Do you need council approval to remove trees before construction in Victoria?

If you’re thinking about clearing a tree before starting your build, you might wonder whether you can grab a chainsaw and get going. And the short answer is: not usually.

Cutting down a tree on your property without council approval can result in hefty fines and delays in your construction project.

Council rules exist to protect significant trees, native species, and the surrounding environment. That doesn’t mean you’ll always be stopped from removing a tree, but it does mean you need to follow the right process.

Knowing when you can remove a tree without permission and when you need formal approval will save you a lot of stress down the track.

Why council approval matters

It’s tempting to think that if a tree is standing in the way of your new build, you can just remove it. But in Victoria, tree removal permission isn’t that simple. Councils put these rules in place to protect the local environment, heritage-listed species, and even the overall character of a neighbourhood.

Skip the approval process, and you could be hit with fines for cutting down trees in Victoria that run into the thousands. In some cases, you may also be ordered to replant or offset what was removed. Beyond the financial penalties, there’s the risk of holding up your project if the council discovers that a protected tree has been removed without proper paperwork.

Getting council approval for tree removal is about more than ticking a box. It ensures your site is cleared legally, your build isn’t delayed, and you’re not left dealing with unexpected compliance headaches when you should be moving forward with construction.

What trees can be removed without council approval?

Not every tree on your property is automatically protected. In some cases, you can remove a tree without council approval, but the rules vary depending on the location and your local council’s planning scheme.

Some of the more common exemptions include:

• Dangerous or hazardous trees: If a tree is dead, severely damaged, or poses an immediate safety risk, councils will usually allow removal without a permit. An arborist report may still be required to prove the risk.
• Tree size and species: Certain councils have height or trunk diameter rules that decide whether a tree is protected. Smaller trees or certain non-native species can often be removed without approval.
• Bushfire-prone areas: If your property sits within a designated bushfire zone, you may be allowed to clear trees and vegetation within a certain distance of your home to reduce fire risk.
• Palm trees: A common question is, “Can you remove palm trees without council approval?” Although palms are not native, most councils are not concerned if trees are native. The size of the palm or tree generally determines whether it needs a permit.

These exemptions can give you some flexibility, but they’re not a free pass. Before making any decisions, always confirm the rules and regulations with your local council. What’s allowed in one area might require full approval in another.

When do you need council approval for tree removal?

Most of the time, if you ask yourself whether you need permission to remove a tree on your property, the answer will be yes. Councils in Victoria set clear rules around which trees are protected, and approval is usually required when:

• Trees fall under planning overlays: Properties affected by a Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO), Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO), or Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) almost always need approval before a tree can be cut down.
• The tree is native or significant: Native vegetation and heritage-listed trees are heavily protected under Victorian law. Removing these without council consent can trigger serious fines and replanting requirements.
• Tree size thresholds are exceeded: Many councils have rules based on a tree’s trunk diameter, height, or canopy spread. If your tree is over the limit, approval is required, even if it looks like a “normal” backyard tree.
• The reason is construction-related: If you’re clearing a tree to make way for a new build, extension, or subdivision, approval is often mandatory, even if you think the tree isn’t significant.

How to apply for approval to remove a tree

If your project requires council consent, the process usually isn’t complicated, but it does need to be done properly. Every local council in Victoria has its own application system, yet most follow a similar pathway:

1. Check your council’s website: Each council publishes its tree removal rules online. Start here to confirm whether the tree on your property requires a permit.
2. Complete a tree removal application: You’ll be asked to provide details such as the tree’s location, species, size, and the reason for removal (for example, construction or safety).
3. Attach supporting documents: In many cases, you’ll need an arborist report to verify the tree’s health and explain why removal is justified. Photos, site plans, and construction drawings may also be required.
4. Pay the processing fee: Councils charge an assessment fee to process your application. The amount varies depending on where you live.
5. Await council assessment: Your council will consider factors like tree species, environmental value, safety risks, and whether removal is essential for your build before making a decision.

The timeframe for approval depends on the complexity of the application and your local council’s workload, but expect anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Starting early ensures your construction project isn’t delayed waiting for paperwork.

What happens if you remove a tree without approval?

Cutting down a tree without the right council approval can cause more than a minor setback, it can lead to serious penalties. In Victoria, fines for cutting down trees without permission can reach thousands of dollars, and councils may also issue enforcement orders requiring you to replant or offset what you’ve removed.

Beyond the financial hit, unauthorised tree removal can delay your construction project. Councils may halt works until the issue is resolved, or in some cases, you could be required to redesign building plans to accommodate replacement planting.

It’s also worth remembering that tree protection laws exist for a reason. Removing a tree without approval can damage local biodiversity, affect neighbourhood amenity, and put you at odds with both the council and the community. Getting approval up front is always the safer move.

Why councils require arborist reports

Most councils in Victoria require an arborist report as part of the approval process. This document outlines the tree’s health, structure, and risk factors, and explains why removal is necessary. An arborist’s findings help the council verify that the request isn’t just about convenience but safety, property damage, or essential site clearing for construction.

The benefits of working with professional arborists

Working with professional arborists means you’ll have someone who understands local tree protection laws and can prepare reports that meet council standards. They can identify hazards, assess whether a tree can be safely retained, and ensure your application has the best chance of being approved. More importantly, they’ll handle the removal itself, safely, legally, and in line with environmental responsibilities.

By involving an arborist like us early, you reduce the risk of delays, rejected applications, and unexpected costs. It also shows the council you’re serious about doing things properly, which can make the process much smoother.

Council approval and construction projects

Tree removal isn’t just about clearing space in your backyard; it’s a critical step in preparing for larger construction projects. Whether you’re building a new home, adding an extension, or working on a subdivision, the trees on your property can affect how quickly (or slowly) the project moves forward.

For smaller sites, site clearing for construction often requires removing just a few trees and stumps. Even then, you’ll usually need council approval to remove trees before the work can begin.

Land clearing for construction sites on larger blocks or development sites may involve dozens of trees and extensive vegetation removal. These projects nearly always fall under council regulations, with overlays, heritage considerations, or environmental rules.

Without approval in place, builders may not be allowed to start work, or your project could face enforcement delays. Securing permission early means you can move from design to construction without unnecessary setbacks.

Get professional tree removal with council approval

At Trav’s Trees, we understand that dealing with council approval for tree removal can feel like a maze of rules and paperwork. Our team of qualified arborists and contractors makes the process simple. We’ve worked with councils across Melbourne and Victoria, preparing the reports, applications, and supporting documents needed to get approvals through smoothly.

Our experienced team can handle everything from single-tree removals on residential blocks to large-scale site clearing for construction and land clearing for development sites. We use modern equipment, follow all safety standards, and carry full public liability insurance, so you know the job will be done safely and legally.

When you choose Trav’s Trees, you’re not just hiring someone to cut down a tree; you’re working with professionals who prioritise compliance, environmental care, and efficiency.

We’ll guide you through the approval process, remove your trees with precision, and ensure your property is ready for the next stage of construction.

Navigating council approvals can feel daunting, but our arborists make the process straightforward by preparing reports and handling compliance checks on your behalf.

Contact Trav’s Trees today to book a consultation and receive a quote for tree removal with council approval in Melbourne.