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.

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.

As of May 2024, the rates payable are:

Tree size	Rate ($ per tree)
Small	$500
Large	$1,000
Medium	$1,500

Read more on PlanSA’s urban tree canopy off-set scheme page.

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