Yes, but under certain conditions
Under what conditions?
A Tree may be removed without consent provided:
Trees within two (2m) meters of a building can be removed without a permit or inspection.
The tree is not registered as a significant tree.
- It’s dead or dying;
- It’s a hazard that cannot be alleviated through means other than removal;
- Causing structural damage to private or public assets which cannot be alleviated through means other than removal;
Note: “significant tree register” means a register of trees of cultural significance to the Council, which is kept and maintained by us.
Significant tree register
Significant tree register Yarra, Victoria: https://goo.gl/imYDKm
Industrial Zones
There are no tree restrictions for properties in Industrial 1 Zone unless a Heritage Overlay applies.
10/30 rule
The state government’s 10/30 right allows you to clear vegetation around your home, without a planning permit, for bushfire protection.
- All vegetation, including trees, can be removed within 10 meters of your house (so long as your house was built before Sept 2009, or a permit for its construction was issued before Sept 2009).
- Vegetation (except for trees), can be removed within 30 meters of your house (so long as your house was built before Sept 2009, or a permit for its construction was issued before Sept 2009).
10/30 Fuel Reduction Register Yarra, Victoria: https://goo.gl/b3jqiR
What about Pruning?
You can prune your tree without council permission if the branch is;
- Dead
- Dying
- Structurally unsound
- Branches are growing into power lines
- For roof/ building clearance purposes
Exempt trees
These are trees that can be removed no matter what their size or condition as they are considered a pest by your local council. The above-listed conditions do not apply.
Does my council have an exempt tree list?
Yes, see the list below for trees that can be removed without council approval;
Common Name
Cootamundra wattle
Caucasian ash
Early black wattle
Holly tree
Cedar wattle
apple trees
Sallow wattle
Giant honey myrtle
Sycamore tree
Sweet pittosporum
Strawberry tree
Radiata pine
Evergreen dogwood
American aspen
all types of Cotoneaster
all types of cherries and plums
Hawthorn
all types of willow
Manna ash
Botanical name
Acacia baileyana
Fraxinus oxycarpa
Acacia decurrens
Ilex aquifolium
Acacia elata
Malus species
Acacia longifolia
Melaleuca armillaris
Acer pseudoplatanus
Pittosporum undulatum
Arbutus unedo
Pinus radiata
Cornus capitata
Populus tremuloides
Cotoneaster
Prunus species
Crataegus monogyna
Salix species
Fraxinus ornus
Can I remove Council trees?
No. Council trees are also public trees growing on the streets, parks and reserves.
The council is in charge of all the public trees. Any maintenance required is done by the council.
Tree caring activities done by the council
Where necessary, the council has a team of tree contractors that take care of required trees within Yarra.
Some of the activities done include the following.
- Removals and pruning
- Establishment and planting
- Room management
- Disease and pest management
Can I get my trees removed for free?
Yes. Here are some of the things to do.
You can get your trees removed for free by offering to give out the cuttings and even the trees to anyone who is willing to remove the trees for free.
Advertising is a good way of getting someone quickly.
You can also contact power companies in case the trees are posing a risk to the power line.
Tree work fees
- Non-refundable application fee – $150
- Removal permit for significant tree – $215
- Pruning permit for significant tree – $108.
How do I apply for a tree removal?
You have to lodge an application for a removal permit if the tree is protected.
Here are the guidelines
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 Sydney 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, number of branches, the species and 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 neighbour’s side, just as long as you are working within the cities Tree Preservation Order.
You may remove your neighbour’s branches, but if it violates council tree pruning laws, you will get a fine. You are best speaking to a local arborist first before proceeding.
Tree trimming will vary depending on the tree, 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.
