Greater Geelong Council Tree Removal

Greater Geelong Council Tree Removal Specialist

Milone’s Tree Solutions provides expert tree removal services across the Greater Geelong region, ensuring all work complies with local council regulations and planning scheme requirements. With over 25 years of experience serving Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula, our qualified arborists understand the specific tree protection measures, overlay requirements and permit processes that apply throughout the City of Greater Geelong. From Geelong CBD and Newtown to Ocean Grove, Lara, Leopold and the coastal townships, we deliver professional tree trimming, stump grinding, tree lopping and emergency tree services that meet all council standards. Whether you need arborist assessments for planning permits, crown reduction to meet clearance requirements, or complete tree removal for dangerous or damaged trees, our fully insured team has the expertise and equipment to handle any project safely and efficiently. We provide detailed advice on Greater Geelong’s planning scheme overlays, assist with permit applications when required, and ensure your tree works comply with both council regulations and Victorian native vegetation laws.

Understanding Greater Geelong’s Tree Protection Regulations

The City of Greater Geelong takes a balanced approach to tree protection on private land. Unlike some metropolitan councils, Greater Geelong generally does not require permits for tree removal on standard residential properties. However, tree protection controls may apply if your property is subject to specific planning overlays or conditions.

When You May Need a Permit in Greater Geelong

A planning permit for tree removal may be required if your property is affected by:

• Heritage Overlay (HO): Properties with heritage significance may have specific tree protection requirements, particularly for significant or heritage-listed trees
• Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO): Areas with native vegetation or environmentally significant trees that require protection
• Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO): Properties in designated landscape areas where trees contribute to the character of the precinct
• Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO): Areas with environmental values including vegetation and habitat
• Previous Planning Permits: Properties with existing planning permits that include conditions requiring tree retention or protection

Native Vegetation Removal Regulations

If your property contains native vegetation, you may need to comply with Victoria’s native vegetation removal regulations. Native vegetation includes indigenous trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses. The removal of native vegetation, including standing dead trees with a diameter of 40cm or more, typically requires approval unless a valid exemption applies.

How to Check if Your Property Requires a Permit

To determine whether your Greater Geelong property requires a planning permit for tree works:

1. Check the planning overlays that apply to your property using the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme
2. Review your property’s planning history for any existing permit conditions
3. Contact the City of Greater Geelong Planning Department on (03) 5272 5272 for clarification
4. Consult with our experienced arborists who can assess your specific situation

Applying for a Tree Removal Permit

If a planning permit is required for your tree removal project, Milone’s Tree Solutions can assist with the application process. You can submit applications:

• Online through the Greater Geelong planning permit application portal
• Via email to the planning department
• In person at Wurriki Nyal, 100 Brougham Street, Geelong
• By mail to City of Greater Geelong

Applications typically require detailed information including property details, reasons for removal, tree species and size information, and supporting documentation such as arborist reports where necessary.

Council’s Tree Management Policy

The City of Greater Geelong is actively working to improve urban forest coverage and tree canopy throughout the region. The council plants approximately 1,050 new street trees annually whilst removing around 1,000 public trees that are dead, diseased, dangerous or no longer suitable for their location.

Greater Geelong is currently exploring options to strengthen tree protection on residential land through community consultation. The council recognises the importance of balancing property owner rights with environmental conservation and community amenity.

Maintaining Vegetation on Your Property

Property owners in Greater Geelong must maintain their trees and vegetation to ensure public safety and amenity. Requirements include:

• Vegetation overhanging onto public land must not extend more than 10 centimetres beyond your fence line
• Trees must provide at least 2.4 metres of clearance over footpaths, pathways and nature strips
• Clearance of 3.6 metres is required over laneways
• Regular maintenance to prevent hazards or obstructions to public spaces

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.