There are 2 situations where you will need a permit to remove a tree or vegetation on your property.

• Pruning or removing a tree on private property

  You will need a Tree Works Permit to prune more than 15% of the tree canopy or remove a tree, on private property if:

  • the tree is considered mature or significant according to our definitions, or

  • the tree is listed on Council's Significant Tree Register

  You will also need a Tree Works Permit to prune more than 15% of the tree canopy or remove a tree, on private property if a tree is:

  • protected by a planning permit or an overlay in the Merri-bek Planning Scheme. You can find out more about this on the Environment, Land, Water, and Planning website.

• What is a mature tree?

  A mature tree is a tree on private property that:

  • is 8 metres or taller in height, and

  • has a single trunk diameter greater than 40cm or has multiple trunks with a combined diameter greater than 40cm (when measured at 1.2 metres above ground level).

• Pruning less than 15 per cent of the canopy of a mature tree

  If you only intend to prune less than 15 per cent of a mature tree's canopy, it is recommended to:

  • use an independent qualified Arborist (minimum AQF Level 3 qualification), and

  • keep before and after photos of the pruning as a record to verify the works (we may request these).

• Tree Works Permit

  You need to apply online for a Tree Works Permit if you want to prune the canopy of a mature tree by more than 15% or have a mature tree removed from private property in Merri-bek.

• Other permits related to trees

  You may need further planning permits to prune or remove a tree if your property is subject to a recent planning permit with conditions that relate to trees, or if your property is located within one of the following planning overlay areas:

  • Heritage Overlays

  • Significant Landscape Overlays

  • Native vegetation (Clause 52.17 Planning Scheme)

  • Environmental Significance Overlays

  • Erosion Management Overlays

The City of Merri-bek covers the suburbs of Brunswick, Brunswick East, Brunswick West, Coburg, Coburg North, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park, Pascoe Vale, and Pascoe Vale South. Small sections of the suburbs of Fitzroy North and Tullamarine are also part of the City of Merri-bek.