Yes, it is possible to remove a tree in Casey, but they do have a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) which states you can only remove trees under certain conditions.
Under what conditions?
This is the part we have a lot of trouble determining.
The council state that;
The removal, lopping, and pruning of trees or other vegetation may require a planning permit.
They have a ‘significant tree register’ and you can basically remove any tree that is not significant. The document (see below) is quite vague and does not list identified significant trees by location on the register nor do they give exact criteria for what qualifies as a significant tree.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Amanda Stapledon recently said ‘Council has varying planning controls for different parts of the municipality – some more restrictive than others
My strongest recommendation is that you check with the planning department to see whether a planning permit is required.
In most cases, if a tree is;
- Dead
- Clearly dying
- Poses an immediate hazard to persons or property
You can remove the tree without council permission, but be sure to document the tree with photos before doing so.
Planning Controls by Casey Council
Casey Council provides three planning controls that are used in the city to restrict the removal of trees.
Make sure when you want to remove trees you check these three controls to know what limitations are there.
- The Four Overlays
- Tree Protection Zone
- Significant Tree Registry
Does the Casey Council Remove Trees?
Yes. In some cases, the city council does authorize the removal of certain trees. The council examines trees and identifies those that are hazardous, dead, or performing poorly. Under their Tree Technical Manual of 20144, they can order the removal of such trees.
Can you be prosecuted for illegal tree removal?
Yes. Illegal removal of trees in Casey City is an offense. That is if you remove a tree without obtaining the required planning permit. You will have to pay heavy fines when found guilty of such an offense.
Casey Council Indigenous Plants Guide
The city council is very serious about taking care of indigenous trees. As a result, they have a guide that shows how indigenous plants should be handled and taken care of.
Here is a link to the guide.
What is Significant Tree Strategy?
It is a strategy developed to protect trees that fall under significant trees. It shows how such trees should be handled and protected.
Significant tree register
How to apply for a tree removal permit
Go to the above online form and fill it out to make a formal request for tree removal approval.
Casey Council contact details
Phone: 03 9705 5200
Mailing Address: PO Box 1000, Narre Warren VIC 3805
Website: http://www.casey.vic.gov.au/Home
Casey Council Tree Preservation order - TPO
The above is a summary of your local council’s tree preservation order. Please follow the link for the full document.
FAQ's
There are a few ways to go about it. You should always go for a qualified arborist with plenty of experience. Make sure they have more than 20 reviews online and have a minimum score of 4.5 stars or great.
We can match you with a top-voted tree removal service in Melbourne here. Just enter your postcode and a few details about your tree job and get 3 obligation-free quotes from the local top-voted contractors.
The cost to remove a tree will depend on a few different factors. Things like the size of the tree, the number of branches, the species, and the location on your property will all play a role.
The average cost of tree removal is $871. But the real range is $225 – $4,500. Make sure you get at least 3 quotes before deciding on one company.
Tree removal and pruning is difficult to quote just by a description over the phone. Same goes for sending pics of the tree. This is because it is hard to gauge the actual size of a tree from images as well as look at access for machinery. An on-site inspection is needed to make sure you are given a fair price.
You may prune any branches that are hanging over your yard from your neighbor’s side, just as long as you are working within the city’s Tree Preservation Order.
You may remove your neighbor’s branches, but if it violates council tree pruning laws, you will get a fine. You are best to speak to a local arborist first before proceeding.
Tree trimming will vary depending on the tree, the number of branches, and access. The average price of tree trimming is $429, but that the true price range is $75 – $1,800.
You can check out our Tree Trimming Cost Guide here to get a better idea of tree trimming cost by tree size. Or you can use this Free Service and compare local top-rated tree service actual quotes.
