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Vegetation removal, destruction or lopping

A planning permit may be required to remove, destroy or lop vegetation, including dead vegetation. Planning controls can apply to certain vegetation due to environmental, cultural, historical and/or intrinsic value.

This applies if:

  • The vegetation is native to Victoria
  • The property is affected by planning controls including:
    • Heritage Overlay (where the Schedule specifically includes tree controls)
    • Environmental Significance Overlay
    • Significant Landscape Overlay
    • Public Acquisition Overlay
  • The property is affected by a planning permit that is relevant to vegetation

Please be aware that a Local Laws permit may also be required for the removal, destruction and lopping of vegetation that is deemed significant. See our Significant Trees page for further information.

You can contact the planning team if you require assistance.

What you'll need

Please find below all the information you’ll need to submit a planning permit application for vegetation removal, destruction or lopping.

  • Completed application form, which you will fill in online when you lodge your application
  • A recent copy of Certificate of Title from Landata that’s no more than 3 months old, including a full copy of any restrictive covenants or section 173 agreements
  • The applicable Fee. Learn more on our fees page
  • A site plan showing:
    • The title boundaries
    • The location of any buildings on the site
    • The location of the vegetation proposed to be removed, destroyed or lopped
  • Description of the vegetation proposed to be removed, destroyed or lopped including botanical names, whether you intend to prune, lop or remove, vegetation size (including tree diameter measurement)
  • Proposed landscape plan and planting schedule if applicable (i.e. details of planned replacement planting)
  • Photos of the vegetation
  • A covering letter explaining your proposal and why the vegetation removal/destruction/lopping is required
  • Written justification about how your proposal responds to the relevant planning policies within the City of Yarra Planning Scheme
  • An arborist report prepared by a suitably qualified arborist as to justify the proposed removal/planting of vegetation
  • A landscape plan showing any proposed replacement planting
  • If you want to remove, destroy or lop any significant vegetation, providing a report from an Arborist can be an important document to support your application. It helps Council understand the technical information about the vegetation, including about its overall health, significance,and age
For more information