Tree Works Permit

Key information

On 15 September 2025, the State Government introduced Clause 52.37 – Canopy Trees into all Victorian planning schemes. This clause introduced additional planning permit requirements to remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree.

If your property is in a Residential Zone you may need a planning permit to remove, destroy or lop a tree - even if the land isn't affected by any overlays.

You may need a Tree Works Permit to remove, prune or undertake works on or near a significant tree on your property, or a neighbouring property.

General Local Law (page 41) protects trees deemed "significant" on private properties. If you remove or damage a significant tree without a permit, you will receive a penalty or fine. 

You must apply for a Tree Works Permit to: 

  • remove a significant tree 
  • prune a significant tree 
  • undertake works that will affect roots in the area surrounding a significant tree (Tree Protection Zone) including Council-managed trees.

Examples of works include: 

  • building 
  • compaction 
  • excavation 
  • filling or storing materials and equipment 
  • trenching or digging.

Urgent removal or pruning of significant trees

For significant trees that need urgent removal or pruning, a qualified arborist must assess the tree before you call us for approval. You must email their assessment to Council to apply for a Tree Works Permit.

When you need a planning permit

You may need a planning permit to remove, destroy or lop a tree if your land is in a:

  • Significant Landscape Overlay:
    • Schedule 1- Yarra (Birrarung) River Corridor Environs
    • Schedule 2 - Gardiner Creek (Kooyongkoot)
  • Neighbourhood Character Overlay:
    • Schedule 1 - Hedgeley Dene Precinct
    • Schedule 8 - Lalbert Crescent Precinct
  • Heritage Overlay with specific tree controls
  • Public Acquisition Overlay

You may also need a planning permit to remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree if your land is in a:

  • Residential Growth Zone
  • General Residential Zone
  • Neighbourhood Residential Zone
  • Housing Choice and Transport Zone

  • Mixed Use Zone

For these zones, you need a planning permit if any of the following apply:

  • the land is vacant
  • the land is vacant and a new single dwelling is proposed (and only a building permit is required)
  • the tree is defined as a boundary canopy tree.

You may need a planning permit for tree/canopy tree works, regardless of whether the tree is deemed 'significant'.

You can use our interactive map to find out which property zones and overlays apply to your property. 

If you do not live in one of these areas and you need a planning permit for activities like a house extension that will include tree works, you also need a Tree Works Permit in addition to the planning permit.

How to determine if a tree is significant

The General Local Law (page 41) applies to any damage, removal or pruning done to a significant tree and its Tree Protection Zone. This is the area surrounding the tree's trunk that contains the roots.

A tree or palm is considered significant if it meets the below following criteria.

At ground level:

  • the trunk circumference is 180 cm or more
  • if there are multiple trunks, the total circumference of all trunks adds up to 180 cm or more.
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At 1.4 m above ground level:

  • the trunk circumference is 140 cm or more
  • if there are multiple trunks, the total circumference of all trunks adds up to 140 cm or more.
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To learn more about how to determine if a tree is significant, refer to pages 41 and 42 in General Local Law.

We recommend keeping a copy of the measurements and images of the tree for future references.

Trees on neighbouring properties

Significant trees

If you have concerns about a significant tree on a neighbouring property, we advise you to talk to the property owner about any pruning you wish to do.

A significant tree that overhangs the boundary of your property can only be pruned after you received a permit. We suggest that you inform your neighbours of any potential works.

Non-significant trees

You do not need a permit for minor pruning of a non-significant tree that overhangs the boundary of your property.

For advice on how to start a conversation with your neighbour about trees and find a resolution, visit the Dispute Settlement of Victoria website.

Council-managed trees

If you have an issue with a Council-managed tree please contact us.

Apply for a Tree Works Permit

Check if you need a permit for tree works

Assess whether your planned tree works require a permit.

Check if you need a permit

Prepare your documents

To help us assess your application, have the following documents ready:

  • map showing the tree's location on the property (such as a drawing of your property or site plan showing the tree's location)
  • at least two images of the tree and the issue, including one close-up and one of the surrounding area (acceptable file formats: PDF, DOCX, JPEG, PNG, GIF).

If you are an arborist or a company applying on behalf of the owner, you must also provide a letter of authorisation.

You can only apply for a permit to remove a tree if you own the property or have a letter of authorisation.

If you are a business, you must also provide proof of director’s identity (such as a copy of an ASIC company extract and driver’s licence).

If you are an owners corporation, you must also provide:

  • letter of authorisation from the owners corporation manager supporting the proposed tree works
  • owners corporation number.

If applying for a permit to prune a tree on a neighbouring property, we suggest notifying them before you apply.

If you rent the property, contact your owner’s corporation or property manager. Ask them to apply for a permit and perform the tree works on your behalf.

Submit your application

You can submit your application online.

Apply online

If you're unable to apply online, complete the Tree Works Permit application form(PDF, 175KB) and submit it:

  • by email: send us your application and required documents via email. 
  • in person: bring your application and required documents to our service centre.

If all details are correct, we will contact you to arrange payment after your application has been received.

Your tree is assessed

Stonnington consultants and arborists will work together to inspect the tree and determine the suitability of the work.

We may contact you if we need further documentation or authorisation.

Receive a response

Once your application is approved, we will send your Tree Works Permit to you via email.

If a permit is not issued, you will receive an application outcome letter explaining why. If you're unhappy with the result, you can appeal the outcome with Council. You will need to provide supporting evidence. This may involve a process review by a senior officer to ensure your application was assessed fairly. Instructions on how to appeal will be included in your application outcome letter.

 

Contact us

Find out how you can get in touch

Timing

Up to four weeks for permit assessment and approval

Cost

A non-refundable assessment fee is charged at the time of application.

  • Pruning: $102.00 per tree
  • Removal: $136.00 per tree
  • Works in a Tree Protection Zone: $102.00

For cost of planning permits, visit the planning fees page.

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