Identifying regulated and significant trees

As of May 2024, the Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017 was amended to update the definitions of what constitutes a regulated and significant tree:

Regulated trees

a single trunk with a circumference of 1 metre or more - when measured 1 metre above natural ground level
multiple trunks with a total circumference of 1 metre or more and an average circumference of 310 millimetres or more – when measured at 1 metre above natural ground level.

Reference: Significant and regulated trees | PlanSA

Significant trees

a single trunk with a circumference of 2 metres or more measured at a point 1 metre above natural ground level
multiple trunks with a total circumference of 2 metres or more and an average circumference of 625 millimetres or more when measured 1 metre above natural ground level.

Reference: Significant and regulated trees | PlanSA

Removal of Regulated and Significant trees on private property

Applicants may lodge a proposal to remove a regulated and/or significant tree on private land with Landowners consent. However, they must either plant replacement trees or pay a contribution fee into the Urban Tree Canopy Off-set Fund.

Option 1: Planting replacement trees

Removal of one (1) regulated tree requires two (2) replacement trees
Removal of one (1) significant tree requires three (3) replacement trees

Note A: Replacement trees are not to be a species listed in the Minister’s exempt species list and are not to be planted within 3m of an existing dwelling or existing in-ground swimming pool.

Note B: Fruit trees are not considered adequate replacement trees and will not be entertained as such.

Option 2: Payment into the Urban Tree Canopy Off-set Fund

Where replacement trees are not viable for subject site (i.e. not enough space between a residential dwelling and property boundary), a legislative fee of each replacement tree is to be made into the Urban Tree Canopy Off-set Fund.

Understand the Urban Tree Fund Scheme on PlanSA here

SA CFS

The SACFS (SA Country Fire Service) have prepared a position statement document that outlines what managing mature/large tree on residential properties entails.

Read the full statement here

Additionally, if you’re interested to know more about the SACFS’ development assessment process as the referral Fire Authority, click on the link below to be redirected to their development assessment page for an informative insight.

Learn more on their website here