A permit is required to prune, lop or remove a significant tree as defined under the General Local Law 2016.
Trees on private land can be deemed significant under the General Local Law through two processes. Should a tree be deemed significant by checking either of these two processes, a permit to prune or remove the tree will be required from Council.
Its important to note that some trees and vegetation may also have planning controls requiring a Planning Permit to remove them.
If you believe a significant tree has been destroyed, damaged or removed without a permit:
- If the tree is still being damaged, call us on 9205 5555. For issues during business hours, we can send an officer out immediately.
- If the tree has already been impacted, you can lodge a complaint with us.
If you are concerned about a tree on public land, please visit how we manage trees.
On this page:
How to identify a significant tree
There are two processes to check if your tree is classed as a significant tree. But there are three processes to make sure you don't need a permit.
To check if your tree is classed as a significant tree you can do the following.
Tree Diameter
The General Local Law deems a tree significant if the diameter of its trunk or trunks measured at either ground level or a height of 1.5 meters from ground level is 40cm (400mm) or more.
Should the measurement be 40cm (400mm) in diameter or more, a permit will be required.
Significant Tree Register
The Council maintains an Urban Forest Register of significant trees, which includes both individually listed trees and groups of trees. If your property is on this register, it means you have one or more significant trees, and you'll need a permit before removing or pruning them.
Existing Planning Permits
Some properties in Yarra may have planning permit conditions that protect trees or vegetation on the land.
To check whether there is a planning permit on your property, or more information on the planning application please contact our planning department on 9205 5555.
How to nominate a significant tree
We register significant trees that have horticultural, aesthetic, historical, environmental, social or cultural value, and are located on public land and private properties.
You can nominate a tree to add to the significant tree register. No expertise in tree identification is required.
You will just need to provide:
- Tree location
- Species (if known)
- Approximate height
- Estimated age
- Any additional information about why the tree should be considered significant
Complete the Significant Tree Nomination Form [ PDF, 118.7 KB] to nominate a tree.
Assessing a nomination
Nominated trees will be inspected, assessed and photographed by our tree consultant.
- Trees will be assessed against the following list of criteria [ PDF, 54.48 KB]
- We will review and assess nominations on a quarterly basis, depending on the volume of nominations received. Please be aware that nominations could take up to 6 months to be assessed before being considered for inclusion in the register.
How to measure your tree
To measure your tree you will need a soft tape measure.
Single trunk
To measure the trees diameter, you will need to take a measuring tape and wrap it around the tree both at ground level and at a height of 1.5m (as shown below). If either of the circumferences are 125.66cm (this equates to a 40cm diameter) or more at ground level or the correct height of 1.5m then the tree is significant requiring a permit.
To get the exact diameter you can either divide your circumference with pi (3.14) or use this online calculator.
Multiple trunks
You will need measure the all the trunks at both ground level and at a height of 1.5m and then add all trunk circumferences together to get a total circumference. If the total circumference of all trunks is 125.66cm (this equates to a 40cm diameter) or more at ground level or at the height of 1.5m then the tree is significant requiring a permit.
To get the exact diameter you can either divide your circumference with pi (3.14) or use this online calculator.
How to apply for a permit to prune, lop or remove a significant tree
Follow the steps below to prepare your permit application.
Please note that the owner/ratepayer or authorised body corporate can submit an application. If you do not fall under any of these, you must provide written consent for the owner/ratepayer or authorised body corporate.
Step 1
Download a significant tree permit application form [ PDF, 1.71 MB] .
Step 2
Complete the application form ensuring you have added the following details.
- Description of the tree or trees, including botanical names
- Whether you intend to prune, lop or remove
- Tree diameter measurement
- Planned replacement planting details if applicable.
- Photos of the trees in question
- Attach any supporting documentation that will support your application. This may include an arborist report, engineers report and photos.
- Signed by the property owner
If you are applying for a significant tree permit to remove a tree it is highly recommended you supply an arborist report, engineers report or any other supporting documentation that will assist your application.
Step 3
Lodge your application by contacting us.
Step 4
Pay the application fee once we send you the invoice. Permits will only be issued if the owner has consented to removal or pruning of the tree.
Significant tree permit fees
There are two fees:
- An application fee
- A permit fee (to be paid if your application is approved).
Application fee:
$187 (non refundable).
Depending on your application and the information being provided, we may be required to get an external arborist report for your application. The application fee contributes to the fee charged by the arborist.
Permit fee:
- Significant Tree Permit - Removal: $287
- Significant Tree Permit - Pruning : $124
How is my permit application assessed?
It is a requirement under the General Local Law (clause 39) to obtain a permit to prune, lop or remove a significant tree.
The purpose of this clause is the preservation and retention of significant trees where practicable and safe to do so. Removal of a significant tree requires a detailed assessment and there is no guarantee a permit will be issued.
All applications are assessed based on the information you provide in your application and if requesting removal, in conjunction with independent arborist assessment and inspections for applications for significant tree removals.
Please read our guidelines for assessing applications to removal a significant tree [ PDF, 941.89 KB] for more information.
It's important you provide as much detail as possible when submitting your application. For example: if the tree is damaging your property evidence such as a structural engineer should be supplied.
What if your tree is not deemed a significant tree
If your tree is:
- not on the urban forest register as a significant tree;
- does not have a diameter of 40cm and;
- does not have any Planning Tree/Vegetation controls
Then you can prune or remove the tree without a permit.
We strongly recommend that you take photos of your measurements to ensure you can prove the tree was not deemed significant if you or Council receive any complaints.