Street Tree Bonds - Process Overview

Suburban scene with tall trees lining a grassy park. Brick houses and cars are visible beyond the trees.

Street trees are a vital part of Parramatta’s streetscape, and Council is committed to their protection. If you're planning development or footpath crossing works (e.g. driveway construction), Council may need to apply a bond on your street tree to ensure it is protected throughout the process.

When Is a Street Tree Bond Required?

A Street Tree Bond may be required if your works could impact public trees located on verges, footpaths, or parks. This applies to:

  • Development applications
  • Footpath crossing works (e.g. driveways)

Council strongly recommends completing a Tree Pre-Construction (Street/Park) Inspection before starting any works. This helps identify potential tree impacts early, ensures protection measures are in place, and avoids delays or additional costs later in the process.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Tree Inspection

Before any works begin, Council’s qualified Tree Arborists must inspect any public tree that may be affected. Council’s Public Tree team will initiate this step based on the method of your application submission.

  • Inspection Fee: $370
  • Timeframe: Typically completed within 28 days from date of application
  • Cost: Determined using the Burnley Tree Assessment Method

Following inspection, Council’s Public Tree team will work with you to identify the most suitable outcome for both the tree and your proposed works. This may include opportunities such as repositioning the footpath crossing or establishing Tree Protection Zones to ensure long-term tree health and project success.

Step 2: Tree Protection and Bonds

If a public tree may be impacted:

  • Council may set specific protection conditions, and a Street Tree Bond may be applied to ensure compliance
  • If removal is necessary, a Tree Offset Fee will be charged to cover replanting, maintenance, and canopy management

Council’s Public Tree team will guide you through this step by providing information on the bond amount and how it was calculated, as well as the payment process

Already started works?

Email streettreebond@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au with your development details. Council may need to conduct an inspection and apply a bond retrospectively to prevent any possible fines.

Step 3: Final Assessment and Completion

Once works are finalised:

Complete a Request for Release of Street Tree Bond Form(PDF, 249KB) and email to streettreebond@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au, who will arrange a post-construction inspection and will typically be completed within 28 days from date of application. Council will inspect the tree health, confirm compliance and inform you of the outcome, which may include:

  • If all conditions have been met, Council will organise the refund of your bond.
  • In the event where conditions have not been met, Council may retain part or all of the bond to cover remedial works or tree removal if protection was inadequate.
  • In some cases, ongoing monitoring may be required. The bond will be retained until Council confirms no adverse impact to the tree.

Further Information

What are Tree Offset Fees?

Tree Offset Fees support:

  • Planting and maintenance of new trees
  • Protection and management of existing canopy
  • Preservation of remnant, significant, and heritage trees

This ensures a greener, healthier urban environment across the Parramatta LGA.

How Are Trees Assessed?

Council uses the Burnley Tree Assessment Method, developed by the University of Melbourne’s Burnley Campus. It combines scientific and landscape-based criteria to evaluate trees fairly and transparently.

Assessment Criteria:

  • Tree Health (Physiological Condition)
  • Structural Integrity
  • Useful Life Expectancy (ULE)
  • Landscape and Amenity Value
  • Retention Value

This method is widely used by councils, arborists, and planners across Australia.

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