What is the 10/50 rule for trees in NSW?

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If you live in Western Sydney or other bushfire-prone areas, you’ve probably heard of the 10/50 rule in NSW—but what does it really mean for homeowners? With rising fire risks across New South Wales, vegetation management around homes is more important than ever. The 10/50 vegetation clearing rule allows certain property owners to clear trees and vegetation without council approval, but only under specific conditions.

Let’s break down what the NSW Rural Fire Service 10/50 rule is, how it helps with fire risk reduction, and when you can legally cut down trees on your property in NSW.

How the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Rule Works

The 10/50 fire safety rule in NSW was introduced by the NSW RFS to help residents create a defensible space around their homes in areas at risk of bushfire. If your property is within a 10/50 clearing entitlement area, the rule allows you to:

Clear trees within 10 metres of your home
Remove underlying vegetation (like shrubs) within 50 metres

All without needing local council approval.

Sounds simple? Not quite. You must check if your property qualifies under the 10/50 vegetation clearing code, and you must follow the 10/50 code of practice in NSW to remain compliant.

You can check your clearing entitlement here using the official NSW RFS 10/50 Online Tool.

Important: The rule only applies to residential and farm properties in designated bushfire zones.

It doesn’t give you blanket permission to clear protected species, heritage trees, or vegetation near water bodies.

Can I Cut Down Trees on My Property in NSW?

If your home is within a 10/50 area, and the vegetation meets the rule’s conditions, then yes—you can likely carry out compliant tree removal in NSW.

However, outside the 10/50 rule, most tree work will require approval from your local council. In some areas of Western Sydney, strict tree removal regulations in NSW still apply due to environmental protections or development controls.

So, before grabbing the chainsaw:

Check if your home is in a clearing entitlement area
Understand tree lopping regulations in NSW
Review local council tree removal policies

If you're not sure, it's best to speak with a qualified arborist in Western Sydney, like our team at GDE Tree Services.

We’re fully up-to-date with NSW rules and provide:

Managing Fire-Prone Vegetation Safely & Legally

Even if the 10/50 vegetation clearing rule applies to your home, poor cutting or unsafe removal can lead to damaged property—or worse, injuries.

Working with a certified tree specialist ensures:

Proper vegetation management near homes
Compliance with NSW RFS tree removal requirements
Safe trimming or lopping to reduce bushfire hazards
Protection of heritage or environmentally sensitive trees

We always recommend professional tree trimming for bushfire safety instead of DIY approaches, especially when trees are close to homes, power lines, or roads.

Looking for help managing bushfire vegetation clearing in Western Sydney? Our arborists offer honest advice, upfront quotes, and fast service.

Do I Need Council Approval to Cut Down a Tree in NSW?

The short answer:

YES – If you’re outside a 10/50 entitlement area
NO – If you're within a clearing area and follow the 10/50 code of practice in NSW

Regardless of the rule, we recommend contacting your local council or reviewing this government fact sheet to confirm what’s allowed in your specific suburb.

Know the Law, Stay Fire Ready

Living near bushland in Western Sydney means being proactive about fire preparation. The 10/50 rule in NSW gives residents more control, but it’s not a free-for-all. Whether you need to clear space, remove a dangerous tree, or prep for the next fire season, understanding the rules is key.

Don’t risk fines or damage by going it alone. GDE Tree Services is here to help you stay safe, compliant, and fire-ready.