Remove, lop or prune trees and native vegetation
Trees are protected by planning controls, local laws and restrictions registered on the title of the land. Trees may be protected because of their heritage, environmental or landscape significance. If you want to remove or lop a tree or vegetation you may require a permit and/or to apply for consent.
Contact us to find out if you need a permit or consent
The best way to find out if you need a permit or consent to remove or lop a tree is to talk to Planning Services on 9433 3343.
We will consider planning zones and overlays, the size of your land and if it is bushfire prone, and any title controls.
We will ask you:
- for the property address
- to check a current version of your property title.
Prepare for this conversation: get a copy of your Certificate of Title from Landata.
If controls apply to your property, we will ask you for some information about the tree/s or vegetation (is it dead, is it a pine tree, what size is it) and what you propose to do (prune, lop or remove).
Based on the information you give us, we might tell you that you need a permit/consent.
If you would like advice in writing that you don’t need a permit to do the work, ask us to confirm if you need a planning permit (a fee applies).
Application types
Read about the types of applications and find out how to apply below.
Miscellaneous consent applications
If your tree is subject to a protection listed on the property’s title you need to apply for miscellaneous consent.
Local law permit applications
Substantial trees that are not on bushfire-prone land, may require a local law permit.
Planning applications
If we have told you that you need a planning permit there are different application types (determined by your property size and how many trees/vegetation affected).
| Number of trees or vegetation |
Land size |
Application type |
| 1 |
<4000 sq metres |
VicSmart (VS02) |
| 1 |
<4000 sq metres |
VicSmart - use our arborist (VSFP) |
| Any native vegetation |
>4000 sq metres |
Standard application (10P) |
| 1 or 2 native trees |
>4000 sq metres |
Standard application - use our arborist (10FP) |
| 2 and above |
any |
Standard (10P) or (10FP - max 2 trees, use our arborist) |
Note: 4000 square metres = 0.4 hectares = 0.98 acres
VicSmart applications are fast tracked. Use the VicSmart checklists to prepare your application. Find out more go to VicSmart planning permit applications.
Prepare your application
When you apply
You need to attach a copy of:
- the Certificate of Title (dated within the last three months)
- the title plan
- all registered covenants and/or Section 173 agreements.
You can order these from Landata.
You will also need to:
- supply a site plan drawn to scale with dimensions
- supply an arborist report
- supply a native vegetation report if the land is over 4,000 square metres
- pay the fee.
For more details about these documents, go to the Remove, destroy or lop tree(s) or vegetation planning application checklist (10P).
Options for getting an arborist report
If you are removing one or two trees and preparing either a VicSmart or a standard application you can opt to use our arborist to inspect and assess the tree and write the report for your application (for an extra fee). Local law applications to remove 1 or 2 trees include a fee for our arborist to inspect and report on the tree/s.
Fast track tree removal to remove, destroy or lop no more than 2 trees (10FP)
Apply online
Before you apply, you'll need to create an account for eservices. Most registrations are approved within one business day. You'll only need to register once to submit, track and amend your application.
Register for eservices
Miscellaneous consent applications
If your tree is subject to a protection listed on the property’s title you need to apply for miscellaneous consent.
Local law permit applications
We may tell you that you need a local law permit to remove the tree/s. Permit fees depend on the number of trees to be removed. Check local laws application fees under Other fees.
Apply for a local law permit
Planning permit applications
If you have your documents ready and have registered for eservices, it’s time to submit your application for a planning permit:
Neighbour’s trees – how to protect them
If you are concerned about a tree on a neighbour’s property, speak to your neighbour first before taking action. For more information about trees on private property, go to the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria.
Trees on Council Land
Help us to look after trees on public land. To request maintenance on a tree or for a street tree – go to trees on council land.
Fire protections and clearing trees and vegetation
If your property is mapped as bushfire prone, it is subject to certain regulations about vegetation removal. Find out more preparing your property for fire.
Resources