If you can’t find an answer to your question in the FAQ’s above, you can always contact us and we’ll respond asap.
Melton City Council is a vibrant community that places a high premium on the safety and aesthetics of its surroundings. Trees play a vital role in the local environment, offering ecological & aesthetics advantages and enhancing the visual appeal of the region. However, there are occasions when tree trimming or removal becomes necessary to ensure the safety of our community. When faced with such situations, Melton City Council residents can confidently turn to Milone’s Tree Solutions.
Milone’s Tree Solutions is a local family-owned business with a wealth of experience in tree care and maintenance. Our team of specialists is equipped with cutting-edge tools and possesses the knowledge needed to effectively address a wide range of tree-related challenges. Recognising the significance of proper tree care, we are wholeheartedly committed to delivering exceptional service to our clients, whether it is residential, commercial, or a council.
Residing within the jurisdiction of Melton City Council brings several benefits when engaging Milone’s Tree Solutions. Firstly, our experts can assess trees on council property to identify potential hazards. Secondly, we offer informed guidance on the most suitable course of action, whether it entails tree trimming or removal. Lastly, we execute tasks efficiently and safely, causing minimal disruption to the community.
Milone’s Tree Solutions operates as a fully insured business, giving Melton City Council residents the peace of mind knowing that any potential risk will be properly covered. Our dedication to safety and the track record of excellent customer service & reviews makes us a dependable choice for any tree-related requirements within the community.
Understanding Melton Tree Protection Requirements
Melton City Council is located within Victoria’s only biodiversity hotspot, the Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP), making tree protection particularly important in this region. While Melton City Council does not have specific local tree removal permits separate from state regulations, all tree removal work must comply with native vegetation regulations under the Melton Planning Scheme.
When Do You Need a Permit?
Under Clause 52.17 of the Melton Planning Scheme, a permit is required from Melton City Council to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. This includes:
- Native trees, shrubs, herbs and grasses indigenous to Victoria
- Trees protected under the Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO)
- Trees protected under the Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO)
- Large trees with a trunk diameter exceeding 50cm at breast height
- Trees within heritage overlays
- Standing dead native trees with a diameter of 40cm or more
Native vegetation is defined as plants that are indigenous to Victoria, including common species such as Eucalyptus, Gum trees, Banksia and Bunya Pine.
Important: Some native vegetation may also be protected under Commonwealth legislation, specifically the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Referral to the Commonwealth Government may be required for threatened species and ecological communities.
Important Planning Overlays
Property owners in Melton must check if their trees fall under:
- Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO) – protects significant vegetation
- Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) – protects trees of landscape value
- Heritage Overlay – protects trees of historical or cultural significance
- Native Vegetation Precinct Plans (NVPP) – applies to certain growth areas within Precinct Structure Plans administered by the Victorian Planning Authority
For properties within Melbourne’s Urban Growth Boundary in Melton, permission may be required under Clause 52.16 of the Melton Planning Scheme, unless removal is permitted under a Native Vegetation Precinct Plan.
How We Navigate Melton Council Permits
At Milone’s Tree Solutions, we make the permit process straightforward. For detailed information on the planning permit application process, visit Melton City Council’s statutory planning page.
- Free Site Assessment – Our arborists will assess your trees and determine if a permit is required
- Documentation Support – We can assist with arborist reports and supporting documentation for your application
- Council Liaison – We work closely with Melton City Council’s planning department
- Compliant Removal – Once approved, we complete all work safely and professionally
- Offset Requirements – We can advise on native vegetation offset requirements where applicable
You can find planning forms and checklists on Melton City Council’s website. For straightforward planning permit applications, Council offers a VicSmart streamlined process that can be completed within 10 days.
You can track the progress of planning permit applications through Melton City Council’s Online Planning Register.
Permit Exemptions
Some tree removal work is exempt from requiring a permit, including:
- Dead trees (with proper documentation)
- Trees posing an immediate safety hazard
- Certain invasive non-native species
- Minor pruning that doesn’t remove or destroy native vegetation
- Work permitted under specific exemptions in the planning scheme
For a complete list of exemptions, refer to the Victorian Government’s exemptions guidance.
However, we always recommend confirming with Council before proceeding, as penalties for unauthorised tree removal can be significant (up to $3,000 for individuals and $15,000 for corporations under the Planning and Environment Act 1987).
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.
