Trees

Trees in the City of Ryde

The City of Ryde recognises the vital role that trees play in creating a healthy, liveable, and sustainable environment. Trees improve air quality, provide shade, reduce the urban heat island effect, support biodiversity, and contribute to the cultural and aesthetic character of our neighbourhoods. They are an essential part of our community and a valuable asset for current and future generations.

Council’s Development Control Plan (DCP) 2014 – Part 9.5 Tree Preservation sets out the framework for managing and conserving trees across the City of Ryde. The objectives of this plan are to:

Provide clear requirements for the removal, pruning, and replacement of trees.
Maximise a sustainable and resilient urban forest canopy across the City.
Conserve trees of ecological, heritage, aesthetic, and cultural significance.
Retain, protect and manage individual trees as important community assets.
Ensure all new developments carefully consider existing trees on site and adjacent land, with opportunities for the healthy growth of large trees.

Tree preservation is a legal requirement in the City of Ryde. Unauthorised removal, pruning, or damage to trees may constitute a breach of Council’s DCP Part 9.5 – Tree Preservation and other vegetation legislation, and penalties may apply.

For more information see City of Ryde's Development Control Plan 2014 Part 9.5 - Tree Preservation(PDF, 2MB).

To assist Council in the expansion of tree canopy across the Local Government Area please request a FREE street tree in front of your property make a request online.

Tree Risk Assessment and Management at the City of Ryde

Tree management in City of Ryde is about keeping the inherent risks trees pose to an acceptable level so that the community may benefit from the amenity they provide. Trees provide many benefits including habitat and food for our native wildlife (insects, birds etc), and provide shade reducing localised summer heat and glare. Trees also provide a natural beauty that is important to the character of the City of Ryde Local Government Area.

The City of Ryde’s team of qualified Council Arborists utilise a range of professional tools, including the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) system, to assess and manage the health and safety of trees across the municipality. Drawing on extensive experience in residential and public land tree risk assessments, our Arborists work to deliver practical, balanced outcomes that support both public safety and the long-term growth of our valuable urban canopy.

QTRA is an industry recognised tool that provides a structured, measurable framework to assist qualified Arborists in evaluating tree-related risks. By quantifying the likelihood of tree failure and potential consequences, QTRA supports evidence-based decision making that balances community safety, environmental preservation, and the ongoing protection of mature trees.

Benefits of the QTRA Approach:

Objective Risk Assessment: Delivers a quantifiable, industry best practice approach to evaluating tree hazards.
Informed Decision-Making: Enables efficient prioritisation of maintenance activities and resources.
Public Safety: Reduces risk to people and property by identifying and managing hazardous trees.
Environmental Balance: Encourages the retention of healthy trees by avoiding unnecessary removals.
Cost-Effectiveness: Helps prevent unnecessary tree works, saving time, resources, and funds.

While QTRA is a valuable tool in the arboricultural assessment process, it is intended to complement the extensive industry knowledge, expertise, and high-level qualifications of Council’s Tree Management Team. The team's experience remains essential to ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interests of both the community and the environment.

10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code of Practice

The NSW Rural Fires Amendment (Vegetation Clearing) Bill 2014 commenced on 1 August 2014, introducing the 10/50 rule.

5 Million Trees for Greater Sydney

City of Ryde is taking part in the 5 Million Trees for Greater Sydney program, which aims to make Sydney greener and healthier.

Engaging an Arborist

You should consult an arborist before submitting a Tree Application. Here’s a guide to getting the best advice for your money.

Significant Tree Register

Council acknowledges the presence of significant trees within the Local Government Area. View the register for more information.

Street Tree Planting

View Council's Street Tree Master Plan and find out how you can request a free tree for your street.

Tree Applications and Fees

Download an application or view current application fees for pruning or removing a tree over five metres.

Tree Pruning Guide

Helpful information about Council's pruning controls in relation to trees on private property.

Tree Selection and Establishment

Tips on tree species selection, where to plant your tree and how to care for your trees.

Forms and Documents

View related Tree Forms and Documents

Exempt Tree and Vegetation Works

There are some cases where clearing, pruning or removing a tree does not require a permit or development application. Find out more about exemptions here.

Trees and Their Impact on Private Services and Infrastructure

With such extensive tree cover across the city, most residents live near street or park trees, and at times conflicts may arise where public trees are perceived to impact private assets. The following information outlines Council’s position and provides advice for residents.