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Yarra City Council Regulations for Pruning and Removing Trees

If you reside within the City of Yarra and are preparing to Prune or remove a tree on your property you must always be sure to check the Council laws and regulations for Tree works.

These tree laws will apply to you if you live in Abbotsford, Burnley Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Cremorne, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill or Richmond. The laws may also apply to you if you live in Alphington, Carlton North or Fairfield as parts of these suburbs fall within the City of Yarra.


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COMMON TREES AND JOBS

The London Plane Tree (Platanus × Acerifolia) is one of the most common trees planted by Council in this area, while many home owners around the City of Yarra still have gum trees in their backyards; as more and more developments and apartments pop-up in this area the need for stump removals and professional tree pruning have increased in order to respect tighter land boundaries and a growing property base. 

YARRA COUNCIL TREE PRUNING AND REMOVAL LAWS

Tree Removal and Pruning permit applications are almost always needed when removing trees in Yarra City Council. If your business or home property is located within the Boundary of Yarra City Council and it meets the following requirements then it is considered a “significant tree” by council standards and you will require a planning permit prior to removal.

A planning permit is required to remove a tree that:

  • Is single trunked with a trunk diameter of 400 mm or greater measured at 1500 mm (1.5m) above the ground; or

  • Is multi-trunked with a combined trunk diameter of 400mm or greater at 1500 mm (1.5m) above the ground; or

  • Is individually listed on the significant tree register;

  • Is one of a group of trees listed on the significant tree register; or

  • Is single trunked with a trunk diameter of 400 mm or greater measured at ground level; or

  • Is multi-trunked with a combined trunk diameter of 400 mm or greater measured at ground level;

If you are unsure of your tree species, or if your tree is dead and qualifies for no permit to be necessary, fill in your details or call our arborist for advice on 0478 896 636

Violation of council regulations on tree pruning and removing can result in possible penalties such as fines, enforcement at VCAT, or prosecution through the Magistrates’ Court.

heritage/SIGNIFICANT PROTECTED TREES

Yarra City Council have a list of trees that receive a higher level of protection than the laws that apply to canopy trees (seen above). They are given this protection due to impressive size or age, rarity, ecological value, or cultural and historical significance. A Significant Tree can be a single tree, an avenue of trees, or even a hedge and it may reside on public or private property. To find out if your tree is listed on the Significant Tree Register click here.

If your tree is on the register, be in touch if you have any queries or need any assistance as the process is more difficult than a regular Tree Removal Permit process.

NEIGHBOURING TREES

Occasionally tree pruning or removal is required for trees that aren’t on your property. When a tree overhangs your property line, but is not your tree, you are still required to conform to Yarra City council tree laws. Once you have a permit from council or if the tree is below council regulation size, the tree is covered under Victoria property law. 

This Law means that you are within your rights to prune or cut anything that overhangs your boundary line, as long as you do not cause irreversible damage to the tree. You do not need your neighbour’s permission to do this, however, we recommend that you engage them along the way, in true neighbourly spirit. For more detailed information regarding tree pruning and removal on neighbouring trees click here. 

CITY OF YARRA PERMIT APPLICATION FORMS

CLICK HERE to download the City of Yarra tree removal permit application form.

NEED HELP?

Permit applications and dealing with council can be a confusing and time consuming process. If you have any queries related to the paperwork or need a hand with submitting a permit application or would prefer that somebody handled the whole permit process, we would be happy to do so. We have years of experience dealing with Yarra City Council and their arborists, fill in your details and we will handle it from there.

Do you need tree pruning, tree removal, or an arborist report for your City of Yarra property? Fill in your details or Call us on 0478 896 636 for a fast and free quote.