Report a tree issue

We will clean up and remove branches and trees that have fallen onto public footpaths and walkways.

If the tree sits on private property, we will notify the property owner to remove it. We will not remove trees for new or existing construction works.

We also will not remove a tree if:

• blocks light into a property or solar panels
• blocks vehicle crossings
• has problems associated with animals or insects living in it
• is dropping seeds, leaves or sap
• obstructs satellite or other telecommunications signals
• obscures the view of business signage

Report damaged or fallen trees

We can assess dead, diseased or dying trees on Council managed land and determine the best solution to fix the issue.

Report dead, diseased or dying trees

We will:

• clean up and remove branches left behind by City of Stonnington contractors after tree work has taken place.

We will not:

• remove branches left behind on nature strips by third parties, such as private construction or electrical companies. 

Report branches left behind

We prune City of Stonnington trees as part of our regular pruning program.

We may prune outside the regular program times if a tree is classed as hazardous because it:

• blocks the view of a motor vehicle
• covers a road sign
• overhangs a public foot path
• touches electrical wires.

We will not prune a City of Stonnington tree because it:

• blocks light into a property or to solar panels
• blocks vehicle crossings, or new or existing construction works.
• has problems regarding animals or insects living in the tree
• is dropping seeds, leaves or sap
• obstructs satellite or telecommunications signals
• obstructs views of business signage

Report trees needing pruning

If a tree belonging to private property is overhanging a footpath, you can report it to us, and we can let the owner know.

Report tree or branch affecting public access

We can remove hazardous stumps. These will be ground back and filled with soil to ground level. 

Report a stump issue

We will:

• install a tree root barrier when we assess that it is needed and possible.
• perform assessment and prune the roots of a street tree if they are found to be impacting property

We will not:

• fix or repair damage to private property due to root issues. If the repair or damage relates to your private drains, please contact your plumber or insurer to learn more about your options.
• install a tree root barrier without an inspection confirming it is required
• remove roots from privately owned and managed storm water outlets

Report a tree root issue

As part of our tree planting program, we only plant trees between April and September. Any requests about planting a particular species will be taken into consideration for the next planting season.

We will:

• assess each planting request to find the best tree and location.
• plant new trees to replace trees that have been removed
• replace sick and dead trees with new trees
• water, mulch and remove pests from trees for the first two years after planting

We will not:

• irrigate nature strips
• plant on sites which may lead to further issues such as obstructed views

Submit a tree planting request

We will:

• assess each planting request to find the best tree and location.
• plant new trees to replace trees that have been removed
• replace sick and dead trees with new trees
• water, mulch and remove pests from trees for the first two years after planting

We will not:

• irrigate natures strips
• plant on sites which may lead to further issues such as obstructed views

Report tree needing watering or maintenance

If any tree poses a safety concern, call us on 03 8290 1333 so we can manage the hazard and ensure the area is safe as soon as practical.

A tree is a safety concern if it is:

• a falling hazard
• blocking a footpath or road
• causing a trip hazard
• damaged and hanging over footpath or road
• obstructing vision

Sometimes you may have concerns with a tree on a neighbouring property. The City of Stonnington does not resolve tree matters between neighbours. We recommend you speak to your neighbour to find a resolution.

If the branch overhangs a public footpath and is causing a concern, report it to us online and we can notify the owner.

If a branch hangs over the boundary of your property, you can prune it to the boundary point.

Prior to pruning the tree you must determine if the tree is a significant tree, if so you will need to apply for a Tree Works Permit before pruning it.

A significant tree is a tree that has a trunk circumference of 140 cm or larger when measured at 1.4 m above ground level.

Visit our Tree Works Permit page to apply or find out how to determine if a tree is significant.

Visit Dispute Settlement of Victoria to learn more about your rights with neighbouring tree concerns and how to resolve them.

We will:

• make public areas safe if a fallen tree or branch is causing a safety issue, such as blocking footpaths and roads or obstructing views
• notify owners of trees on private properties about footpath or road obstructions
• fast-track permits for removing trees on private properties that are a safety concern.

We will not:

• remove or prune a tree sitting on private properties
• force someone to remove or prune their tree.

How to report a tree concern

To help us process your request, please collect the following information:

• At least two images of the tree and area of concern (detailed image of the tree and an image showing the surrounding area).
• The exact address or location.
• The nearest road or landmark (if not a residential address).
• If it’s in a large open space, the nearest road or landmark.
• What the hazard is (touching power lines, blocking a footpath or road sign
• Tree measurements if it's relevant to the issue.

To assess the issue, we need to inspect the tree and the surrounding environment. This will help us decide the type of work we need to do, and the tools required.

If our assessment shows that tree works are required, we will schedule the work and notify you. For work such as tree removal, we will also notify those who are directly affected.

After the tree works are completed, the site and surrounding areas will be left safe and clean.

Future inspections can be scheduled if needed.