Tree removal is not advisable unless you are facing challenges for several reasons
To help you understand if you need permission to have trees removed, here are key points to look at:
- The Impacts of Cutting Trees on the Living
While trees provide significant benefits to people and wildlife, removing them can have negative impacts. Most species, like birds and some reptiles, rely on trees for shelter, food, and safety.
Although roofs are a temporary place of refuge, birds depend on trees, particularly with lush greens. Plus, the fruits on those trees serve as food to these birds. Therefore, if you choose to cut down those trees, part of the wildlife, depending on your garden, will no longer have a place to go.
- Fines to Expect
Cities and local councils take tree protection seriously, and heavy fines may apply if you cut trees without seeking permission. Based on the trees being cut and their situations, fines may range from $2,000 to $100,000.
Mostly, the property developers are the ones who get into trouble for cutting trees without permission. They may have had the Development Application knocked back because the council wants to retain one or more trees. Other situations are from property owners cutting trees, which are dropping a lot of leaves or blocking their view.
- Getting Permission to Remove Trees
If you want to remove a tree blocking your way, you must submit an application to the forest department office in your state or city. This application should include the threats you face and a copy of your photo, ownership certificate, or title deed.
On receiving your application, forest officers will carry out a site inspection to grant you your requests if they are genuine.
- Cases That Don’t Require Permission
Some circumstances will allow you to have a tree removed without getting permission. If you have a dead tree, for instance, you need to have it removed. Dead trees become difficult to cut over time and may create safety risks if you leave them outside for too long.
Since dead trees only stand because of the roots keeping them in the ground, they can fall over. For safety, it is best to remove those trees right away. Other situations can be when the trees are:
- Very small
- Wobbly or leaning
- Infested or diseased with dangerous forms of wildlife
- Trees Requiring No Permission to Remove
When a tree is posing dangers to properties or individuals, it can be necessary to prune or cut it down without seeking permission from your city.
However, you should file a report to the local council office and have a professional arborist examine the tree to determine if you need to remove or prune. Some of the trees you can cut without applying for permission include:
- Citrus
- Chinese nettle
- Bamboo
- Mulberry
- American nettle
Your local council might take anywhere from two weeks to one month to send an inspector based on where you stay. This is why it is vital to send your permission request as soon as you realize problems.
It can also be helpful to call a local council officer for advice before cutting a tree on your property. If you’re not sure how to go about this, you can check the local council’s site to get the clarification you need.
