Do I Need Council Approval to Prune or Remove a Tree in Guildford, WA?

Last checked: 28 October 2026

If your property is within the Guildford-Mandoon Heritage Area, removing a mature tree requires development approval under the City of Swan’s local planning policy. For pruning, the answer depends on the proposed work and the protections applying to the property. If it is a verge tree, contact the City rather than arranging the work yourself.

Guildford’s tree-lined streets and established gardens are part of its heritage character. Before booking tree work, it is worth checking the requirements for your address and the particular tree.

This guide explains the main checks for homeowners in Guildford, Western Australia.

Why are tree rules different in Guildford?

Guildford Historic Town is on the State Register of Heritage Places and is also a local heritage area. These protections cover the character and setting of the area, including its landscape.

The City of Swan’s Guildford-Mandoon Heritage Area Local Planning Policy, Part A, includes specific provisions for gardens and mature trees. It supports retaining mature trees on public and private land and protecting backyard canopy.

Check whether your property falls within the mapped heritage area. A Guildford postal address alone should not replace an address-specific check. Individually heritage-listed properties may also have additional considerations.

You can find the policy and related documents on the City of Swan’s heritage page.

Do I need approval to remove a tree on my own property?

The Guildford-Mandoon policy requires development approval to remove a mature tree within the heritage area.

Clause M8.5.2 also requires a supporting report from a qualified arborist addressing the tree’s end-of-life status and whether it is dead, diseased or dangerous. The report supports the application; it does not itself authorise removal or guarantee approval.

Private ownership does not automatically mean a tree can be removed without permission.

Before committing to removal, ask the City which requirements apply and what supporting information it needs. An arborist assessment can help establish the tree’s condition and whether pruning or another management option could address the concern.

What counts as a mature tree?

The Guildford-Mandoon policy defines mature trees as specimens that have reached their full potential in height, age or fruiting.

That is different from relying on a single height threshold. Do not assume that a tree is exempt simply because it is below a size mentioned in another Perth council’s policy.

If its maturity is unclear, ask an arborist to assess it and confirm the planning requirements with the City.

Do I need approval to prune a tree in Guildford?

Pruning needs to be considered separately from removal. The amount, purpose and effect of the work matter.

WA Government heritage guidance distinguishes ordinary gardening and landscape maintenance from work that substantially changes significant features. Its significant-tree guidance also recognises minor pruning and removal of dead branches as routine maintenance.

However, this is not a blanket exemption for every tree or pruning job in Guildford. Heritage referral requirements and local development approval are separate checks.

Seek advice before substantial crown reduction, major limb removal, topping, or work that could affect a significant tree’s health, structure or appearance. Describe the proposed cuts clearly when contacting the City.

For example, “remove selected small dead branches” gives the planning team more useful information than “trim the tree.”

Read the WA Government’s heritage maintenance guidance and Management of Significant Trees guidelines.

Can I prune or remove the tree on my verge?

Contact the City of Swan first.

The City manages pruning and maintenance of verge trees and specifically asks residents not to prune them themselves. Street-tree removal also requires the City’s approval.

A verge tree is not automatically yours to manage because it stands outside your house or because you look after the surrounding verge.

Request an inspection if you are concerned about damaged branches, clearance or the tree’s condition. See the City’s street trees and verges guidance.

What if the tree looks dead, diseased or dangerous?

Arrange an arborist assessment and explain the urgency when contacting the City. A concern about safety should be investigated, but it should not be treated as automatic permission to remove a protected tree.

If there is an immediate hazard, keep people and pets away and seek appropriate emergency assistance. Photograph the damage from a safe location where possible.

For fallen or damaged powerlines, stay clear and call Western Power on 13 13 51. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency. Western Power safety advice

For emergency tree enquiries, call All Trees Perth on 0403 911 934. Calls are answered 24/7 by our answering service, which notifies our team of emergencies. Attendance depends on the circumstances and availability.

What should I prepare before asking about approval?

Have the following ready:

• Your property address and the tree’s position on the block.
• Photos showing the whole tree and any areas of concern.
• The species, if known, and approximate size.
• A clear description of the proposed pruning or removal.
• Any existing arborist report, relevant approval or retention condition.

Ask the City to confirm whether development approval or heritage referral is required and what documents it needs. Keep written advice with your job records.

Call the City of Swan on (08) 9267 9267 and ask for its Statutory Planning team. If an application is required, follow the City’s current development application instructions.

Frequently asked questions

My house is modern. Do the heritage rules still apply?

They can. Being within a heritage area is a separate consideration from whether your house is individually heritage-listed. Check your property’s location and applicable controls.

Does an arborist report count as council approval?

No. A report provides professional evidence and recommendations. Where approval is required, the relevant authority must grant it before the authorised work proceeds.

Do all City of Swan suburbs have the same requirements as Guildford?

Do not assume they do. This guide focuses on the Guildford-Mandoon Heritage Area. Check the rules for the actual property, including any heritage protection or development conditions.

Can I book a quote before approval is sorted?

Yes. An assessment and proposed scope can help you understand the options. Make clear that any work requiring approval cannot proceed until the necessary permission is in place.

Need advice about a tree in Guildford?

All Trees Perth provides tree pruning and tree removal across Perth, including Guildford.

We can assess your tree, discuss practical options and explain the proposed work so you can make an informed enquiry to the City.

Call 0403 911 934 or request a free quote.

This guide provides general information, not a determination for a particular property. Requirements and exemptions can change. Confirm current requirements with the City of Swan before starting work.