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 processes. Use the address to confirm the responsible council before comparing rules.

Neighbouring suburbs can sit within different council areas. Familiar suburb groupings are not a substitute for checking the exact address.

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 and application instructions.

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 documents must accompany an application; and
• who is responsible for lodging and receiving a decision.

Keep the work inside the approval

If approval is required, give the tree service the decision and any conditions before the work is booked. Make sure the planned work matches the tree or trees and result described in the approval.

If the condition of the tree changes while an application is being considered, contact the council and update the 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. Photograph damage only from a safe position and check the live council guidance as soon as circumstances allow.