Melbourne Tree Removal Bylaw & Urban Planting Guide

Land Use and Zoning Victoria 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Victoria

In Melbourne, Victoria, tree removal and urban planting are managed through City of Melbourne controls and planning rules that balance canopy protection with development and safety. This guide explains when a permit is required, which City departments enforce rules, how to apply for approvals for street trees and planning permits, typical enforcement steps, and practical actions residents and property managers should take. It summarises official forms and contact points and is current as of February 2026.

When permits are required

Street trees, trees on council land and some trees on private land in certain zones or overlays may need council approval or a planning permit before pruning, removal or transplantation. For street trees and other council-managed trees, follow the City of Melbourne application process for tree works; for development-related removals check planning permit requirements under the Melbourne Planning Scheme.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Melbourne enforces tree protections through its parks, urban forest and planning compliance teams. Specific monetary fines, infringement amounts and schedules are not specified on the cited pages; see the official contacts for enforcement pathways below.[1][2]

  • Enforcer: City of Melbourne Parks and Urban Forestry, and Statutory Planning and Compliance teams.
  • Inspecting officers undertake site inspections following complaints or routine monitoring; complaint reporting is handled by council customer services.
  • Court actions and enforcement orders are possible where unauthorised works occur; specific orders are issued under council powers.
Unauthorised removal of street trees can trigger enforcement action; always check with council first.

Escalation, sanctions and defences

The official pages do not publish a detailed schedule of first, repeat or continuing offence fines for tree works; they identify enforcement options such as notices, orders and possible legal action. If a planning permit or council permit was required and not obtained, the council may require remedial works or reinstatement and pursue penalties or prosecutions where warranted.

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: remedial orders, replacement planting, stop-work directions and litigation.
  • Appeals: review or appeal routes may include merits review to VCAT or council review mechanisms; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Defences/discretion: emergency works for safety, or authorised permits, are typical defences if properly documented.

Common violations

  • Removing a street tree without council approval.
  • Pruning works that damage the health of protected trees without a permit.
  • Failing to comply with a council remediation or replacement order.

Applications & Forms

For council-managed trees use the City of Melbourne tree works application process titled "Apply for approval to prune, remove or transplant a street tree"; the page explains when to apply and how to submit requests to council online or by contacting customer services.[1] For development-related tree removal, check the City of Melbourne planning permits information on planning permit triggers and application lodgement.[2]

  • Street tree works application: "Apply for approval to prune, remove or transplant a street tree" - name and submission method on council page.[1]
  • Planning permit application: details and when a permit is required are on the planning permits page; fees and form numbers are specified at lodgement and may vary by application type.[2]
  • Fees: specific fees and charges for tree works or planning applications are set via council fees schedules and are not specified on the cited pages.

Action steps

  • Before any works, check the street-tree application page and the planning permits page to confirm if approval is required.[1][2]
  • Complete the applicable online application or contact council customer services for guidance and to lodge forms.
  • Provide photos, species details and reasons for removal; retain copies of approvals on site during the work.
  • If you observe unauthorised works, report to council via the tree issue reporting page in Help and Support.
Document communications and approvals before starting any tree work to avoid enforcement risk.

FAQ

Do I need council approval to remove a tree on my property?
It depends on the tree location, whether it is a street tree, and if overlays or the planning scheme protect it; check the City of Melbourne planning permit and tree works pages for triggers and exemptions.[1][2]
How do I apply to remove or prune a street tree?
Use the City of Melbourne "Apply for approval to prune, remove or transplant a street tree" process on the council website; follow the form instructions and provide evidence of risk or required works.[1]
What happens if I remove a protected tree without permission?
Council may issue fines, enforcement orders or require remedial planting; exact fines and timeframes are not specified on the cited pages and will be handled by council enforcement staff.

How-To

  1. Identify the tree location and check whether it is a street tree or on private land in a protected overlay.
  2. Consult the City of Melbourne tree works page to confirm if a street-tree application is required and read the planning permits guidance for development-related removals.[1][2]
  3. Gather evidence: photos, species, safety risk details and a site plan.
  4. Submit the appropriate application online or via the contact point listed on the council page and pay any lodgement fee as directed.
  5. Allow time for council inspection and respond promptly if additional information is requested.
  6. If approved, keep approval documents on site and comply with any conditions, including replacement planting where required.

Key Takeaways

  • Always check City of Melbourne guidance before pruning or removing street trees.
  • Development-related removals may also require planning permits under the Melbourne Planning Scheme.
  • Penalties and fees are administered by council; where amounts are not shown on advice pages, contact council for specifics.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Melbourne - Apply for approval to prune, remove or transplant a street tree
  2. [2] City of Melbourne - Planning permits

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