Regulated and significant trees

As of May 2024, the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 (the Act) has updated the definitions of what constitutes a regulated and significant tree:

Regulated trees

  • A single trunk with a circumference of 1m or more, when measured 1m above natural ground level; and
  • Multiple trunks with a total circumference of 1m or more and an average circumference of 310mm or more, when measured at 1m above natural ground level.

Significant trees

  • A single trunk with a circumference of 2m or more, when measured 1m above natural ground level; and
  • Multiple trunks with a total circumference of 2m or more and an average circumference of 625m or more, when measure 1m above natural ground level.

Find out more about the new Tree Reform Information and frequently asked questions on the PlanSA website.

Removal of regulated and/or significant trees

Applicants are welcome to lodge a proposal to remove a regulated and/or significant tree, however they must either plant replacement trees or pay a fee set out by SA legislation.

Option 1: Planting replacement trees

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

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: fruit trees are not considered adequate replacement trees and will not be entertained as such. 

Option 2: Payment into Urban Tree 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 Fund.

  • 2 (two) replacement trees for the removal of a regulated tree will invoke a fee of $1,000
  • 3 (three) replacement trees for the removal of a significant tree will invoke a fee of $1,500

Note: payment into the Urban Tree Fund will not be required if proposed replacement trees’ planting location is viable on subject site. 

SA Country Fire Service (SACFS / CFS)

The SACFS have prepared a document comprising of their position on managing mature/large trees on residential properties. Read the full statement here

Frequently asked questions

May I remove a tree I think is in danger falling onto my car/house?

An arborist report is required to assess the health and status of the subject tree(s) before a decision is made during assessment period.

Note: delay to provide an arborist report will put the development application on hold until provided. Legislative prosecutions apply if non-compliant actions against subject tree(s) is found to have been done. 

Can I prune a regulated and/or significant tree?

Under the PDI Act, unapproved activity is known as ‘tree-damaging activity’ and is defined as:

  • killing or destruction;
  • removal;
  • severing branches, limbs, stems or the trunk of a tree;
  • ring barking, topping or lopping; and
  • any other substantial damage.

Approved applications for tree pruning of regulated and significant trees states it to be no more than 30% of the crown of the tree every 5 years. Excessive pruning (more than 30% of trees’ crown) meets the definition of ‘tree-damaging activity’.

Note: through the Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017, heavy penalties apply to unapproved/ prohibited activity undertaken. 


Further information

PlanSA | Significant and regulated trees

PlanSA | FAQ Regulated and Significant Tree Reforms

PlanSA | Tree Reform Information

Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 | Part 1: Preliminary – interpretation of regulated and significant trees

Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017 | Part 1, 3F: Regulated and significant trees

SA Planning & Design Code | Part 10: Significant Trees

PlanSA | Ministers Notice: List of exempt species

Legal Services Commission SA | Significant and Regulated Trees