Tree Removal and Pruning Permits

Tree Removal Permits Required For:

You need approval to remove:

• Protected trees: Trees identified in the City's Local Planning Scheme as requiring protection
• Trees in heritage areas: Any tree within a designated heritage area
• Significant trees: Trees meeting specific criteria (see below)
• Street trees: Any tree in the verge or road reserve (City-owned)
• Trees on public land: Parks, reserves, and public spaces
• Trees subject to Tree Preservation Orders: Individually protected trees

What Makes a Tree "Significant"?

A tree is generally considered significant if it meets any of these criteria:

• Trunk circumference exceeds 2 meters (measured 1 meter above ground)
• Height exceeds 10 meters
• Age estimated over 50 years
• Rare or threatened species
• Historical, cultural, or social significance
• High landscape or amenity value
• Important habitat for native fauna
• Part of a significant vegetation group or remnant

Tree Pruning Permits

Permits may be required for significant pruning of:

• Protected or significant trees
• Trees in heritage areas
• Street trees and trees on public land
• Pruning that exceeds 30% of the canopy
• Major structural pruning

Exempt Tree Removal

You can remove trees without a permit if they meet ALL these conditions:

• On your private property
• Not protected, significant, or in heritage areas
• Trunk circumference less than 2 meters (at 1 meter height)
• Not subject to any Tree Preservation Order
• Not native species classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered

Exempt Pruning

Minor pruning is generally permitted without approval:

• Removal of dead, diseased, or damaged branches
• Minor trimming for clearance (powerlines, buildings, fences)
• Pruning less than 30% of canopy volume
• Standard horticultural maintenance
• Fruit trees and ornamental garden plants

Important: Even when exempt, you must ensure work complies with Australian Standard AS4373 (Pruning of Amenity Trees) and doesn't harm the tree's health.

Emergency Situations

Immediate action without permit is allowed when:

• Tree poses imminent danger to life or property
• Emergency services require access
• Tree has fallen or is falling

You must notify the City as soon as possible after emergency removal and provide evidence of the emergency.

Who Owns Street Trees?

Trees growing in the verge (area between your property and the road) are generally owned and managed by the City, even if they're in front of your property.

Removing or Pruning Street Trees

Property owners cannot remove or significantly prune street trees without City approval:

• Application required: Submit request to City
• Assessment: City arborist evaluates the tree and request
• Approved reasons: Dead, diseased, dangerous, damaging infrastructure, blocking sightlines
• Cost: City may cover costs for approved removals or charge property owner depending on circumstances
• Replacement: City typically plants replacement trees

Minor Maintenance of Street Trees

Property owners may:

• Water street trees during dry periods
• Remove weeds around tree base
• Report issues to the City

Property owners cannot:

• Prune or cut street trees
• Apply chemicals or paint to trees
• Attach items to trees (signs, lights, fencing)
• Damage roots during landscaping or construction

Step 1: Determine If You Need a Permit

1. Measure the tree (circumference at 1m height, overall height)
2. Check if the tree is on your property or City land
3. Review the City's planning scheme and local laws
4. Check for heritage overlays or Tree Preservation Orders
5. Contact the City if unsure

Step 2: Prepare Your Application

Step 3: Submit Application

Application Fees

Fees subject to annual review. Check website for current charges.

Assessment Criteria

The City's arborist and planning officers assess applications against:

• Tree health: Is the tree dead, dying, or diseased beyond recovery?
• Structural integrity: Does the tree pose genuine safety risk?
• Infrastructure damage: Is the tree causing significant, documented damage?
• Development requirements: Is removal necessary for approved development?
• Alternatives: Could pruning or other measures address concerns?
• Tree significance: What is the tree's environmental, aesthetic, and community value?
• Replacement potential: Can the tree be adequately replaced?

Site Inspection

For complex applications, a City arborist may conduct a site inspection:

• Assess tree condition firsthand
• Verify information in application
• Consider alternative solutions
• Provide expert recommendation

Processing Timeframes

Approved

If approved, you'll receive:

• Written approval letter
• Approval conditions (if any)
• Validity period (typically 12 months)
• Requirements for replacement planting (if applicable)

Approved with Conditions

Common conditions include:

• Replacement planting: Plant specified number and species of trees
• Method requirements: Use qualified arborist, follow Australian Standards
• Timing restrictions: Avoid bird nesting season
• Protection measures: Protect nearby trees during removal
• Reporting: Provide evidence of completion

Refused

Applications may be refused if:

• Insufficient justification provided
• Tree is healthy and not causing demonstrated problems
• Alternative solutions available (pruning, root barriers)
• Tree has exceptional significance
• Removal would significantly impact amenity or environment

Refusal notices explain reasons and outline appeal rights.

When Replacement is Required

Approved tree removal often requires replacement planting to offset loss:

• Number of replacements based on removed tree's significance
• Typically 2-5 trees for each significant tree removed
• Replacement species specified by City
• Must be planted within specified timeframe (usually 3-6 months)

Replacement Specifications

• Size: Minimum 25-litre pot or specified advanced stock
• Species: Native or approved species suitable for location
• Location: On same property, with adequate space
• Maintenance: Property owner responsible for establishment care
• Protection: Must be protected for specified period (often 3-5 years)

Alternative to Replacement Planting

In some cases, cash-in-lieu payment may be accepted:

• Where insufficient space for replacement trees
• Payment amount based on tree value formula
• Funds used by City for public tree planting programs

Using Qualified Professionals

For safety and compliance, use qualified professionals:

• Arborists: Australian Qualifications Framework Level 3 or higher
• Tree companies: Properly insured and licensed
• Compliance: Work must follow AS4373 (Pruning) and AS4373 (Tree Removal)

Safety Considerations

• Protect people and property during work
• Check for powerlines – contact Western Power if needed
• Consider impact on neighboring properties
• Ensure adequate public liability insurance

Completion Requirements

After completing work:

• Clean up all debris and remove stump (unless otherwise specified)
• Complete replacement planting if required
• Submit completion report if conditions require
• Provide photos of replacement trees if requested

Valid Reasons Often Approved:

• Dead or dying: Confirmed by arborist report
• Diseased beyond treatment: Poses biosecurity risk
• Structural failure risk: Documented safety hazard
• Major infrastructure damage: Proven damage to foundations, plumbing, driveways
• Approved development: Tree location prevents approved building

Reasons Often Not Approved:

• Leaf or debris nuisance: Normal tree behavior
• Blocking views: Not sufficient grounds alone
• Preference for different species: Personal preference insufficient
• Shading yard or solar panels: Unless severe and alternatives exhausted
• Tree too large: Size alone not justification
• Attracting birds or wildlife: Considered a benefit
• Pollen or allergies: Rarely sufficient grounds

Request for Reconsideration

• Submit within 14 days of decision
• Provide new evidence or information
• City will review and respond

State Administrative Tribunal (SAT)

• Appeal within 28 days of refusal
• Formal appeal process
• Application fees and potential legal costs apply
• SAT reviews decision on merits

Can I remove a tree because of hay fever?

Generally no. Pollen allergies alone are rarely sufficient grounds for removal. Consider other management strategies like antihistamines, closing windows, or air conditioning during pollen season.

The tree is dropping leaves/fruit/flowers on my property. Can I remove it?

No. This is normal tree behavior and not grounds for removal. Regular maintenance and cleanup are part of property ownership.

My neighbor's tree overhangs my property. What can I do?

You have a common law right to prune branches overhanging your property line, but only up to the boundary. You should first discuss with your neighbor. You cannot remove the entire tree, and you may need to return trimmings to your neighbor.

How long does approval last?

Typically 12 months from date of approval. If you don't remove the tree within this timeframe, you'll need to reapply.