Trees and vegetation

The Central Coast is known and loved for the abundant, diverse bushland and natural environment.

Trees and vegetation on private land, form an integral part of the local atmosphere and appropriately managing these contributes to the protection of our wildlife, biodiversity, and liveability of the Central Coast. At times, trees on private land will require pruning or removal and, where possible, replacement with suitable species. The following information provides the process that is to be followed in each circumstance.

In 2021 the State Government introduced a new State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 , which replaced the clauses relating to trees in Council's LEP. The Central Coast Council Development Control Plan 2022 (DCP) is enacted by State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conversation) and reflects its requirements.

On 23 February 2021, Council adopted a new policy to manage tree and vegetation vandalism that ensures a consistent approach to the management of vandalism of trees and other vegetation on public land. The policy was updated following feedback from the community late last year, it reinforces our commitment to protecting our natural environment and gives us a range of tools, including education and enforcement, to manage unlawful damage to tress and vegetation.

This information is designed to ensure residents are directed to the correct agency to assess their vegetation matter, or ensuring the correct form is completed. This will require some checking by residents however the links provided should assist in undertaking these checks.

Private trees

A private tree is any tree on land that is not under Council or other Government control or management. Council has a range of control measures designed to protect our local environment. These must be considered prior to undertaking any activity to or around trees on your property.

Central Coast Council currently outlines requirements and assessment criteria regarding private tree management across the Central Coast LGA. State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021 is the legislative basis for Central Coast Council's DCP Chapter (2022) 3.5 Tree and Vegetation Management.

Do you have concerns with a neighbours tree?

For disputes that are unable to be resolved, the Land and Environment Court of NSW (Trees and Hedges) may be able to assist, in accordance with the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) ACT 2006. 

If a tree poses an immediate danger to a person or property, please contact State Emergency Services on 132 500.