threshold: Most councils have a minimum size threshold below which approval is not required. Check your council's specific threshold.
• Certain species: Some introduced species (particularly declared weeds) may be exempt from protection.

Always confirm exemptions with your council before proceeding — do not assume a tree is exempt without checking.

Street trees — trees in the road verge or footpath — are owned and managed by the council, not the property owner. You cannot remove or prune a street tree without council permission, even if it is directly in front of your property. Contact your council's parks and gardens team if a street tree is causing problems.

The penalties for removing a protected tree without approval in South Australia are significant:

• Fines of up to $120,000 for individuals
• Fines of up to $500,000 for corporations
• Orders to replace the tree at your own cost

These are not theoretical — councils do prosecute, particularly for significant trees. It is not worth the risk.

When in doubt, check before you cut. A quick call to your council or a site visit from a licensed arborist will give you a clear answer. The cost of checking is nothing compared to the cost of getting it wrong.

At Landmark Outdoor Projects, we are familiar with tree removal regulations across all Adelaide council areas. We will advise you on whether approval is required, help you navigate the application process if needed, and carry out the work correctly once approvals are in place.

Call 0410 088 411 or request a free quote online.