Tree Removal, Pruning And Stump Grinding In Albury
Local Tree Removal Albury takes down, prunes and grinds out trees for homes and properties around Albury and across the river in Wodonga. Before any cutting starts, one rule is worth knowing: in the Albury council area, a tree 3 metres or taller with a trunk circumference of 300 mm or more, measured 1.3 metres above the ground, needs a Vegetation Removal Permit from AlburyCity before it is pruned or removed, unless an exemption applies.
That threshold catches most established backyard trees. A 300 mm circumference is a trunk only about 95 mm across, so a gum or ornamental that has been in the ground for a few years will usually qualify.
This page covers when you need approval, what changes near the Murray River and power lines, and which service suits the problem you are looking at.
Do You Need Council Approval First?
In the Albury council area
Part 5 of the Albury Development Control Plan 2010 sets the rules for trees on private land. Once you lodge a permit application, council’s arborist inspects the tree and a decision is made within 28 days.
| Your situation | What applies |
|---|---|
| Tree 3 m or taller with a trunk circumference of 300 mm or more at 1.3 m | Vegetation Removal Permit before pruning or removal |
| Tree under both of those measurements | No permit needed |
| Light pruning: no more than 10% of the canopy every three years, done to AS 4373-2007 | No permit needed |
| Species on council’s exempt list, or a non-native fruit or nut tree | No permit needed |
| Dead or dying tree, or an imminent risk to life or property | Exempt only where council is satisfied this applies. A dead tree that is habitat for native animals is not covered. |
| Within 100 m of the Murray River (40 m on R5 land or in urban release areas) | Permit needed |
| Heritage item or Heritage Conservation Area | Development application, or a written exemption for minor heritage works |
| Removal linked to building work, such as a new house or an extension | Include the trees in the development application |
| Rural zones RU1, RU2 or RU4 | Handled by Local Land Services, not council |
| Tree on the nature strip | Council asset. Only AlburyCity can prune or remove it. |
Measuring your own tree: wrap a tape measure around the trunk at about chest height (1.3 m). If it reads 300 mm or more and the tree is at least 3 m tall, assume a permit is needed until council tells you otherwise.
You can check your zoning and heritage status on the NSW Planning Portal spatial viewer, or call AlburyCity on 02 6023 8111. Clearing without approval can lead to an infringement notice, an order to fix it, or both.
Wodonga and the Victorian side
Across the border, Victorian planning rules apply, and a permit is generally needed to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. Overlays differ from one property to the next, so check with the City of Wodonga before work starts. There is more on this on our tree removal page for Wodonga.
Trees Near Power Lines
Essential Energy runs the network in Albury, and its guidance is that property owners are responsible for keeping their trees clear of the wires that connect to their home, including private mains. It also says only licensed contractors should trim trees around the electricity network.
If a tree or branch is already touching a line, keep well away and call Essential Energy on 13 20 80. Don’t try to free it yourself.
On the Victorian side, Energy Safe Victoria’s guidance puts the same responsibility on the occupier for trees near their own service line or private electric line.
Matching The Job To The Tree
Plenty of trees that look like removal jobs only need the right branches taken off. This is a rough guide to where each problem usually ends up.
| What you are seeing | Usually the answer |
|---|---|
| Healthy tree with limbs over the roof, gutters, shed or driveway | Selective pruning to clear the structure |
| Dead, split or badly leaning tree, or one that has outgrown its spot | Removal, once the permit question is sorted |
| Stump left behind after a removal | Stump grinding below ground level so you can turf, plant or pave over it |
| A block that needs clearing for building, fencing or a shed | Land clearing, usually covered in the development application |
| Not sure whether the tree can stay, or council has asked for a report | An arborist assessment of the tree’s health and structure |
Be careful with heavy cutting back. The pruning exemption only covers up to 10% of the canopy every three years, so taking a big tree hard back can need the same permit as removing it.
When The Tree Is Next Door
In NSW you need your neighbour’s consent, or an order under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006, to clear vegetation on their property. A conversation over the fence is the best start.
If that doesn’t settle it, the Community Justice Centre can help with mediation. The Land and Environment Court is the last step.
Before You Book Anyone
AlburyCity publishes its own advice on choosing a tree contractor. These are fair questions to put to any business, including us:
- Ask to see public liability and workers’ compensation certificates. Council suggests public liability of at least $20 million.
- Ask about qualifications. Certificate III in Arboriculture (AQF Level 3) is the trade qualification for tree work. A Diploma (AQF Level 5) is the consulting arborist level used for reports.
- Agree on exactly what is being done, and make sure stump removal is included in the quote if you want it gone.
- Sort out the permit before the work is booked if the tree is over the size threshold.
- Get more than one quote.
Common Questions
Can I remove a dead tree without a permit?
Only if council is satisfied it is dead or dying and isn’t needed as habitat for native animals. Hollow-bearing gums often are, so contact AlburyCity before assuming a dead tree is exempt.
Do fruit trees and weed species need a permit?
Non-native fruit and nut trees are exempt. Environmental weeds on council’s Exempt Tree Species list, such as willows, Tree of Heaven, Rhus and Castor Oil Plant, can also be cleared without a permit, although heritage or location controls can still apply.
A tree on the nature strip is dropping limbs. Who do I call?
AlburyCity. Nature strip trees belong to council and only council can prune or remove them.
Ask For A Quote
Call 0419 136 537 or use the form. It helps to tell us the suburb, roughly how tall the tree is, whether it is close to wires, the house or a fence, and whether you already have council approval.
You can also reach us through the contact page.