Redland City Council

Tree Removal Regulations Redlands

Redland protects trees mainly through the City Plan’s Environmental Significance overlay, which covers native vegetation. Even inside it, most urban lots can clear up to 500 m² without approval. A covenant, an approval condition or one of the few remaining Vegetation Protection Orders can also protect a tree.

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  • Written by a Level 5 Arborist Level 5 Arborist
  • Updated October 2026 Updated Oct 2026
  • FREE Permit Checker FREE Checker

Free tool

Tree removal permit checker — Redland

Answer a few questions about your tree and your situation. Takes about a minute, and it walks the same decision tree an arborist would using Redland's own published rules.

General information, not legal advice. The checker cannot see how your property is mapped — only Redland can confirm that. The full rules are below.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Redland?

On a typical suburban lot you generally do not need a permit to remove a tree in Redland. Approval is needed to clear native vegetation in the Environmental Significance overlay beyond the zone’s allowance (500 m² in total in most of the urban area, none at all in zones such as emerging community, low-medium density residential, conservation or open space), or where the land is also in the waterway corridors overlay. A covenant, building envelope, approval condition, Vegetation Protection Order or Tree Protection Area can also protect a tree.

Penalties for removing a protected tree in Redland

Removing a protected tree in Redland without a Local Law 6 permit is an offence, and interfering with a Council-owned tree is separately prohibited under Local Law 1, Schedule 2. Where the tree removal is also assessable development under the Redland City Plan, section 163 of the Planning Act 2016 applies, with a maximum penalty of $777,150 — 4,500 penalty units at the current $172.70 a unit.

What trees are protected in Redland?

Redland does not protect trees by species. Where a tree is protected, it’s because of the City Plan’s overlays or something on the title:

  • Native vegetation in the Environmental Significance overlay, beyond the zone’s clearing allowance
  • Native vegetation in both the Environmental Significance overlay and the Waterway corridors and wetlands overlay, where any clearing needs approval
  • Trees under a covenant, building or development envelope, or development approval condition
  • Trees under one of the few Vegetation Protection Orders or Tree Protection Areas still in effect
  • Landscaping and natural features named in a local heritage place’s citation
  • Council vegetation, with no resident exemption

The Environmental Significance overlay

Almost everything in Redland turns on one question: whether the native vegetation is mapped in the Environmental Significance overlay. Outside it, with no covenant, envelope, approval condition or order over the land, clearing needs no approval.

Inside it, the zone sets how much you may clear before you need approval, counted in total since the City Plan began: 500 m² in most of the urban area, and none at all in zones such as emerging community, low-medium density residential, conservation or open space.

How to apply for a tree removal permit in Redland

In Redland, clearing native vegetation in the Environmental Significance overlay beyond the zone’s allowance needs development approval as operational work under the Redland City Plan. A tree under a Vegetation Protection Order or Tree Protection Area needs a separate permit under Local Law No. 6, applied for on Council’s “Remove or trim vegetation on private property” form.

  1. 1

    Check if you need a permit

    This is the main check: it shows whether your property is mapped to protect vegetation. Open Council’s Red-e-Map, find your property, choose City Plan, and use Report to see its zone and overlays. Then ask Council (07 3829 8999) whether a covenant, envelope, approval condition, VPO or TPA applies.

    If none of these apply, it generally means you don’t need a permit:

    • Environmental Significance overlay
    • A covenant, building or development envelope, or approval condition
    • A Vegetation Protection Order or Tree Protection Area
    • A local heritage place whose citation names the tree or landscaping

    If the overlay applies, you may still be able to clear up to 500 m² in total on most urban lots. The permit checker at the top of this page works it through.

    Start here

  2. 2

    Get an Arborist Report

    If step 1 came up clear: you likely don’t need one. To be safe, check with us or Council before any work.

    If step 1 showed protection: get an arborist report. Council assesses the application on its justification, and the report sets out the tree’s species, size, health and structure and why the work is needed. For a protected tree you believe is hazardous, Council requires a Tree Assessment Report from an AQF Level 5 arborist.

    Get a fixed quote

  3. 3

    Lodge the application

    If step 1 came up clear: there’s likely nothing to lodge.

    If you need approval under the City Plan: lodge an operational works development application with your arborist report.

    If the tree is under a VPO or TPA: apply for a Local Law 6 permit on Council’s “Remove or trim vegetation on private property” form.

    Apply on Council’s website

When Redland wants an arborist report

  • A development application to clear native vegetation in the Environmental Significance overlay beyond the allowance
  • A Local Law 6 permit application for a tree under a VPO or TPA
  • A protected tree you believe is hazardous: Council requires a Tree Assessment Report from an AQF Level 5 arborist
  • Development applications where retained trees sit near the works

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Not sure where to start?

Not sure whether you need an arborist report? Book a consultation so we can discuss your plans, your trees and what council has asked for. You’ll get a straight answer and a fixed quote.

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Can I prune or remove a council tree in Redland?

No. Pruning of trees on Council-owned or controlled land is done by Council, and residents are not allowed to prune, lop, top or remove a Council-owned tree. A property owner may be granted a permit to prune Council vegetation, in writing, but only after Council has assessed the tree.

Pruning without approval is an offence

Clearing or damaging vegetation on Council land or a road without approval carries up to 50 penalty units, $8,635, under Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2015, and Council can also recover its costs. The local law’s one exemption is mowing, slashing, edging, weeding or watering the grass outside your property. What you can and cannot do with a council tree.

A fallen or storm-damaged council tree

Report it to Council on (07) 3829 8999. After hours, Council responds to emergencies that should not be left to the next business day. Its guidance is not to remove, prune or interfere with trees on Council land.

Roots lifting your driveway or path

Council may root-prune, trench or fit root barriers to stop its trees damaging footpaths, driveways and pipes. Roots in your stormwater pipe are different: you need Council’s permission before cutting them, and the pipe from your boundary across the verge to the kerb is yours to maintain.

A tree on a neighbour’s property

Different again — disputes between neighbours over trees run under the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011 and are decided by QCAT.

What you can and cannot do with a council tree →

Independent reports for tree disputes →

How to request council tree maintenance in Redland

  1. 1

    Report a concern or request work

    Online, by phone or by email. Council’s arborists rate the risk with the TRAQ method and text you the outcome: an extreme risk is made safe within 24 hours, a high risk typically within 10 working days. Ask then about a pruning permit, which Council only grants after assessing the tree.

    Request tree work

  2. 2

    Call or email Council

    Phone (07) 3829 8999, or email rcc@redland.qld.gov.au.

    Call (07) 3829 8999 →

  3. 3

    A tree in the way of a driveway

    Ask Council’s Roads, Drainage and Marine Maintenance team for a driveway crossover application and raise the tree in it. If it has to go, you may pay for its removal.

    Call (07) 3829 8999 →

  4. 4

    Near a power line, call Energex

    Within 3 m of a power line, the pruning is for Energex or a contractor authorised for the line, not Council or you: that is the exclusion zone under Queensland’s Electrical Safety Regulation 2026.

    Call Energex on 13 12 53 →

Council does not prune, top or remove trees for leaf or fruit drop, views, shade or solar panels, termites, deterring wildlife or personal preference.

Redland tree removal — frequently asked questions

Can I cut down a tree on my property in Redland?

You can cut down a tree on your own property in Redland where it isn’t native vegetation in the Environmental Significance overlay, or where the clearing stays within the zone’s allowance, and nothing on the title restricts it. Owning the tree changes nothing: a covenant, a building envelope or a condition on an old development approval can all protect it, and none of them are visible from the tree.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Redland?

Usually not on a typical suburban lot. You need approval to clear native vegetation in the City Plan’s Environmental Significance overlay beyond the zone’s allowance, which is 500 m² in total in most of the urban area and nothing at all in zones such as emerging community, low-medium density residential, conservation and open space. Where the land is also in the Waterway corridors and wetlands overlay, any clearing needs approval. A covenant, building envelope, approval condition, Vegetation Protection Order or Tree Protection Area can also protect a tree.

Can I remove a dead tree in Redland?

On an urban lot, usually yes. Council says a dead standing tree on an urban lot may be removed as a potential high risk where there is no sustainable way to manage it, such as reduction pruning that keeps its habitat value. On rural land a dead tree with hollows or habitat value is usually protected, but it can be made safe by pruning it to a habitat structure under AS 4373. Either way, check with Council first that no covenant, building envelope or development condition protects the tree, and photograph it and its surroundings before removal, in case Council asks for evidence later.

How much can I clear in the Environmental Significance overlay?

It depends on the zone, and it is a running total since the City Plan began, not an allowance per job. In most of the urban area, up to 500 m². In the rural zone, up to 500 m² where there is a house, or 2,500 m² with equal compensatory planting on site, and up to 2,500 m² where there is no house. In the emerging community, environmental management, low-medium and medium density residential, tourist accommodation, conservation, and recreation and open space zones, any clearing in the overlay needs approval.

Can I prune a Council tree outside my house in Redland?

No. Local Law 1 (Administration) 2015, Schedule 2 prohibits residents and property owners from pruning, poisoning or removing any Council-owned tree. Requests go to Council rather than being actioned yourself.

What about a tree on a heritage property in Redland?

The City Plan makes it assessable to change the landscaping, fencing or natural features referred to in a local heritage place’s citation. So it is the trees and landscaping the citation names that are protected, not every tree on the property. Check the citation before any work.

What is a Tree Protection Area?

A designated area within which trees are protected. Council describes the remaining Tree Protection Areas and Vegetation Protection Orders as few, most having been superseded by the City Plan. Where one does apply, you need a Local Law 6 permit before any damage or removal.

What counts as damaging a tree in Redland?

Redland uses the Vegetation Management Act’s definition of clearing: removing, cutting down, ringbarking, pushing over or poisoning vegetation, or destroying it in any other way, including by burning, flooding or draining. Routine pruning to AS 4373, such as removing deadwood or hazardous limbs, lifting or thinning the canopy, is tree maintenance.

Information reviewed 16 October 2026. Council rules change — this is general information, not legal advice.

Arborist Services Redland

Every report and assessment offered across Redland, with the published starting price. All are written to Redland's requirements and quoted at a fixed price before any work begins.

Service From
Arborist Report Redland $660
Preliminary Arboricultural Report Redland $660
Arboricultural Impact Assessment Redland $1,100
Tree Risk Assessment Redland $550
Tree Health & Disease Treatment Redland $220
Pre-Purchase Tree Inspection Redland $475
Tree Protection Plan Redland $770
Tree Management Plan Redland $1,320
Tree Valuation Redland $400
Stump Grinding Redland $275
Project Arborist Redland Upon request
Expert Witness & Dispute Reports Redland Upon request
Root Barrier Installation Redland Upon request

What does a tree removal permit cost in Redland?

A Local Law 6 permit fee is set in Council’s annual fees and charges. Clearing under the City Plan is charged as an operational works application. Processing: Allow 4 to 6 weeks for a Local Law 6 permit.

That is the Council application fee only. Where your application needs a supporting arborist report — and most involving protected vegetation do — that is a separate cost.

Estimate what a report costs See every published price

Official Redland vegetation sources

Always confirm current requirements directly with council before undertaking tree work.

Don't risk getting it wrong!

Council vegetation rules in Redland are confusing, and getting it wrong can cost thousands — a fine, plus a tree you cannot put back. One short conversation usually settles it.

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