TREE REMOVAL SYDNEY
Arbor Co removes trees of every size across Sydney, from single backyard trees to complex removals over houses and powerlines. Qualified arborists, $20 million public liability insurance, free quotes, and every job compliant with council and NSW regulations. Most residential removals cost $950-$3500 and are completed in a single day.
Free quotes · Fully insured ($20M public liability) · 5.0 stars from 222 Google reviews · Servicing all of Sydney · Quotes back within 2 days, depending on how accessible your property is for an estimation appointment.
How much does tree removal cost in Sydney?
Tree removal in Sydney typically costs between $950 and $6000, depending mostly on the size of the tree and how hard it is to reach. As a guide:
- Small tree (under 5 metres), straightforward access: Quote individually.
- Medium tree (5 to 10 metres): Quote individually.
- Large tree (10 to 20 metres): Quote individually.
- Very large or complex removal (20 metres plus, specialised equipment): Quote individually.
- Stump grinding (add-on): Quote individually.
Three things move the price most: access (a tree that a truck can reach costs less than one that must be dismantled piece by piece over a roof), the tree’s condition (dead and brittle timber takes longer to rig safely), and what happens afterwards (stump grinding is a separate service). Every quote is free, itemised, and fixed before work starts. No call-out fees, no surprises on the day.
Do you need council approval to remove a tree in Sydney?
Often, yes. Most Sydney councils require a permit or development application before an established tree is removed, and the rules differ by local government area. There are two main exceptions: trees that pose an immediate danger, and properties in designated 10/50 bushfire entitlement areas, where trees within 10 metres of a home can be cleared without approval.
If your council requires supporting documentation, we can recommend an AQF Level 5 arborist to help you prepare your arborist report. Removing a protected tree without approval can attract significant fines, so it is always worth the check; we will advise if your work requires council approval.
What happens when Arbor Co removes your tree
-
Free quote. Send photos through the enquiry form or call us; for some jobs we can quote from photos and a site check, itemised and fixed.
-
Approvals. We confirm whether your council requires a permit and provide you with recommended arborists to complete your arborist report if one is needed.
-
Removal day. A qualified crew arrives with the right gear for the job, from climbing rigs to cranes and elevated work platforms for tight-access removals. Most residential trees come down in a single day.
-
Clean-up. We handle everything from the first cut to the last woodchip. Want the timber for firewood? We will cut and stack it for you; otherwise healthy timber goes to milling and the rest is chipped and recycled.
-
The stump. Removal leaves a stump at ground level. Some clients add stump grinding so the ground is ready to replant or build on.
When does a tree need to be removed?
We are arborists first, and removal is not always the answer; sometimes pruning, treatment or ongoing management protects both the tree and your property at a fraction of the cost. When removal is the right call, it is usually for one of these reasons:
The tree is dead or dying. A dead or declining tree progressively loses structural strength. Branches fall without warning, and the whole tree can fail in storms or high winds.
The tree is structurally unsafe. Cracks, splitting trunks, damaged roots, weak branch unions or internal decay all raise the risk of failure, even in a tree that still looks green.
The tree is diseased or storm damaged. Some diseased or damaged trees can be treated or pruned back to health. Where the damage is too extensive, removal protects the surrounding trees and property.
The tree is too close to a structure. Trees hard against homes, retaining walls, pools or driveways can create safety and access problems, especially in high winds. Removal is not automatic; we assess the tree and site first.
The tree is affected by pests. Borers, termites and other pests weaken trees over time. Pests alone do not condemn a tree, but they often signal an underlying health or structural problem worth a professional look.
The tree is in the way of an approved development. Removal is sometimes a condition of approved construction, landscaping or land clearing work. Development conditions and council rules must be checked before work begins.
For storm damage and trees that cannot wait, our emergency crew responds across Sydney 24/7.
Why Sydney calls Arbor Co
Fifteen-plus years removing trees across Sydney, from family backyards to golf courses, schools, strata schemes and construction sites. Every job runs under $20 million public liability insurance and current SafeWork NSW safe-work practices, led by AQF-qualified arborists. Our 5.0-star rating across 222 Google reviews is the record we protect on every single job.
Request a tree removal quote
Get a free, fixed quote today. Call 0424 662 141 or send us photos of the tree and we will come back to you within 2 days.
Hours: 7am-4pm Monday to Friday.
FAQS
How long does tree removal take?
Most residential removals are finished in a single day, including clean-up. Large or tight-access trees that must be dismantled in sections can take two days; we tell you exactly what to expect in the quote.
Can I remove a tree on my property without council approval?
Only in limited cases: exempt species (which differ by council), trees posing an immediate danger, or eligible properties in 10/50 bushfire entitlement areas. Everywhere else, assume approval is needed; we confirm your council’s rules as part of the quote.
Can you remove a tree close to a house?
Yes, subject to a site assessment. Trees close to buildings are dismantled in controlled sections rather than felled in one piece, using climbing and rigging, elevated work platforms or cranes to lower each section safely.
Can the tree be saved instead of removed?
Sometimes. Pruning, cabling, treatment or ongoing monitoring can be the better answer depending on the tree’s health, structure and position. We assess the alternatives on every job before recommending removal; it is the cheaper outcome for you and the better one for the tree.
Do I need to do anything once I have booked?
No. You can go about your day while a qualified crew removes the tree without impacting your property or other trees.
Am I left with the remnants of the tree?
No. We handle the process end to end. If you would like the wood cut into firewood and left stacked, just ask; otherwise everything is removed and recycled. Tipping and cartage of palm material incurs additional fees.
What happens to the tree after removal?
As arborists we would rather see timber reused than wasted. Healthy trunks go to timber yards for milling; the rest is chipped for mulch or disposed of as sustainably as possible.
TESTIMONIALS
"Harrison and the team were prompt in providing a quote and with great communication. They reminded me that they were coming the night before and arrived ready to go. The team did a great job bringing down a big dead tree in a tough spot with out damaging anything including the lawn underneath. They were even kind enough to cut some of the larger trunk into nice sized firewood for us to use later. Overall very happy."
- LACHLAN