Tree removal/pruning

If you have a tree on your property, you may need a permit to prune, remove, or undertake works within the Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) of the tree. A permit may be required under either the Glen Eira Planning Scheme (the Scheme) or our Canopy Tree Protection Local Law (the Local Law).

Where a tree meets the requirements for a permit under both the Scheme and the Local Law, the Scheme prevails (ie. you only need to apply for a permit under the Scheme in that instance).

Permit requirements under the Scheme

Under Clause 52.37 of the Scheme, a planning permit is required to remove, destroy or lop a ‘canopy tree’ in specific situations. A ‘canopy tree’ is defined as a tree with:

• a height of more than 5 metres above ground level; and
• a trunk circumference of more than 0.5 metres, measured at 1.4 metres above ground level; and
• a canopy diameter of at least 4 metres.

A planning permit is only required if the tree meets the above criteria and is:

• Located on residentially zoned land.
• The land is vacant; or
• The land contains an existing dwelling and the tree is located within:
  • 6 metres of the street frontage boundary (for corner sites it is the narrowest of the street frontages); or
  • 5 metres of the rear boundary.

A planning permit is not required to prune a canopy tree, provided it is no more than one third of the foliage, and that it does not result in pruning or lopping the trunk of the tree, or it reduces the height or canopy of the tree to less than 5 metres and 4 metres respectively.

A planning permit is not required to remove a tree where it presents an immediate risk of personal injury or damage to property. In this event, it is recommended that detailed evidence is obtained such as a statement from a qualified arborist and photos.

There are further exemptions to the above requirements that are set out in Clause 52.37 of the Scheme.

Permit requirements under the Local Law

Canopy tree

Under the Local Law, a permit is required to prune, remove or undertake works within the (Tree Protection Zone) TPZ of a ‘canopy tree’ located on private land, which is defined as a:

• palm tree taller than eight metres measured from ground level.
• tree with a stump circumference of 140 centimetres or more measured at ground level.
• tree taller than five metres measured from ground level.
• trunk circumference of 140 centimetres or more measured at a point 140 centimetres along the trunk’s length from ground level.
• combined trunk circumference of 140 centimetres or more measured at a point 140 centimetres along the trunks’ lengths from ground level.

Classified tree

A classified tree is a tree that is recorded in the Classified Tree Register. The Classified Tree Register is an evolving list of the most valuable and important trees in our city and acknowledges and documents trees on Council and private land. It enables us to protect trees from indiscriminate damage and removal. It also ensures that current and future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits these trees offer.

A permit is required under the Local Law to prune, remove or undertake works within the TPZ of a ‘classified tree’.

Exemption

You can undertake minor pruning of a tree once a year without a permit, provided that no more than 10 per cent of the canopy is removed and branches no larger than 10 centimetres in circumference at the point of attachment are removed.

A permit is not required to remove or prune trees to make a hazard safe, such as after storm damage. In this event, it is recommended that detailed evidence is obtained such as a statement from a qualified arborist and photos.

More information

To confirm whether you need a permit for the removal, pruning, lopping or destruction of a tree, please lodge a request here:

Information on the planning permit requirements can be found here:

• Clause 52.37 – Canopy trees
• State Government – Protecting and enhancing our tree canopy for a greener Victoria

For further information, please contact our Planning and Building Services team by calling 9524 3333.