Within Victoria, there are different rules that may apply when it comes to managing a tree growing on your private property. To make it even more confusing, these rules may differ between local councils as well!

So, how do you know when a permit is required for tree pruning or tree removal on your private property?

As a general guide, there are two sets of rules that may apply to trees on your property - at a state level and a local council level

At a state level, the Victorian Planning Provisions (VPP) applies to the local planning authority (usually the local council).

Each council will then enforce any vegetation protection requirement in accordance to their planning overlays. The most commonly applicable overlay is the Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO), however other overlays could apply, depending on the location of your property, including Environmental Significant Overlay, Significant Landscape Overlay and Heritage Overlay.

Councils can also create local laws under the Local Government Act 1989 in relation to vegetation management

What does this mean for you as a property owner?

The various rules in place means that council permits may be required for tree removal and some tree pruning works.

In some instances, it may simply be a matter of submitting a permit application with all the relevant information (eg type of pruning works to be conducted). Other times, an arborist brief or report may be required to accompany the application. Often, the report will include an assessment of the tree health, any structural issues and other important factors to consider in managing the tree in question.

Find out more about our arborist report services here.

Council can issue infringement notices and fines for any tree pruning or tree removal works which are conducted without a valid permit. These penalties can be issued to either the property owner or the person carrying out the works, and sometimes to both.

A qualified arborist will be able to guide you through the process and advise you of any local council requirements prior to conducting any tree work on your property.

Find out more about our practical tree work services here.

Who are arborists?

A qualified arborist is a professional who has undertaken further studies and specialises in all things tree related. Just like any other specialised profession, a qualified arborist must have the right qualification, training and experience.

Arborists are involved in the maintenance and care of your trees through various methods such as pruning, assessment, treatment and in some cases, removals. They are also able to provide tree consulting and advice across different areas, including risk management, meeting council requirements and construction supervision

A trained arborist is knowledgeable about tree species and physiology and applies best practices when working with the trees. For example, when pruning a tree, the branch has to be cut appropriately to minimise risk of decay, and in some instances, rigged for lowering to minimise damage to the tree as well as property.

What to look for in an arborist?

If you are looking to engage an arborist, here are some suggestions on things to look for:

Are the arborists qualified to a minimum Certificate III level?
Do they have the appropriate insurance coverage?
Do they apply the appropriate Australian standard when providing tree care ?
Do they follow local council regulations and guidelines?

Healthy, well cared for trees can provide lots of benefits and add value to your property. Thus, it is important that you engage an arborist who has the right training, experience and qualification to care for them.