Do I need a council permit to remove a gum tree in Elanora Heights?
Yes, in most cases. Northern Beaches Council requires development consent before removing or significantly pruning any tree that is 5 metres or more in height, has a canopy spread of 5 metres or more, or a trunk diameter of 30 cm or more at 1 metre above ground. The Angophora costata, Eucalyptus and Corymbia species common in Elanora Heights almost always exceed these thresholds. We check permit requirements at the quoting stage and can advise on the process. See our full Northern Beaches permit guide.
What is the 10/50 rule and does it apply to my Elanora Heights property?
The NSW 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Code allows eligible property owners to clear trees within 10 metres of an approved dwelling and shrubs within 50 metres — without a council permit. Much of Elanora Heights falls within the designated 10/50 entitlement area due to its proximity to Garigal National Park. You can check your property's eligibility at the NSW RFS website. Even where 10/50 applies, work must be done safely and correctly — we confirm eligibility, identify what qualifies, and carry out the clearing to the required standard.
My property is in a bushfire zone — what does APZ maintenance actually involve?
Asset Protection Zone maintenance involves managing the vegetation around your structure to reduce the fuel load and slow any approaching fire. This means clearing ground-level fuel (leaf litter, grass, fallen branches), thinning dense shrub layers, maintaining separation between tree canopies and your roof structure, and selectively removing vegetation within the designated zone. It is governed by the NSW RFS Specifications for Asset Protection Zones and Northern Beaches Council's DCP. We carry out APZ work across Elanora Heights and surrounding BAL-rated suburbs — we assess what is needed and do it correctly.
Can you work on steep and rocky terrain like the blocks in Elanora Heights?
Yes. Sandstone slopes, rocky outcrops and uneven terrain are routine for us. We use single rope technique (SRT) climbing systems, appropriate rigging and controlled lowering setups to bring sections down safely where conventional felling is not possible. Every job starts with a proper site assessment so we plan the right approach before any work begins.
The trees on my block are very large established specimens — can you handle them?
Yes. Large, mature Angophoras, Eucalyptus and Corymbia trees are a routine part of what we do. Alex has over a decade of experience on significant trees across the UK and Australia — including National Trust estate work in the UK, which involved some of the most technically demanding pruning and removal imaginable. Sectional dismantling, technical rigging and crane coordination are all within our capability.
How do I know if a tree on my property is dead or becoming dangerous?
Key signs to watch for: no leaf growth when surrounding trees are in full leaf; significant bark shedding without the smooth regrowth typical of Angophora; fungal fruiting bodies (bracket fungi) at the base or on major limbs; hollow or soft wood when probed; major structural cracks in the trunk or scaffold branches. Shallow root systems on sandstone can also cause sudden decline after drought. If you are unsure, call us — we carry out an assessment and give you an honest answer about what the tree actually needs.
How far away are you from Elanora Heights?
We are based in North Narrabeen — approximately 5 minutes from Elanora Heights. We work here regularly and can usually arrange a site visit within a day or two of your enquiry. Call us on 0452 030 077 or send an enquiry through our contact page.
