Tree Removal

Go directly to permit application download.

Why you need a Permit

Under the Maroondah Planning Scheme, a planning permit is required for removal of canopy trees or vegetation within a Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) area, or removal of any native vegetation in a Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO) area.

These areas cover most of Maroondah and can be identified by looking at the Overlay Plans for the Scheme, which are available at the City Offices Service Centre, Braeside Avenue, Ringwood. Alternatively, you may telephone Statutory Planning Services on 9298-4287, giving your street address.

View Maroondah Planning Scheme, including Overlay plans. 

What is a canopy tree?

For the purpose of the Significant Landscape Overlay, a canopy tree is defined as any tree that has a height greater than 5 metres OR a single trunk circumference greater than 0.5 metre (measured at 1 metre above ground level).Canopy trees are valuable because they:

• provide shade and shelter
• moderate wind
• absorb pollutants
• reduce noise and dust levels
• help block unwanted views and
• provide habitat for wildlife

Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) Areas:

A planning permit is required in the following circumstances:

• Removal of a tree which has a trunk circumference of more than 0.5m, a diameter of more than 16cm (at 1 metre above ground level) OR a height of more than 5 metres
• Removal of any canopy trees from land outside a designated building envelope on a plan of subdivision.
• Removal of any canopy tree in a multi-dwelling or dual occupancy development.

There are exceptions to the above and it is advisable to check with Council before commencing any tree removal.

Are any species exempt from the controls?

A number of species are currently exempt from tree controls in SLO3 and 4 areas on blocks less than 2000 sq.m. The following species are exempt in these areas:

Botanical Name	Common Name	Botanical Name	Common Name
Crataegus species	Hawthorn	Chamaecytisus profilerus	Tree Lucerne
Coprosma repens	Mirror Bush	Cotoneaster species	Cotoneaster
Hakea salicifolia	Willow Hakea	Hakea suaveolens	Sweet Hakea
Ilex aquifolium	English Holly	Ligustrum species	Privet
Paraserianthes lopantha	Cape Wattle	Pyracantha species	Firethorn
Pittosporum undulatum	Sweet Pittosporum

In SLO1 and 2 areas, those species listed above are exempt plus the following:

Botanical Name	Common Name	Botanical Name	Common Name
Acacia baileyana	Cootamundra Wattle	Acacia decurrens	Early Black Wattle
Acacia elata	Cedar Wattle	Acacia floribunda	White Sallow Wattle
Acacia longifolia	Sallow Wattle	Acacia saligna	Golden Wreath Wattle
Arbutus unedo	Irish Strawberry tree	Fraxinus oxycarpa	Desert Ash (species only, not cultivar forms)
Pinus radiata	Monterey Pine

How can I identify these species?

A local nursery may be able to identify a sample of the plant for you. Library references may also be useful. If you are in doubt as to the species of the tree, or whether you need a permit, contact the Statutory Planning Department on 9298-4423.

What other exemptions are there?

You do not need a permit if:

• the trunk of the tree is within 3 metres of an existing dwelling (excluding outbuildings) unless the dwelling is part of a multi-unit or dual occupany development, then Council approval is required;
• the tree is dead or dying and has become dangerous in the opinion of a suitably qualified person;
• the tree is less than 5 metres in height and has a trunk circumference of less than 0.5m or a diameter of 16cm measured at 1metre above ground level.
• you have been issued with a notice to clear fire hazards, specifically referring to trees;
• clearance of electricity lines is required (only the minimum to keep the line clear);
• you wish to prune a tree for regeneration or ornamental shaping;
• a valid permit has been issued as part of a planning permit. If a landscape plan has been approved previously for the site, an amended landscape plan should be submitted to the Planning Department for approval.

Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO) Areas:

In a VPO area, a planning permit is required to remove, destroy or lop any native vegetation, including dead or fallen trees (including shrubs and ground flora) that provide, or are likely to provide, nesting, roosting or other habitat for native fauna.

This overlay applies only to native vegetation. In most VPO areas, the SLO controls also apply.

State controls for native vegetation - A planning permit is required for the following:

• Removal of native vegetation from a property greater than 4,000 sq.m.

NOTE:
The provisions of Maroondah City Council - Local Law No 5 (Clause 18) also apply. This clause states :
"No person shall remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree from any land within the area designated.....".
The area in question covers part of Croydon North and Kilsyth - check with Statutory Planning to determine if your property is in this area.

How can I find a qualified person to assess, lop or remove trees?

The best way to find a suitable person is to consult the Yellow Pages, under Tree Felling and / or Stump Removal or Tree Surgery. If you are having a tree removed, always ensure that the tree surgeon is fully insured and has the correct equipment for the job.

How do I apply for a permit?

You may write or telephone for an application form, pick one up from any of Council's Service Centres, or download one by clicking below.

How much does a permit cost?

Application for a permit to remove or lop trees:

$75.00 for one tree plus $25.00 per additional tree (up to a maximum of $200)

Application to remove native vegetation in VPO (Vegetation Protection Overlay) area will cost $200.00

For more Information

Contact Statutory Planning Services on 9298 4287
Postal Address: Maroondah City Council, PO Box 156, Ringwood, 3134.