Understanding the 10/50 Rule for Trees in NSW

If you live in a bushfire-prone area of New South Wales, you may have heard of the 10/50 rule. Officially known as the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme, this regulation allows eligible homeowners to clear certain vegetation around their homes to help reduce bushfire risk—without needing council approval.

What is the 10/50 Rule?

The 10/50 rule gives property owners the ability to create a safer space around their home by managing nearby vegetation. If your property is located within a designated entitlement area, you can:

• Remove trees within 10 metres of your home

• Clear shrubs, grass, and undergrowth (but not trees) within 50 metres of your home

This clearing is intended to reduce the intensity of a bushfire and help protect both people and property.

Who Can Use It?

Not every property qualifies. The scheme only applies to land that falls within mapped 10/50 entitlement areas, which are identified based on bushfire risk. Before doing any clearing, it’s essential to confirm your eligibility using the official NSW Rural Fire Service map.

Important Rules and Limitations

While the scheme offers flexibility, it comes with clear conditions:

• You can only clear vegetation on your own land

• The rule applies to existing homes (not vacant land)

• There are restrictions near waterways, such as rivers and lakes

• Certain environmentally protected areas may be excluded

• A “tree” must meet a specific definition under the scheme

It’s also important to ensure your clearing activities don’t conflict with other legal requirements, such as development consents or property covenants.

Why the 10/50 Rule Matters

Bushfires are a real and ongoing risk across NSW. The 10/50 rule was introduced to help homeowners take proactive steps to protect their properties by creating a defensible space. By reducing nearby fuel loads, you can significantly improve your home’s chances of withstanding a fire.

A Simple Way to Remember

• 10 metres = trees can be removed

• 50 metres = smaller vegetation can be cleared

Final Thoughts

The 10/50 rule is a practical tool for managing bushfire risk, but it’s not a blanket permission to clear land. Always check your property’s eligibility and understand the conditions before starting any work.

If you’re unsure whether your property is covered, consider checking with the NSW Rural Fire Service or your local council for guidance.