Where we work

Tree rules in South Australia, the short version

• A tree is regulated if its trunk measures 1 m or more around, 1 m above the ground, and significant at 2 m or more. Trees with several trunks are measured differently. These thresholds dropped from 2 m and 3 m in May 2024, so older advice is out of date.
• A tree within 3 m of a house or in-ground pool on the same block is exempt, unless it's a willow myrtle (Agonis flexuosa) or any eucalypt, angophora or corymbia.
• Some species are exempt anywhere (for example radiata pine, camphor laurel and box elder), and dead trees can be removed without approval.
• Pruning up to 30% of the crown to remove dead or diseased wood, or a branch that's a real risk to a building or people, doesn't need approval, but only once every 5 years. More than that counts as tree-damaging activity.
• If removal is approved, you plant 2 replacement trees for a regulated tree or 3 for a significant one, or pay into a fund instead ($533 per tree not planted from 1 July 2026).
• Removing or heavily cutting a protected tree without approval can mean penalties of up to $120,000.

This is a summary, not legal advice, and it doesn't cover every exception. Native vegetation and bushfire areas have their own rules, which are covered on each council page. We'll tell you what applies to your tree at the quote, and help with the paperwork if it needs approval.

Last checked October 2026. Sources: PlanSA: Significant and regulated trees · PlanSA: List of exempt species (Minister’s Notice, April 2026) · Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017 · Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 · PlanSA: Fees Notice