Tree Dispute Solutions for Neighbours in NSW

Disputes involving trees between neighbours occur more frequently than many individuals might expect, often resulting in unnecessary stress that could be easily avoided. As seasoned arborists, we regularly receive queries from both sides of these disagreements. In many instances, these conflicts could have been resolved more efficiently with accurate information and a straightforward conversation. This comprehensive guide provides vital insights into navigating tree disputes in New South Wales (NSW), detailing steps you can take before the situation escalates into a more serious conflict.

Crucial Reminder Regarding Tree Disputes

The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Each tree dispute is unique and involves specific facts and circumstances. If you are facing a serious disagreement, it is essential to seek advice from a qualified solicitor before taking any further action.

Discover the Legal Framework Governing Tree Disputes in NSW

In NSW, the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 (NSW) establishes the legal framework for resolving disputes related to trees. This legislation empowers the Land and Environment Court (LEC) to direct actions concerning a tree, which may involve pruning, removal, or ongoing management, particularly when a tree on a neighbouring property:

• Is resulting in damage to your property
• Could potentially pose a risk of injury to an individual
• Significantly obstructs sunlight or your view
• Interferes with solar panels installed on your property

Before proceeding, it is crucial to understand several key points:

• This Act applies solely to private land. Trees located on council land, in public parks, or on streets are managed separately by your local council.
• The Act pertains to trees on adjoining properties and does not apply to trees that are not in close proximity to your property.
• The Land and Environment Court should be considered a last resort, rather than the first step. The following guidelines are designed to assist you in resolving disputes before escalating to this level.

What Steps Can You Take Without Neighbour Approval?

Prior to engaging with legal frameworks, you can exercise your common law rights to:

• Trim branches and roots that extend onto your property, returning them to the boundary line
• You do not need to seek your neighbour’s permission for this action
• You must return the cut materials to the tree owner — disposing of them on their side of the fence is not allowed
• You cannot enter your neighbour’s property without their explicit consent
• You must avoid causing unnecessary damage to the tree during this process

Essential Verification Before You Proceed: Some trees in Newcastle and the Hunter Region may be protected by local council Tree Preservation Orders or may be classified as heritage-listed. A protected tree maintains its status even if branches extend over your property line. Always check your council’s tree permit register before making any cuts — neglecting to do so could lead to penalties.

Follow These Key Steps to Effectively Resolve Tree Disputes

Step 1: Collect Comprehensive Evidence Before Taking Action

Before initiating a dialogue with your neighbour or contacting any external parties, it is essential to compile a thorough file of evidence:

• Take photographs with timestamps, ensuring location data is turned on
• Record the dates of any discussions regarding the tree
• Document any damage incurred, such as cracked pathways, plumbing problems, roof damage, or decreased solar output
• If your solar panels are affected, gather generation data to illustrate the decline in output, providing measurable evidence that is compelling.

Step 2: Initiate a Conversation with Your Neighbour

This may seem like a straightforward task, yet it is often the step that many overlook — and it resolves the majority of disputes. Many neighbours may be unaware that their tree is causing issues.

If a face-to-face conversation feels awkward, consider writing a letter instead. Maintain a factual and calm tone while clearly outlining the issue, specifying your requests, and providing a reasonable timeframe for a response. Always keep a copy of all correspondence for your records.

Step 3: Obtain an Independent Arborist Assessment

This step is often the most effective action throughout the entire process — and it should be undertaken before any legal measures are initiated, prior to council involvement, and ideally before mediation occurs.

Here’s how an independent arborist assessment can be beneficial:

• Provides an objective evaluation of the tree’s condition and risk level — based on factual evidence rather than subjective opinions
• Offers both parties the same information to work from, often leading to a quicker resolution
• Creates a written record indicating that a risk was identified and communicated — this is crucial for liability if the tree later causes damage
• Identifies necessary actions required — complete removal is frequently not necessary
• Holds significant weight in any subsequent LEC application

Waratah Professional Tree Care offers onsite arborist consultations starting from $110 for assessments involving up to three trees across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Port Stephens.
For inquiries, please contact Steven Brown at 0414 706 653.

Please note: For formal arborist reports needed for LEC proceedings, you will require a report from an AQF Level 5 Consulting Arborist.
We can assist in directing you to the appropriate resources during your consultation.

Step 4: Contact Your Local Council When Necessary

Before taking further action, reach out to your local council if:

• The tree may be protected by a Tree Preservation Order
• The tree is situated on council land or a street verge — never attempt to prune or remove a council tree yourself
• The tree is heritage listed
• The tree presents an immediate danger — councils are obligated to respond to emergencies involving trees on public land

Contact Numbers for Councils in the Hunter Region:

• City of Newcastle: 02 4974 2000
• Lake Macquarie City Council: 02 4921 0333
• Maitland City Council: 02 4934 9700
• Port Stephens Council: 02 4980 0255
• Cessnock Council: 02 4993 4100

Step 5: Explore Free Mediation Options First

Before considering court action, explore the resources available through NSW Fair Trading’s Community Justice Centres. This free mediation service is accessible to all residents of NSW.

• There are no costs associated with this service
• Legal representation is not required
• This process is significantly quicker than court proceedings
• A trained mediator assists both parties in reaching a voluntary agreement
• Agreements reached during mediation can be made binding if both parties consent

This step alone resolves a substantial number of disputes that reach this stage. It is always beneficial to attempt mediation before incurring legal expenses.

To learn more or to apply: please visit the NSW Fair Trading website or call 13 32 20.

Step 6: Navigating the Process in the Land and Environment Court

If you have exhausted all previous steps, the LEC serves as the formal legal pathway under the Trees Act.

Is legal representation necessary? Not necessarily. The LEC Class 2 jurisdiction is designed to be accessible for individuals without legal representation, and many applicants successfully represent themselves. However, if your situation involves extensive property damage, personal injury claims, or complex heritage issues, it is advisable to seek legal advice prior to filing.

Possible Court Orders May Include:

• Pruning or ongoing management of the tree
• Complete removal
• Compensation for any damage incurred
• A deadline by which the tree owner must carry out necessary works

Factors Considered by the Court:

• The nature and severity of the issue
• Whether reasonable steps were taken to resolve the matter beforehand — this is why Steps 1 to 5 are critical
• The value of the tree to its owner and the surrounding community
• Whether the tree is protected, heritage listed, or holds ecological significance
• For solar panels: documented evidence demonstrating reduced energy generation

Filing fees may apply. Please check the NSW Land and Environment Court website for current fees before submitting your application.

Solar Panels: Your Position May Be Stronger Than You Think

If a neighbouring tree obstructs your solar panels, your position under the Trees Act is indeed more robust than a general claim regarding sunlight or view. The Act specifically addresses interference with solar panels on residential properties, and the courts have shown a willingness to mandate actions where measurable generation loss can be substantiated.

The types of evidence that are most valuable include:

• Solar generation data demonstrating output levels before and after the obstruction occurred
• A report from your solar installer confirming that the obstruction is the cause of the issue
• An arborist assessment identifying the specific growth responsible for the obstruction

We recommend consulting with a solicitor to review the current state of case law regarding disputes involving solar panels prior to filing — this area continues to evolve through decisions made by the LEC.

Addressing Dangerous Trees: When Urgent Action Is Required

If you suspect that a neighbour’s tree poses a genuine risk of falling and causing injury or significant damage, do not hesitate to take action. Follow these steps promptly:

• Document the tree immediately by taking photographs — capture everything visible
• Send a written notification to your neighbour clearly outlining the perceived risk. This ensures there is a record that they have been informed.
• Contact your council’s compliance team — councils have the authority to issue orders for privately owned trees in certain circumstances where public safety is at risk
• If you believe the risk is imminent, reach out to NSW Police or your council’s emergency contact line

A written arborist assessment that clearly establishes the risk, delivered to your neighbour, is often sufficient to prompt action without necessitating formal proceedings.

Managing Tree Disputes Involving Rental Properties

Tree disputes can become more complex when a rental property is involved. Here is how each situation typically unfolds.

What Steps to Take When the Tree is on the Rental Property and Your Neighbour Complains

If a neighbour raises concerns about a tree located on your rental property — the protocol is clear:

You do not have the authority to make decisions regarding trees on a property you rent. That responsibility lies with the landlord.

• Avoid agreeing to anything, making promises, or organising any work on the tree
• Calmly inform your neighbour that you are a tenant and do not have the authority to manage tree-related issues
• Immediately report the complaint to your property manager in writing — using email is ideal as it creates a dated record
• Include your neighbour’s contact details, the nature of the complaint, and any relevant photographs
• Follow up if you do not receive a timely response — particularly if safety concerns are involved

You are not liable for the tree. However, if you are aware of a complaint or safety risk and do not report it, your position may become precarious. Promptly reporting it in writing fulfills your obligation.

What Steps to Take When the Problematic Tree is on a Neighbouring Rental Property

Do not waste time discussing the matter with the tenant next door; they lack the authority to address tree issues.

• Identify the property manager and contact them in writing, including photographs and a description of the issue
• If you cannot find the property manager, a title search through the NSW Land Registry will provide you with the landlord’s contact details for direct communication
• Property managers are required to promptly relay safety and damage complaints to the landlord. Follow up in writing if you do not receive a timely response and keep a record of every attempt
• If neither the property manager nor the landlord responds to documented safety concerns, escalate the matter to NSW Fair Trading mediation or the Land and Environment Court
• The LEC does not look kindly upon landlords who have been notified in writing of a known risk and failed to act. Your documented attempts at contact become crucial evidence.

What Responsibilities Do You Have as the Landlord?

As the landlord, you are responsible for managing the trees on your investment property, rather than your tenant or property manager.

• If your property manager has notified you of a tree complaint or safety issue and you fail to act, you expose yourself to liability
• Commission an arborist assessment as soon as a risk is raised — this establishes the facts objectively and demonstrates your commitment to addressing the issue
• Do not solely rely on your property manager’s judgement regarding tree safety. Seek an independent arborist opinion.

Common Questions About Tree Disputes Answered

Q: Who is liable for damages caused by my neighbour’s tree to my fence?

A: This depends on whether negligence can be established. If your neighbour was aware of the risk and failed to take action, they may be held liable. Conversely, if the failure was unforeseeable, typically, each party bears their own costs. A written arborist assessment establishing that the risk was known and communicated serves as key evidence in any negligence claim.

Q: Is legal representation necessary to pursue a tree dispute in the Land and Environment Court?

A: No — the LEC Class 2 jurisdiction is designed to be accessible for individuals without legal representation, and many individuals successfully represent themselves. However, for cases involving significant damage, injury, or complex heritage issues, seeking legal advice before filing is advisable.

Q: Can my neighbour prevent me from trimming branches that extend over my property line?

A: No — your common law right to trim back to the boundary is well established. However, you must avoid causing unnecessary damage to the tree, cannot access their property without permission, and should verify if the tree is protected under a local Tree Preservation Order before proceeding with any cuts.

Q: Are roots damaging my pipes or foundations covered under the Trees Act?

A: Yes. Damage caused by roots to underground pipes, foundations, and structures falls within the scope of the Act. Obtain a report from a plumber or builder confirming the roots as the cause, along with an arborist assessment — together, these documents create a strong case.

Q: What steps should I take if my neighbour ignores my written notification about a dangerous tree?

A: Their lack of action after receiving your written notification significantly strengthens your position — both for an LEC application and for any future negligence claim if the tree causes damage or injury. Keep all correspondence and escalate to NSW Fair Trading mediation or the LEC if they remain unresponsive.

Connect with Our Experienced Arborists for Assistance Today

Are you facing a dispute with a neighbour over a tree?
Obtaining an independent arborist assessment is often the most effective first step; it provides both parties with objective information and establishes a written record of any identified risks.
Waratah Professional Tree Care offers onsite consultations starting at $110 for assessments of up to three trees in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, and Port Stephens.
Feel free to call us at 0414 706 653 or book an appointment online.