Monash Council has regulations restricting the trimming and removal of certain trees in its Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO).
Below I have outlined a summary of the regulations, so you can quickly determine whether you need a permit to remove your tree.
If any tree falls outside these regulations or is an exempt species you may remove it without approval.
There is also a link below the Council’s Tree Preservation Order which goes through all of the below in more detail.
In Monash councils Vegetation Protection Overlay or VPO you may need to apply for a tree removal permit before you carry out any pruning or removal work.
There are however some exemptions related to tree species and size. Below is a list of tree species that may be removed without a permit, as well as some additional guides to what Monash Council considers a ‘significant’ tree and in need of protection.
A Planning Permit is required to remove or destroy any vegetation that
- Has a trunk circumference greater than 500mm (160mm diameter) at 1200mm above ground level, and
- Is higher than 10 meters.
- If the tree is dead.
- If the vegetation presents an immediate risk of personal injury or damage to property and only that part of vegetation that presents the immediate risk is removed, destroyed, or lopped.
A permit is not required to remove any of the following species:
- All willow trees
- Radiata or Monterey pines
- Evergreen alders
- Sweet pittosporums
- Desert ashes.
Note: There are more details about these trees including links to images and descriptions below so you can better identify your tree.
A planning permit is not required
If the vegetation presents an immediate risk of personal injury or damage to
property and only that part of vegetation that presents the immediate risk is
removed, destroyed, or lopped,
Or as otherwise allowed under the requirements of the Vegetation Protection
Overlay of the Monash Planning Scheme. [Clause 42.02]
Vegetation Protection Overlay Map
If your tree is located in the green highlighted area, the above rules apply and you will need a permit if your tree is not exempt.
Tree removal exemption list
The table below has a list of pest trees in Melbourne that can be removed no matter the location or size.
There is also an identification link to the right so you can see images and descriptions of the trees to better identify your own tree.
Common name
all types of willow
Radiata pine Monterey pines
Sweet Pittosporum
Evergreen alders
Desert ashes
Tree removal permit application
The application for a permit to remove a tree in the VPO of Monash Council is not for the faint-hearted. There is a long process that is similar to applying to build a new home. You will find more information on planning permits here. Please contact your local arborist or tree specialist who may have some experience in this for advice.
Tree Preservation Order
This is the full tree protection document for the Monash Council area that I have summarized above. If you think your tree does not need a permit, please make sure you read this in full before getting work done.
Fines for illegal tree removal in Monash
Fines for illegal tree removal in Parramatta vary but go right up to $10,000 per tree. The size of the fine would depend on the tree species, location, and size and the discretion of the council.
Monash City Council contact details
Phone: (03) 9518 3555
Mailing Address: PO Box 1, Glen Waverley VIC 3150
Website: https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/
Email: mail@monash.vic.gov.au
