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Whitehorse council tree removal permits

Discover your council's regulations

If you want to get rid of a dead, dangerous, or unwanted tree in Monash council, you may need to get a tree removal permit.

Applying for a tree removal permit

Send us an enquiry, and we'll find out whether or not you need a permit.

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Applying for a tree removal permit in Whitehorse council

Whitehorse council is divided into nine Significant Landscape (SLO) areas which have specific regulations for protected trees.

SLO 1-8 specify a protected tree as any which:

  • Have a single trunk circumference of 50 centimetres or more
  • Measure 1 metre above ground level

SLO 9 specifies a protected tree as any which:

  • Is more than 5 metres in height
  • Has a single trunk circumference of 1 metre or more, at the height of 1 metre above ground

Council recommendations

If you are looking to remove a tree within any of the Whitehorse council SLO areas, the council recommends hiring a professional arborist service, like Trav's Tree Services.

We can perform the job safely and efficiently, to the specifications of the tree removal permit. By hiring a professional to perform the service, you'll avoid any unnecessary fines.

We know trees

We know trees

We can easily identify protected trees.

Your safety, first

Your safety, first

We work to the highest OH&S practices.

Minimal disruption

Minimal disruption

To you, your neighbours, and surrounding businesses.

Advice with a smile

Advice with a smile

Our friendly team is happy to answer any questions you have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different Vegetation Protection Overlays?

Otherwise known as VPOs, these regulations are separated into five schedules. Schedule 1, 3, and 5 apply to specific trees. A planning permit is required to remove, destroy, or lop a VPO protected tree.

Schedule 2, and 4 are blanket controls which apply to some land in Mont Albert North and Mitcham. A protected tree within these two schedules is one that has a single trunk circumference of 1 metre, or more, at a minimum height of 1 metre above the ground.

When don't I need a planning permit to remove a tree?

There are four occasions in which a tree doesn't require a planning permit. These are:

  • Trees deemed unsafe by a qualified arborist, and to the council's satisfaction
  • Trees being pruned for regeneration or ornamental shape
  • A tree is dead or dying, to the council's satisfaction
  • Trees being maintained in accordance with a management program, developed by a qualified arborist, and approved by the council

How much will it cost to apply for a permit?

For works which cost $10,000 or less, the application fee is $199.90.

What do I do if I think a tree might be dangerous?

Contact us, and we'll inspect the tree. If it poses an immediate threat to you or your property, we'll make it temporarily safe. Then, you'll need to apply for a council permit. Once this is approved, we can come back and perform the required service.

Want to know more?

If you want to find out more about the council application process, or any of our other services, contact us.

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Got a problem with your trees but don't know which service you need? Contact us and we'll let you know what we can do.