tree services

Cutting Down Trees: Is It Illegal To Cut Down Trees In Melbourne?

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    You may own the property on which the trees stand, but the trees themselves are public property. It's important to note that trees don't just benefit individuals; they also benefit the community as a whole by doing things like cleaning the air, lowering the temperature of the surrounding area, stopping erosion, and making the area look nicer.

    You may be wondering what the tree rules and regulations of Melbourne are if you own land with a tree on it. The most important thing to keep in mind while chopping down a tree is that you are not breaking any laws in Melbourne.
    Tree Preservation Orders are the means through which local governments ensure the safety of trees in their jurisdictions. If you want to do anything beneficial with a tree on your land, you may be thwarted by a Tree Preservation Order that forbids you from removing it, chopping it down, ring barking it, harming it, or destroying it on purpose. Unless given permission by the local government, it is illegal to remove any tree listed in the Tree Preservation Orders.

    Take, for example, a tree that stands on your land. You want to cut it down, poison it, kill it, or otherwise destroy it, and you're thinking about it. The prudent thing to do in that situation is to put it off for a while. Instead, you should contact the city council in your area to see if the tree is covered by a Tree Preservation Order. Regardless of whether you are a private property owner or not, it is always the best course of action to consult with the local council before making any changes to the tree on your land. The penalties for violating a Tree Preservation Order can be fairly high, making it impractical in the long run.

    It can be difficult to find your way around Victoria's maze of state and local legislation that govern the cutting down and removal of trees from private property. Local governments have their own unique sets of regulations, licences, and application procedures. Unfortunately, these details are often buried in legalese, dispersed over multiple documents, and difficult to find in enormous files on the council's website. Despite the ambiguity, all homeowners and citizens should read these laws before doing any major tree activities, such as major cutting or shaping.

    istockphoto 172439438 612x612

    For the sake of both the tree's health and safety, it is important to do routine care such as pruning, trimming, shaping, lopping, and checking the tree's health. Different species have various maintenance needs. The benefits to your home from this type of routine maintenance are numerous. Keeping your trees pruned and healthy has several benefits, including a cleaner yard, roof, and plumbing. Checking your trees' health on a regular basis will guarantee that they are both structurally sound and disease-free. It's common knowledge that trees need to be maintained, but city governments employ tree protections to make sure this doesn't happen in a way that disrupts the local environment or alters the look of the area. In order to qualify for these safeguards, you'll need to hire an arborist who agrees to follow the Australian Pruning Standards.

    Instances Where It Is Appropriate To Cut Down A Tree

    There are numerous warning signals that may be seen by even the most inexperienced gardener to determine whether or not a tree has grown dangerous or is ill. Here are a few indicators to keep an eye out for.

    It's Official: The Tree Is No More.

    It's usually simple to notice when this is the case. The tree scratch test is one of the most reliable ways to identify a dead tree or shrub. Underneath the outer layer of dead bark on a tree trunk is a living layer called cambium. It is brown and dried in a dead tree.

    Tree Illness

    Non-deciduous trees should be inspected for trunk deterioration, withering branches, and dead or dying foliage. Indicators of a sick or unhealthy tree. It's not uncommon for a diseased tree to spread to other trees and plants nearby.

    This Tree Is Leaning

    Trees that are leaning pose a greater threat than upright ones. If a tree begins leaning suddenly, it's likely because the roots have been damaged or have become too weak to support the weight of the tree.

    This Tree Is Way Too Near!

    The tree's roots are beginning to invade nearby buildings, roads, and sidewalks. There's a danger of the tree falling onto the house or the electricity wires.

    After The Storm, The Tree Looked Like This

    Even the hardiest tree might be destroyed by a severe storm with tremendous winds. Damage to a tree can range from breaking off a few branches that pose a concern to the entire tree toppling over.

    There Are Bugs All Over The Tree.

    Pests like termites can weaken a tree's framework to the point that limbs easily break off in a strong wind. There is also a significant possibility that the pests will spread to your structures.

    The Tree Obstructs Our View

    When a tree is planted in the improper spot, it might block your view and lower the market value of your home. Shade from them can be beneficial to some plants, but in other circumstances it may be detrimental to your garden and grass.

    Debris Falls From The Tree In Large Quantities

    Trees can be a nuisance when they drop an excessive amount of debris, such as leaves, fruit, sap, or seeds, onto your lawn or garden, potentially causing damage in the process. Excessive fallen leaves dry out and become a fire threat throughout the summer months.

    Is Tree Cutting Permitted?

    Before removing a tree, you should check with your local council to see what rules and regulations apply to you. The following are some examples of the kind of items that will be considered by various councils across Australia when you apply for a permit. Gold Coast tree cutting standards are used as an illustration.

    You need permission from the city council before cutting down any trees on your land. Severe penalties may result from failure to comply. Tree removal regulations vary by municipality, but many are based on Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Local Environment Plans (LEPs). Verify the 10/50 vegetation clearing entitlement area if you reside near bushland or in a fire-prone area. Let's say your home is located in a protected neighbourhood. If so, you can remove certain bushes and trees from around your house without getting permission from the city hall or the land services department by using the 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Scheme.

    Requirements For Tree Pruning And Removal By The Victorian Council

    We've compiled information about private tree trimming and removal throughout all Victoria, Australia, councils to make the process as easy as possible. Among these are:

    • The positive effects of tree trimming and removal on local communities.
    • Your municipality's tree-safety measures
    • Tips for getting started with tree maintenance
    • Find here the links to the required permits and further details.
    • Suggestions from a local tree expert

    If harm has been done or is likely to be done to a person or their property, the landowner may also seek relief from the court. However, the harm must be more than minor for the landowner to file a lawsuit. These are some of the most crucial considerations to make when caring for the tree on your Melbourne property. Before making any changes to your tree that could result in a fine, research the tree laws in Melbourne to avoid a nasty surprise. Don't hesitate to contact Treelife, your trusted Melbourne tree service.

    Trees, Ferns, And Other Non-Woody Plants

    wood 1728019 1280

    As palms, ferns, and other non-woody plants do not fall under the description of "tree" in Council's Local Law, they do not necessitate a Local Law permit in order to be removed.

    How To Check If A Tree Was Planted Correctly?

    Bayside City Council can tell you if a tree was planted as required by a Local Law permit's replacement planting provision.

    Exceptions To Local Law Permit

    In certain situations, a permit is not needed to prune a tree that is protected by the Local Law.

    • The cutting away of the tree's branches that are directly over someone's head or onto their land. Under this exception, only the portion of the tree that is directly responsible for the danger can be chopped down.
    • When an arborist with at least an AQF Level 3 in Arboriculture qualification, or equivalent recognised and related experience, is required to complete the work. Australian Standard No. 4373:2007, Pruning of Amenity Trees, must be followed for this job. The contractor must provide proof of completion, such as before and after photos, to validate their work.
    • Trees were declared as noxious weeds under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.

    What If I Cut A Tree Without Permission?

    Municipal governments place high importance on tree protection; unlawful tree removal can result in severe fines. Removal fines typically begin at $2,000 and can reach $100,000 for several offences at the same location, while this range is highly variable depending on the type of tree being removed and the circumstances.

    Developers of residential or commercial properties are frequently the ones who get in trouble for cutting down trees without the required permits. Council members may have rejected their Development Application because they wanted to save some trees. So they get them taken out, paid the fine, and are now developing the land. In other instances, homeowners have chopped down trees because they are unsightly or cause too much litter.

    Where Are My Local Tree-Elimination Regulations?

    Two approaches can be taken. The quickest method is to make use of our no-cost access to local ordinances. If you go to the website of your city's council and then click "City" and "Local Council," you will be led to the proper section on tree protection. You might also contact three reputable arborists in your area and have them assess whether or not you require permission before providing a quote for tree removal.

    Note: Before providing you a price to cut down your tree, arborists will need to come out and examine the task. Getting an accurate price quote for a tree over the phone from a description or images might be difficult.

    The third option is to contact the local government agency and enquire about contacting the arborist officer in regards to a tree on your property. They will let you know quickly if approval is required. Keep in mind that regulations will differ from council to council, so it's always a good idea to double-check whether or not you need a permission before cutting down any trees. Similar to the variance in permission requirements, maximum fines might range from $2000 to 50000 dollars. If you want to keep from getting fined, consulting a professional arborist is a good idea.

    Conclusion

    Talk to your city council if you own property with a tree on it and you don't want it removed. Each municipality has its own application process, licence requirements, and rules. The potential costs of breaking a Tree Preservation Order can quickly become prohibitive. Even a novice gardener can spot several warning signs that a tree has grown dangerously or is sick. In order to prevent this from having a negative impact on the local ecosystem or the visual aesthetic of the area, city governments adopt tree safeguards. When trees in your yard constantly litter your grass and plants with dead leaves and branches, they become a major annoyance. If you don't follow the rules when removing trees, you could face serious consequences. To simplify the procedure, we have collected data from all local governments about private tree trimming and removal. If a tree is on the list of trees that need protection under local law, you will need a permit to prune it. The fine for illegally cutting down a tree can be anything from $2,000 to $100,000. Those who take down trees without permission, including developers and homeowners, often face legal consequences. Avoiding a fine might be as simple as seeking expert advice from a certified arborist. Penalties for disobeying tree-removal ordinances might go as high as $20,000 in some jurisdictions.

    Content Summary

    1. Even though you own the land on which the trees are located, you do not have any ownership rights to the trees themselves.
    2. If you own property in Melbourne and want to plant a tree on it, you may be curious about the tree regulations in the city.
    3. Remembering that you are not breaking any laws in Melbourne is the single most crucial thing to remember when felling a tree.
    4. It is against the law to cut down a protected tree without the proper permits from the local authorities.
    5. Imagine a tree that grows on your property.
    6. If you suspect the tree may be protected by a Tree Preservation Order, you should instead get in touch with the local city council.
    7. If you want to prune or remove a tree on your property, whether or not you own the land, you need check with the local government first.
    8. The potential costs of breaking a Tree Preservation Order can quickly become prohibitive.
    9. Cutting down and removing trees on private land in Victoria is governed by a confusing web of state and local laws.
    10. Pruning, trimming, shaping, lopping, and regularly assessing the tree's health are all vital to the tree's well-being and safety.
    11. There are a lot of ways in which this type of preventative maintenance can improve your home's value.
    12. You can keep a cleaner yard, roof, and plumbing by regularly trimming and maintaining your trees.
    13. By doing routine checks, you can ensure that your trees are healthy and free of illness.
    14. Even a novice gardener can spot several warning signs that a tree has grown dangerously or is sick.
    15. Check with your city or county government to find out what tree removal regulations exist before you start cutting down trees.
    16. Here are some things that local governments in Australia might take into account if you request for a permit:
    17. If you want to remove trees from your property, you must first get approval from the local government.
    18. To facilitate your private tree cutting and removal in Victoria, Australia, we have collected data from all of the local governments in Victoria.
    19. Improvements in quality of life due to tree cutting and removal projects.
    20. The landowner might also petition the court for help if harm has been done to them or their property is in danger of being damaged.
    21. Landowners can only pursue lawsuits if the damage is significant.
    22. When tending to the tree in your Melbourne yard, here are some of the most important factors to consider.
    23. Learn the tree rules in Melbourne before you make any adjustments that could get you in trouble.
    24. If you need a reliable Melbourne tree service, don't hesitate to call Treelife.
    25. It is not required to obtain a Local Law permit in order to remove palms, ferns, and other non-woody plants because they are not considered "trees" under Council's Local Law.
    26. If you have a Local Law permission and want to know if a tree was planted as part of the replacement planting provision, you can ask the Bayside City Council.
    27. Pruning a tree that is protected by local law may not always require a permission.
    28. This work must adhere to BS 4373:2007, Pruning of Amenity Trees.
    29. Those that take down trees without the right licences are mostly the builders of new homes or businesses.
    30. Making use of our no-cost access to municipal ordinances is the quickest option.

    FAQs About Illegal To Cut Down Trees In Melbourne

    If you own your home, you don't need permission to fell a tree that's solely within your garden unless it's: subject to a Tree Preservation Order.

    Fines for violation of the law, including cutting down protected trees without a permit, can get as high as $10,000. Victoria: penalties for cutting trees without a permit in the state of Victoria are minimal. For example, the city of Boroondara imposes a maximum fine of $2,000 fine per offence.

    The courts have powers to fine anyone contravening a Tree Preservation Order. The maximum fine is £20,000 for destroying a tree and up to £2,500 for anyone who does not completely destroy a tree but has carried out some other works without consent.

    The City of Victoria established a new Tree Preservation Bylaw, designed to protect trees (especially those which are native or have significant heritage value). The following native species are protected:

    1. Oregon White Oak.
    2. Pacific Madrone.
    3. Pacific Dogwood.
    4. Pacific Yew.
    5. Western Red Cedar.
    6. Douglas Fir.
    7. Big Leaf Maple.

    You have the right to cut back any branches, leaves, or roots that cross your property boundary line at your own cost. This is known as the 'right of abatement'. If you rent your home, contact your property manager if you have an issue with a neighbour's tree.

    Scroll to Top