Guides
Do I Need an Arborist Report to Remove a Tree in Melbourne?
You may need an arborist report if the tree is protected, native, significant, affected by a planning overlay, or being removed as part of building works. An arborist report explains the tree's condition, why removal is requested, and whether it meets council requirements.
When do you need an arborist report?
In Victoria, permits are usually required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation, applied through local council planning schemes. Victorian native vegetation removal regulations
You may need a report if:
- the tree is protected by a local council tree law or listed as significant
- the property has a Vegetation Protection Overlay, Heritage Overlay or Neighbourhood Character Overlay
- the tree is native vegetation
- removal is for building, subdivision, driveway, pool or development works
- the tree is dead, declining, structurally damaged or unsafe
- council has requested further information
For a council-ready removal report, see our tree removal permit report service.
Not every tree needs a report
Some small, exempt or unprotected trees may not need a report or permit, but tree rules change between councils. Boroondara and Stonnington both require permits for certain trees. Check your council's rules before arranging removal.
What makes a tree protected?
A tree may be protected because of its size, species, location, condition, or listing on a significant tree register. Common reasons include:
- it meets council canopy or significant tree criteria
- it is native vegetation or inside a protected planning overlay
- it is on a heritage property or near a development site
- it is a street tree or near a neighbouring boundary
Some councils also protect trees by trunk circumference. Boroondara uses trunk circumference at 1.4 m above ground.
New canopy tree rules in Victoria
Clause 52.37 (Canopy Trees), introduced 15 September 2025, can require a planning permit to remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree in specific residential circumstances. A canopy tree has:
- height greater than 5 metres
- trunk circumference greater than 0.5 m at 1.4 m above ground
- canopy diameter of at least 4 metres
These rules do not replace other overlays or local laws. Protecting and enhancing Victoria's tree canopy
Examples of Melbourne Council Tree Permit Requirements
Tree permit rules vary by council area, tree size, significant tree status, planning controls, and whether works are inside the Structural Root Zone (SRZ). The examples below are not a complete list of Melbourne councils, but show why checking the property address is important before pruning, removing, or working near trees.
Boroondara Tree Protection Local Law (2024)
A permit is required to remove, damage or kill a Canopy Tree if it has a single-stem circumference of 110 cm or greater at 1.4 m, a circumference of 150 cm or greater at ground level, or a multi-stem combined circumference of 110 cm or greater at 1.4 m. A permit may also be required for works within the SRZ. Exemptions apply.
City of Boroondara Significant Tree Register
A permit is required to remove, prune, damage or kill a listed Significant Tree on private land. Removal applications may need an Arboricultural Assessment prepared by an AQF Level 5 or higher arborist. Exemptions apply.
Nillumbik General Local Law
A permit is required to remove, damage, destroy, lop, interfere with or kill a Significant Tree on private land within Nillumbik Council.
Port Phillip General Local Law
A permit is required to remove, damage, destroy, lop, interfere with or kill a Significant Tree on private land. A Significant Tree includes a tree or palm on private land with a trunk circumference of 150 cm or greater at 1 m above ground level.
Bayside City Council General Local Law
A permit may be required to prune more than 10% of the canopy or remove a tree if the single trunk circumference exceeds 155 cm, the combined circumference of the four largest trunks exceeds 155 cm at 1 m, the tree was planted under a previous permit, or the tree is on the Significant Tree Register.
City of Greater Dandenong General Local Law
A permit is required to remove, destroy, lop or kill a private property tree if it has a trunk diameter of 40 cm or greater at 1.4 m above ground level, or if it was planted as a condition of a previous tree removal permit.
Brimbank General Local Law 2018 Clause 9
A permit is required to remove, damage, destroy, lop, interfere with or kill a Significant Tree on private land within Brimbank Council. Brimbank's Significant Tree Register is available on council's website.
Council requirements can change, and exemptions may apply. Always check the relevant council requirements for the property address before pruning, removing, or working near protected trees. If you need support, see our tree removal permit reports, tree pruning permit reports, or tree impact assessments.
What does an arborist report include?
A tree removal arborist report usually includes:
- tree species, height, trunk measurements and canopy spread
- health and condition assessment with structural defects or safety concerns
- photos of the tree and site context
- discussion of damage, risk or development constraints
- removal justification, recommendations and replacement planting advice
A short statement saying "the tree is dangerous" is rarely enough. A proper report explains what was inspected, what defects were found, and why removal is or is not reasonable. Tree removal permit reports
What if the tree is unsafe?
If the tree has major cracks, fungal growth, dead branches, storm damage, root damage or a strong lean, you may need a tree health and safety assessment. The findings can often support a council permit application if removal is required.
What if council has already asked for a report?
Send the arborist:
- council's letter or request for further information
- the property address and photos of the tree
- the reason you want the tree removed
- any building plans, engineering reports or damage photos
- details of the relevant council or permit application
This helps the report respond directly to what council is asking for.
How to check if you need a permit
- Check your local council's tree removal rules
- Check whether your property has a planning overlay
- Check whether the tree is native, significant or protected
- Measure the tree's trunk, height and canopy spread
- Take clear photos of the tree and surrounding area
- Ask a consulting arborist if you are unsure
Need help with a tree removal report?
Arbor Analytics prepares professional arborist reports for tree removal permit applications across Melbourne. Send photos, your property address and any council correspondence and we can confirm the right next step.
Get a quote or learn more about our tree removal permit reports.
