Checking tree rules in Ku-ring-gai and Willoughby.

First confirm the council

Ku-ring-gai and Willoughby have separate tree-management information and application pathways. Use the property address to confirm the responsible council before comparing rules.

Epping, for example, is assigned to the City of Parramatta in the shared Sydney geography registry used by this site. Familiar suburb groupings are not a substitute for the current property record.

Use each council’s live guidance

Do not rely on an old threshold or turnaround time copied into a blog. Open the current council tree page and read the linked policy, application instructions and evidence requirements.

For both council areas, check:

• the property, tree and proposed cuts;
• whether heritage or ecological controls apply;
• whether the work is linked to a development approval;
• what evidence must accompany an application; and
• who is responsible for lodging and receiving a decision.

Keep the work inside the approved scope

If approval is required, give the tree service the decision and any conditions before the quote is finalised. The quoted work and approved work should describe the same trees and outcome.

If the condition of the tree changes while an application is being considered, contact the council and update the practical tree-work plan.

Urgent damage is handled separately

Make immediate safety the priority. Keep clear of damaged branches, call 000 for immediate danger and call Ausgrid on 13 13 88 for an electricity-network hazard.

Each council publishes its own emergency process and evidence requirements. Photograph damage only from a safe position and check the live council guidance as soon as circumstances allow.