Boroondara Council Tree Removal Services

Boroondara’s Tree Removal Experts

When you need professional tree services in Boroondara, understanding the council’s comprehensive tree protection regulations is essential. The City of Boroondara maintains some of Melbourne’s most stringent tree protection laws, designed to preserve the municipality’s valued urban canopy across suburbs from Kew to Camberwell, Hawthorn to Balwyn. Whether you’re dealing with a dangerous tree, planning a renovation, or simply need routine maintenance, navigating permit requirements can be complex. Milone’s Tree Solutions provides expert tree removal, tree trimming, and stump grinding services across all Boroondara suburbs, whilst ensuring full compliance with local council requirements.

Understanding Boroondara Council Tree Protection Requirements

The City of Boroondara has comprehensive tree protection laws designed to preserve the municipality’s urban forest. These regulations apply to both canopy trees and significant trees, even when they are dead or classified as weed species.

Canopy Trees

A canopy tree in Boroondara is defined as any tree with:

• A trunk circumference of 110cm or more measured at 1.4 metres above ground level, OR
• A trunk circumference of 150cm or more measured at ground level
• For multi-stemmed trees, the circumference is the sum of all stems measured at 1.4 metres above ground level

Significant Trees

Significant trees are protected due to their impressive size, age, rarity, ecological value, or cultural and historical significance. These may be individual trees, avenues, or hedges on either public or private property. Check the Boroondara Significant Tree Register to determine if your tree is listed.

When You Need a Permit

You must obtain a Tree Protection Local Law Permit to:

• Remove a canopy tree (including dead trees or weed species)
• Remove or prune a significant tree (including dead trees or weed species)
• Perform works within 2 metres of a canopy tree’s trunk
• Perform works within the Tree Protection Zone of a significant tree

Planning Permits

Properties located within the following overlays require a Planning Permit instead of a Tree Protection Local Law Permit:

• Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO)
• Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO)
• Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO)

These overlays commonly affect properties near the Yarra River in suburbs such as Kew, Balwyn North, and Hawthorn. Use the Boroondara Planning Maps to check if your property is affected.

When a Permit May Not Be Required

A permit is generally not required for:

• Trees below the canopy tree size threshold (less than 110cm circumference at 1.4m)
• Trees not listed on the Significant Tree Register
• Pruning canopy trees when work complies with relevant Australian Standards
• Emergency removal of the immediate hazardous portion of a tree (though council notification is recommended)
• Properties not within SLO, ESO, or VPO areas (for non-canopy, non-significant trees)

Note: Even if your tree doesn’t require a council permit, professional arborist services are recommended to ensure safe and proper tree work.

Boroondara Council Permit Application Process

Application Fees

• Prune a significant tree: $70.00
• Remove a canopy or significant tree: $140.00

How to Apply

1. Check Permit Requirements Use the Boroondara myLot tool to determine if your tree requires a permit.

2. Submit Online Application Complete the online Tree Protection Local Law Permit application through the Boroondara Council website.

3. Provide Supporting Documentation Your application should include:

• Site plan showing tree location
• Photographs of the tree
• Arborist reports (if applicable)
• Structural engineer reports (for damage-related applications)
• Licensed plumber reports (for infrastructure issues)

4. Council Assessment Council will assess your application within 10 business days. A council arborist may visit your property to inspect the tree.

5. Permit Approval Approved permits are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Appeals Process

If your application is refused, you can lodge an appeal within 60 days. Appeals must include new or supporting evidence that wasn’t provided in the original application. Allow 2-3 months for appeal assessment.

Disclaimer :

The information provided on this page is intended as general guidance only. Permit requirements for tree pruning, removal, and any works vary between local councils and may change without notice.

If in doubt, or for the avoidance of doubt, Milone’s Tree Solutions strongly advises all customers to conduct their own due diligence and contact their local council directly to confirm whether permits, consents or approvals are required before proceeding with any tree works.

Milone’s Tree Solutions accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss, penalty, or action resulting from reliance on the information contained herein or from failure to obtain the necessary permits prior to works being undertaken.