Tree Removal Questions Melbourne Homeowners Ask

Permits and council rules

Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property?

It depends on where you live. In Victoria, controls on trees on private land come from your council's planning scheme (overlays such as Heritage, Vegetation Protection, Significant Landscape, Environmental Significance and Bushfire Management), from state native vegetation rules, and in some municipalities from a council local law that protects larger trees. Our permit guide explains each one.

How do I find out which overlays apply to my house?

Victoria's planning property reports list the zones and overlays for an address, and your council's planning department can confirm what they mean for a particular tree. Ask the council in writing if you want a clear record.

What about a tree on the nature strip?

Street trees belong to the council. Do not prune or remove them yourself. Contact your council about any problem with a street tree.

Neighbours and boundaries

My neighbour's tree hangs over my yard. Can I cut it back?

In Victoria there is no specific tree-dispute law; overhanging branches are generally dealt with under the common law of nuisance. People commonly trim overhanging branches back to the boundary, but planning controls on the tree still apply, and you should talk to your neighbour first. If there is a dispute, the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria offers free mediation.

The tree is on the boundary. Whose is it?

A tree is generally treated as belonging to the property where its trunk stands. If the trunk straddles the boundary, both owners have an interest, so agree on the work in writing before anyone cuts.

Stumps, roots and clean-up

Is the stump removed with the tree?

Only if the quote says so. A standard removal leaves a low stump. You can have it ground below the surface or dug out with the roots.

What happens to the wood and branches?

Branches are usually chipped on site. Logs are removed or cut and left as firewood if you ask. Mulch can be left for garden beds.

Can roots damage my house?

Large trees on Melbourne's reactive clay soils can contribute to soil movement near footings, and roots often find their way into old pipes. If you are concerned about a tree near the house, ask your builder or a structural engineer as well as a tree contractor.

On the day

Do I need to be home?

Not always, but it is best to be there at the start to confirm exactly which trees are coming down and at the end to check the clean-up.

How long will it take?

A small tree can take an hour or two. A large tree close to a house, taken down in sections, is often a full day.

What if it rains?

Light rain rarely stops work, but strong wind, storms and very wet ground can delay it for safety reasons or to protect lawns from machines.

Power lines and storm damage

The tree is touching power lines. What do I do?

Stay well clear and contact your electricity distributor. Trees near powerlines must be worked on by people who are authorised for it. Never try to cut a branch that is touching a line.

A tree has fallen in a storm. Who do I call?

If anyone is hurt or a line is down, call emergency services first. For storm and flood help in Victoria, VICSES can be contacted on 132 500. Once the scene is safe, a contractor can quote on removing the tree.

Quotes and paperwork

What should a written quote include?

Each tree or area of work clearly identified, the method, what happens to the stump, wood and mulch, how fences, roofs and gardens are protected, and who is responsible for any permit. If any of those are missing, ask before you accept.

Should I get more than one quote?

It is reasonable to compare, especially on larger jobs. Compare like with like: one quote that includes stump grinding and wood removal is not comparable with one that leaves both behind.

What should I check before the crew starts?

Ask to see the contractor's licences and insurance certificate, confirm the trees to be removed on site, and make sure any permit is in hand. We ask the contractors we work with to hold the licences and insurance the job needs.

Palms and bamboo

Can large palms be removed?

Yes. Palm tree removal is usually done from the top down, with the crown removed first. Some heritage palms need permits.

Will bamboo come back?

It can if rhizomes are left behind. Good bamboo removal digs out the rhizomes, and new shoots should be cut as they appear.