Macedon Ranges Shire Council Tree Removal Services

Macedon Ranges’ Tree Removal Experts

Milone’s Tree Solutions works across Gisborne, Kyneton, Woodend, Romsey and Riddells Creek, where established township trees meet treed ranges, rural blocks and bushfire-prone landscapes. We assess each job in the context of access, tree condition and the local planning controls that may apply.

With 20+ years’ experience, our qualified arborists deliver tree removal, tree trimming and tree lopping where a careful, site-specific approach is needed. We can also provide stump grinding after removal, emergency tree services for urgent hazards and guidance on local council regulations.

Understanding Macedon Ranges Shire Council Tree Protection Requirements

Macedon Ranges has extensive native vegetation and several planning controls that can affect private-property tree work. Council advises that native vegetation may be protected by overlays, a Section 173 agreement or a covenant on title, so check the planning controls before clearing, pruning or removing a tree.

When You Need a Permit

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

• You propose to remove native vegetation, including dead native vegetation, which is regulated shire-wide by Clause 52.17.
• The vegetation is protected by a Significant Landscape Overlay, Environmental Significance Overlay, Vegetation Protection Overlay or Heritage Overlay.
• The property is subject to a Section 173 agreement or covenant that controls vegetation removal.
• The tree is a remnant Black Gum (Eucalyptus aggregata) protected by VPO1.
• The site is within SLO1, which covers the Macedon Massif forest and landscape, including Hanging Rock.
• 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

The exemptions depend on the specific control and circumstances:

• VPO1 lists exemptions for signs, unenclosed buildings, repairs and routine maintenance, and certain public-authority vegetation, fire-protection or environmental works.
• In a designated Bushfire Prone Area, the state 10/30 rule may apply to eligible existing accommodation buildings.
• The 10/50 rule may apply where the Bushfire Management Overlay applies, and a state boundary-fence clearing exemption also exists.
• Do not remove vegetation, including dead trees or fallen limbs, from Council land or a road without authorisation. The Community Local Law 2023 protects Council vegetation.

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

Note: trees on nature strips, road reserves and parks are managed by Macedon Ranges Shire Council. Report concerns about council-managed trees to council rather than arranging private works.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Permit Application Process

Fees vary by application type and development cost. Council publishes the current schedule, with most planning fees set by the State Government and adjusted annually.

How to Apply

Use Council’s Apply for a planning permit page and its vegetation removal checklist, after first checking Do I Need A Permit. Include the species, measurements, reason for removal, photographs and any relevant arborist report so Council can understand the scope. 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 Macedon Ranges Shire Council Resources

• Macedon Ranges native vegetation information
• Do I Need A Permit
• 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 Macedon Ranges Shire

The Shire’s trees range from remnant forest species to notable avenue and garden trees.

• Pin Oak (Quercus palustris): The Mount Macedon Honour Avenue has 156 trees, all but two of which are Pin Oaks.
• Algerian Oak and Daimyo Oak: These are the two non-Pin Oak specimens identified in the Mount Macedon Honour Avenue.
• Black Gum (Eucalyptus aggregata): This remnant species is specifically protected by VPO1.
• Mountain Ash and Alpine Ash: Both occur at the edge of their range in the Mount Macedon forests.
• Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora): Snow gum forest occupies 80 hectares on the highest peaks.
• Exotic conifers and deciduous garden trees: Mount Macedon’s historic gardens include rare tree collections, including a Himalayan Fir recorded as one of only two in Australia.