With as many gorgeous trees as there are here in Melbourne, our city has put measures in place to protect the native wildlife. The City of Melbourne sees trees as a necessary part of our infrastructure and culture. This is why all other tree maintenance options are considered before removal. 

One of the protective measures put into place is called the Tree Protection Bylaw, established in 1999. This bylaw states that in order to remove a tree, it is necessary to consult your local council and apply for a permit. Each council has their own specific rules and regulations regarding tree removal, so your conditions may change case-by-case, depending on the location of your property. 

In general, for the City of Melbourne, any tree removal inquiry must undergo a series of steps. Before any trees can be removed, the site must undergo a site inspection and arboriculture assessment. This determines on-paper the validity of the tree removal request. The City of Melbourne website has several resources and documents elaborating on the tree policy for the city and permit requirements. Take a look, if you are hoping to perform a tree removal in the near future. 

In South Eastern Melbourne, there are many protected native species of trees that are local to the area or have significant heritage to our community. These trees are protected species. The Tree Preservation Bylaw protects these species from damage, construction, or removal due to inconvenience. 

Around these areas, the following tree species are protected: 

• Oregon White Oak 
• Pacific Madrone
• Pacific Dogwood
• Pacific Yew
• Western Red Cedar 
• Douglas Fir 
• Big Leaf Maple 

Dynamic Arborist has a system in place that helps clients understand if they need a permit to remove their trees or not. When you contact us for more information, we can help you navigate your personal council’s rules and regulations concerning tree removal. From there, we can help you submit an application for a permit if necessary, and even offer our in-house tree removal services. 

If you are looking to remove a tree from your property and think that it is possible that you may need a permit, reach out to us here at Dynamic Arborist, and we would be happy to help you out.