Most Sydney councils protect any tree above 3 m height or 0.5 m trunk circumference. That covers virtually every backyard tree on an established suburban block. Demolition contractors and owner-builders need to know exactly which trees stay, what the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is, and what counts as damage.
Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) Basics
- TPZ radius: 12× the trunk diameter at breast height (DBH), minimum 2 m
- Inside the TPZ: no excavation, no compaction, no stockpiling, no machinery parking
- Structural Root Zone (SRZ): a smaller inner zone where nothing can happen
Example: a 50 cm trunk tree has a 6 m radius TPZ — so most of an average backyard.
Arborist Reports
When demolition or excavation is within or near a TPZ, councils typically require an AQF Level 5 Arborist report. It assesses:
- Tree health and structural condition
- Whether the tree can survive proposed work
- Required protection measures (fencing, hoarding, root pruning)
- Whether removal is justified (and replacement requirements)
Typical cost: $400–$900 per arborist report.
Penalties for Unlawful Tree Removal
- Council penalty notice: $3,000+ per tree
- Land and Environment Court: fines up to $1.1 million for serious breaches
- Replacement orders: mature offset trees + ongoing maintenance bond
- Stop-work orders on the whole demolition
Common trap: poisoning or damaging a tree to "have it removed for safety" later. Councils investigate and prosecute these.
What Counts as Damage Inside the TPZ
- Cutting roots over 25 mm diameter
- Soil compaction from machinery, stockpiles or trucks
- Soil level changes (cut or fill) more than 100 mm
- Concrete washout or fuel spill within TPZ
- Removing more than 10% of canopy without arborist approval
What Direct Demolition Does
Before mobilising on any site with significant trees, we identify the TPZs, install temporary tree-protection fencing, plan machinery routes outside the TPZ, and confirm the arborist's protection plan with the certifier. If a tree is approved for removal, we coordinate the removal separately with a licensed arborist — demolition contractors don't normally remove trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove a tree on my property before demolition?
Only if the tree is exempt under your council's tree management policy or you have a council approval to remove it. Trees protected by the Tree Preservation Order can't be removed even by the owner without approval.
Who is responsible if a tree dies after demolition?
The contractor if damage was caused by work inside the TPZ. The owner if work was outside agreed scope. The arborist's protection plan defines the duty of care.
Does the demolisher remove the trees?
Usually no. Tree removal needs an AQF Level 3+ Arborist, not a demolition contractor. We coordinate it; we don't perform it.