Hepburn Shire Council Tree Removal Services

Hepburn’s Tree Removal Experts

Milone’s Tree Solutions provides considered tree work for homes, rural properties and established town streets from Daylesford and Hepburn Springs to Creswick, Clunes and Trentham. We assess the tree, site and planning controls before recommending an approach.

Our qualified arborists bring 20+ years’ experience to tree removal, tree trimming, tree lopping and stump grinding. We also provide responsive emergency tree services and and help customers understand relevant local council regulations before work starts.

Understanding Hepburn Shire Council Tree Protection Requirements

Tree works in Hepburn Shire can be controlled by the planning scheme, particularly the Significant Tree Register and vegetation overlays. Native vegetation is also regulated shire-wide under Clause 52.17, so a tree being on private land does not necessarily mean it can be removed without approval.

When You Need a Permit

A planning permit may be needed where any of the following apply:

• The tree is listed through the Hepburn Significant Tree Register, which introduced tree controls through VPO2 and the Heritage Overlay.
• The vegetation is protected by VPO2, Schedule 2 to Clause 42.02, which covers listed exotic, native and indigenous trees on private and public land.
• Native vegetation is within 30 metres of a waterway in ESO1.
• Native vegetation is covered by SLO1, where removal, destruction or lopping requires a permit.
• You propose to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation, including dead native vegetation, under Clause 52.17.
• Under the new statewide Clause 52.37 Canopy Trees provision (introduced 15 September 2025), a planning permit is also required to remove, destroy or lop established canopy trees (over 5 metres tall with a trunk circumference over 0.5 metres and a canopy of 4 metres or more) in most residential zones.

When a Permit May Not Be Required

Some exemptions may apply, depending on the exact overlay and circumstances:

• Under VPO2, vegetation assessed as unsafe by a suitably qualified arborist may be exempt.
• VPO2 also exempts pruning for regeneration or ornamental shaping, and dead or dying vegetation unless it is a habitat tree.
• ESO1 generally does not require a permit for vegetation removal unless the vegetation is native and within 30 metres of a waterway.
• SLO1 allows exemptions for emergency works and for minor works, repairs and routine maintenance.
• In a designated Bushfire Prone Area, the state 10/30 rule may apply to eligible existing accommodation buildings, while the 10/50 rule applies where the Bushfire Management Overlay applies.

However, we always recommend contacting Hepburn Shire Council or consulting with our professional arborists to confirm whether a permit is required for your specific situation.

Hepburn Shire Council Permit Application Process

Planning fees are set by Council and the applicable charge depends on the type and class of application. Contact Council to confirm the current fee before lodging.

How to Apply

Start with Council’s Apply for a planning permit page, check whether the proposal is eligible for VicSmart assessment and review the application checklist. A strong tree application usually identifies the species and measurements, explains the reason for the work and includes clear photographs and, where needed, an arborist report. Milone’s Tree Solutions can prepare a comprehensive arborist report to support your application, and our tree removal permit advice service can guide you through the process.

Official Hepburn Shire Council Resources

• Hepburn Shire trees and vegetation information
• Hepburn Significant Tree Register
• Apply for a planning permit

Sources last checked: 7 August 2026.

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.

Common Trees Across Hepburn Shire

Hepburn’s streets, avenues and gardens combine cool-climate deciduous trees and eucalypts.

• Elms (Ulmus spp.): Elms are dominant in Daylesford, Clunes and Trentham, as well as the Glenlyon Avenue of Honour.
• Plane trees (Platanus spp.): Plane trees are the dominant street tree in Creswick.
• Ash (Fraxinus spp.): Ash is one of the established tree groups identified in Council’s street planting plan.
• Eucalypts, including Ironbark and Eucalyptus nicholii: These trees are part of the local planting mix and can require careful assessment where native vegetation controls apply.
• Cherry Plum (Prunus cerasifera ‘Nigra’): This ornamental species appears in the Shire’s street-tree planting plan.