When these new buds start re-growing they are poorly attached to the remaining branches. As they continue to grow larger they can pose a danger because their main attachments are only surface deep.

After lopped trees grow back in a few years, they can virtually be an accident waiting to happen. The poorly attached new growth can easily be broken off in high winds. And these falling branches can cause bad injuries and damage to property.

Lopping the unwanted branches is merely a temporary fix that will always require ongoing tree maintenance. Once a tree has been lopped, it will usually require lopping again every few years to remove the poorly attached regrowth.

When you perform lopping on a tree it also places the tree under great stress. By removing large amounts of foliage the tree doesn't have the surface area it needs for its energy via photosynthesis. This can result in what's known as epicormic regrowth that is very unstable. When this happens to a tree it's difficult to rectify and trees usually die as result of this.

When trees have large wounds from being lopped, it can allow pathogens and decay to attack the tree because the trees natural defence system isn't able to combat the infections. Trees can also suffer sunburn after lopping which can lead to bark splitting, complete branch failure and death to the tree.

For a full list of exemptions you can refer to this comprehensive tree removal guidelines PDF document from the Sutherland Shire Council.

Most of the trees we remove from St George homes and businesses require council approval first. In general, trees more than 3 metres high, or with a crown of more than 2 metres will require a permit to remove.

It's imperative that you get proper approval first because the fines are very serious (up to $110,000) and are enforced often. You can view some of the legislation associated with tree removal in St George here.

If you're unsure then give us a call or contact us and we'll be glad to give you some free advice about your problem tree.

1. Prune 10% or less of your tree's canopy (this can only be done once in a calendar year).
2. Prune a branch from your tree which extends over the roof of a residence. Clearance pruning back to the gutter line of the residence is permissible.
3. In storm events and emergency situations please call the SES on their 24 hour helpline on 13 25 00 to report any storm damaged trees.
4. After confirming the tree has not been identified as heritage significance, you can prune or remove any of these exempt trees without applying to Council.

Providing the right reasons to have your tree removed in the application can be tricky. In general, there is between 1 to 2 week wait to get approval and for the council inspector come out and have a look.

Provided you employ our services for your tree removal requirements, we can help you submit the application ensuring the right information and reasons are put forth to the council.

A tree removal application form can be downloaded here for the greater St George area which falls under the Georges River Council.

A tree removal application form can be downloaded here for the greater St George area which falls under the Georges River Council.

• Small tree removal: 1 - 1.5 stories high
  Smaller trees like Bottle Pressures or Lilly Pillys that don't Really grow any Taller than a single story house will cost you between $150-$850. Also add an extra $100 if you want the stump removed with stump grinding.
• Medium tree removal: 1.5 – 3 stories high
  Trees around this height such as Silky oaks, Casuarina trees and Liquidambars generally cost between $650-$1500 to fully remove.
• Large tree removal: 3 Stories + high
  When it comes to bigger trees the cost depends on the height and spread of the tree. For instance, a skinny gumtree with only a little bit of foliage that is 3 stories high would cost about $1000 to remove. But a mature version of this tree with a bigger trunk and spread would cost closer to $2500 to remove.
• Extra-large trees:
  Think trees up to 50m tall such as giant eucalyptus gums etc. Some of these very large trees can have trunk diameters up to 3 Meters wide at chest height. Generally, very large trees will cost around $5000, but really big trees can cost up to $7000.