Trees and the Law – South Australia
Posted on July 29, 2026
The laws related to tree removal as well as pruning in South Australia are evolving continuously. And for some people, understanding those laws can be very challenging. Well, I am not a lawyer, so I would advise you to treat this guide as a practical insight. If you have doubts, you can always contact the local council or get in touch with me before taking any steps.
Understand The Rules- Avoid Legal Issues
South Australia has strict tree protection laws under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016. As per the rules, one needs to get development approval for tree removal, lopping, ringbarking, etc.
The legal size limits for protected trees have been halved. That means more trees now need council permission. The current thresholds are:
- Regulated Trees: Any tree with a trunk circumferenceof 1 metre or more, measured 1 metre above natural ground level. For multi-trunk trees, the average trunk circumference is 310 mm.
- Significant Trees: Trees with a trunk circumference of 2 metres or more. For multi-trunk trees, the average trunk size is 625 mm or more.
If your tree meets these thresholds, then activities such as removal, lopping, or cutting substantial roots will be classified as Development. And you must get a formal development approval before carrying out any work beyond standard maintenance or pruning
A Major Confusion- Native Vegetation Law and Council Development
Another most common point of confusion most people face is understanding which law applies to their land.
- Metropolitan and Township Zones: These are covered by the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.
- Rural and Country Areas: These are covered by the Native Vegetation Act 1991 as well as the Native Vegetation Council.
Under Native Vegetation laws, native trees are protected, no matter what the size of their trunks is. Besides, they have different frameworks and exemptions. It would be better for you to talk to an expert to get a clear idea.
Exemption Species
There are certain species and weed trees that you can remove without getting a development approval. Those species are:
- Box Elder
- Silver Maple
- Tree of heaven
- Evergreen Alder
- European Nettle tree
- Chinese Nettle Tree
- Camphor Laurel
- Monterey Cypress
- Figs, other than a Morton Bay Fig located more than 15 metres from a dwelling
- Narrow-leafed Ash
- Desert Ash
- Radiata pine/Monterey pine
- London Plane
- White Poplar
- Lombardy Poplar
- Black Locust
- Weeping Willow
- Chilean Willow, Evergreen Willow, Pencil Willow
- Crack Willow
- White Crack Willow, Basket Willow
- Golden Weeping Willow
- Peppercorn Tree
Native Trees and Related Regulations
In South Australia, outside standard metropolitan planning zones, native trees or vegetationare protected under the Native Vegetation Act, which is administered by the Native Vegetation Council (NVC), regardless of their size. However, there are some exemptions you need to know:
- Around Buildings: You are allowed to remove native vegetation within 10 metres of an existing building. However, for large trees (girth of 2m or above) within 20 meters, you will have to get CFS approval.
- Fence Lines: You can clear up to 5-metre boundary fences to maintain a fuel break.
- Planted Trees: If your property falls under a council tree overlay, a planted tree that exceeds the 1 m or 2 m girth threshold remains protected as a regulated or significant tree.
Navigating such complex rules and council boundaries is very tricky. So, contact us or the authorities before any activity to ensure proper compliance.
Need Advice? We are Here to Help!
Jacob’s Ladder Tree Service offers professional tree assessments, pruning, as well as safe removals across South Australia. Call 0413 599 128 or email us at jacob@jacobsladder.net.au with your queries to get the best solutions.