If you wish to prune limbs off a tree that is located on your neighbour’s property which extends over your boundary, you are required to submit a Vegetation Removal Application. Please ensure that the owner of the neighbouring property has provided their consent, by way of signature, as part of the application.

Consent of both owners will enable Council to carry out a full inspection. If not supplied, the inspection will be limited to only the applicant’s property and no pruning approval can be provided past the boundary line.

For trees located on a shared boundary, the consent of both owners is required before submitting an application. Council will not accept an application if both owners do not sign.

Council has no legal ability to control tree planting on private property, except where this is associated with a condition of development approval.

Most disputes between neighbours about trees involve overhanging branches or roots that affect or propose a potential risk to a neighbouring property. If you have any concerns about a neighbouring tree, the best way to resolve the issue is to discuss it with your neighbour. Your neighbour/s may not be aware that there is an issue and in the majority of cases will be willing to assist.

It is not the role of Council to intervene in neighbourhood disputes. Conflict over the management of private trees in neighbouring properties is the responsibility of both neighbours to resolve. If you are not able to reach an agreement with your neighbour, you can seek assistance from the Community Justice Centre or on 1800 990 777.

If Council provides approval for pruning or removal, you must comply with the necessary conditions. Any approval given does not allow you or a contractor to enter your neighbour’s property without their consent. It is the applicant's responsibility to notify the neighbouring property owner before any overhanging pruning works are carried out, not Council.