The NSW Rural Fire Service will consider amendments to controversial vegetation-clearing laws for bushfire zones as more evidence emerges of homeowners in built-up urban areas using the new powers to clear land for development and improving harbour views.

Residents in Seaforth have complained a number of large gum trees have been cut down on the back of the 10/50 vegetation clearing code of practice for bushfires that came into effect this month.

It follows concerns that homeowners in Mosman, Hornsby, Lane Cove and Beecroft, which have been all been designated as bushfire zones, will use the laws to clear unwanted trees.

Residents in Lane Cove reported a much-admired gum tree had been ringbarked last week, after a failed attempt to cut it down, just in case the 10/50 laws were changed before the tree could be removed.

One resident said: "This is a classic example of how the code is impacting on neighbourhood trees. I was out walking this morning and I could hear the chainsaws going even in the rain."