Expert tree removal — done safely and correctly
Whether you have a hazardous tree leaning over your home, a diseased tree that poses a risk to surrounding vegetation, or simply a tree that has outgrown its space, The Living Canopy provides safe, professional removal across Sydney's Northern Beaches and greater Sydney.
Alex Price has over 10 years of hands-on arboricultural experience across the UK and Australia, handling everything from small garden trees to large, mature eucalypts and complex heritage specimens. No tree is too large, too awkward or too close to a building — we have the expertise and equipment to deal with it properly.
For trees in restricted locations, we carry out sectional dismantling and technical rigging — lowering sections safely under controlled conditions where felling is not an option. For the largest removals, crane-assisted work is available, allowing us to take out entire sections in a single lift on tight urban sites.
All debris is chipped on site and removed at the end of every job. We sweep up, rake up and leave your property clean and tidy. The whole process — from initial site assessment and free quote through to final site clean — is handled efficiently and with care for your property. All work is fully insured with $20 million public liability cover.
When do you need a tree removed?
- The tree is hazardous, leaning or structurally compromised
- Disease, pest damage or decay has made it unsafe
- Branches are overhanging your property, roof or powerlines
- The tree has been damaged by storm or high winds
- Construction or development work requires its removal
- The tree has simply outgrown its position and is causing problems
Tree removal across the Northern Beaches
We carry out tree removal across the full length of the Northern Beaches peninsula. In North Narrabeen — our home suburb — we regularly work on the large Angophora costata and Melaleuca species that dominate properties near the lagoon. In Elanora Heights, the large elevated blocks and bushland interfaces mean proper rigging and site planning are essential. In Avalon and Newport, Pittwater-side waterfront work is a significant part of what we do — technical removals over water, near jetties and close to high-value structures, where crane access or rope work is often required. At Dee Why, Manly, Brookvale and Collaroy, we handle everything from tight suburban gardens to large heritage specimens requiring sectional dismantling.
Every Northern Beaches removal also comes with honest council permit advice. Most mature trees on the peninsula will require development consent from Northern Beaches Council before work begins — we'll tell you up front at the quoting stage whether a permit is needed and what the process involves.
What to expect
We start with a free site assessment — Alex comes to your property, takes a look at the tree and the surrounding area, and gives you a clear, honest price. Once you're happy to go ahead, the job is carried out safely and efficiently, with all debris chipped and removed and the site left clean. You deal directly with Alex on every job, so there are no miscommunications and no surprises.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a council permit to remove a tree?
On the Northern Beaches, yes — most mature trees require development consent from Northern Beaches Council under DCP Part B13 before removal. The thresholds are: 5 metres or more in height, a canopy spread of 5 metres or more, or a trunk diameter of 30 cm or more at 1 metre above ground. We assess this at the quoting stage and can advise on the permit process. See our Northern Beaches tree permit guide for detail on thresholds, exemptions and the application process.
How much does tree removal cost?
Every job is different — size, species, access and what needs to happen with the debris all affect the price. We give you a firm, written quote after a free site visit. No charge for the quote, no obligation to proceed. See our 2026 tree removal cost guide for typical price ranges across different tree sizes and access scenarios.
Can you do crane work for difficult removals?
Yes. For trees in tight locations — particularly on Pittwater-side waterfront properties or in dense urban gardens — crane-assisted removal is sometimes the right method. We have experience with crane lifts and will recommend it where it's genuinely the safest and most practical approach.
What happens to the wood and debris?
All debris is chipped on site and removed at the end of the job. If you want to keep any timber or have mulch left on site, just let us know at the quoting stage.
