Trees are an important part of what makes our neighbourhoods liveable. Large, established trees provide shade, keep our suburbs cooler, support wildlife and add to the character of our streets.
The City’s
Tree Protection Policy sets out requirements for the removal of certain regulated trees on private property.
In some circumstances, Development Approval is required before a tree on private property can be removed or significantly damaged. Routine garden maintenance and general pruning can still continue as normal in most cases.
Street trees are protected by local laws, with local government approval required for their removal. The City will only remove trees on reserves where they are unsafe or where unavoidable as part of new works.
What is a regulated tree?
A regulated tree is:
- A tree that is 8 metres or taller
- A tree listed on the City’s Significant Tree Register
- A tree required to be retained or planted through subdivision or development approval conditions
The policy generally excludes:
- Palms
- Certain listed pest species
- Exempt vegetation types identified in the policy
Residents can use the City’s online mapping to identify trees that are 8 metres or taller.
Search tree mapping
Development Approval may be required before undertaking ‘tree damaging activity’ to a regulated tree.
This can include:
- Removing a regulated tree
- Topping or lopping significant branches
- Works that may cause the decline or death of the tree
- Damaging more than 10 per cent of the root area
- Paving, excavation, soil level changes or compaction within the tree’s drip line that may affect tree health.
There are also requirements for Development Approval prior to clearing native vegetation in the rural zones.
If you are unsure whether approval is required, please contact the City before starting works.
What activities are exempt?
Approval is not generally required for:
- Routine pruning and maintenance
- Removal of dead branches
- Works required to manage an immediate safety risk
- Works required under an approved Bushfire Management Plan
- Compliance with the City’s Fire Control Order or the Bush Fire Risk Treatment Standards
- Other exemptions identified in the policy.
Exemptions may still require supporting evidence or documentation in some circumstances.
How to apply
Applications can be submitted online through the City’s
Development Application portal.
Applications should include:
- Details of the proposed works
- Photographs of the tree
- Site plans where relevant
- Supporting reports or advice (such as arborist or engineering reports) if applicable (please check if required to justify proposed works).
Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
While the City aims to retain Regulated Trees wherever practical, applications will be assessed pragmatically, taking into account safety, property impacts, development rights and site constraints.
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These new requirements for regulated trees operate alongside existing controls in the ‘Rural’ and ‘Resource’ zones whereby removal of native vegetation requires Development Approval (including within Building Envelopes unless complying with an approval issued by the City).
Clearing to comply with the City’s Fire Control Order, an adopted Bushfire Management Plan or the Bush Fire Risk Treatment Standards does not require prior written approval from the City.
Vegetation clearing is also regulated under State and federal requirements:
- Environmental Protection Act 1986 (administered by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation)
- Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water).
Landowners must ensure all necessary approvals, permits, or exemptions are obtained before undertaking clearing activities.
If you need assistance identifying trees or native vegetation on your property, please contact the City’s Environment team.