Can I remove a tree because its roots keep blocking my sewer?

Not on that ground if the pipe is earthenware or in poor condition: Georges River Council's 2024 policy rules out approval for that reason. Repairing or relining the pipe is the practical route.

Do I need permission to cut tree roots for a drain repair in Hurstville?

Usually. Works to any part of a tree, including cutting its roots, need Council approval unless the work is exempt under Council's Tree Management Policy.

Plumbers in Hurstville: tree roots, earthenware pipes and permits

Plumbers in Hurstville Fix the pipe, not the tree.

In Hurstville, Georges River Council won't approve removing a tree because its roots got into an earthenware or run-down pipe, and cutting roots on most trees needs its approval. So a root problem here is a pipe problem. Tell us about it and we'll match you with a licence-checked plumber who specialises in drains, roots and relining.

Hurstville facts

Units first

61.4% of the suburb's occupied homes were flats or apartments in 2021, and 30.0% separate houses.

Close to half rent

47.4% of Hurstville homes were rented, against 32.6% across NSW.

Georges River Council

All of Hurstville is in the Georges River council area, going by ABS boundary files.

What counts as a tree

Council treats vegetation with a trunk 100 mm or more across at ground level, or a branch spread of 3 metres or more, as a tree. Works to any part of one, roots included, need approval unless exempt.

Roots in an old pipe

Council's 2024 Tree Management Policy is direct about it. Removing or pruning a tree to cut down blockages won't be approved where the roots have entered a drain or sewer that is earthenware, in poor condition or in disrepair. The pipe is the thing to fix.

That leaves two routes: replace the damaged length, or reline it so the old joints are sealed inside a new lining. A drain specialist can film the line and tell you which suits. Our pipe relining page compares them.

Digging near a tree

Because cutting roots counts as work on a tree, a repair trench that passes close to one can need approval before it's dug. Ask the plumber where the trench will run, then check with Council.

On the sewer side, Sydney Water says roots in the junction at the point of connection are the owner's to clear, and the owner's pipes run up to that point.

Apartment blocks

With most Hurstville homes in blocks, a blockage can sit in a line several units share. Sydney Water leaves a shared private line with all the owners it serves, so the strata manager needs to know early. For the job itself see blocked drains in Sydney, and we'll match you with a licence-checked drain specialist.

What we would do

Ask for the camera footage before agreeing to anything. If it shows roots through cracked earthenware joints, don't spend money on a tree application that Council's policy rules out. Put it into the pipe instead, and if the trench needs to go near a protected tree, get Council's approval first.