If you’re unsure whether your tree can be removed or pruned without council approval, our Level 5 Arborists can help.
Our arborists provide clear, practical advice and on-site assessments to confirm whether your tree is exempt or requires a permit.
We help you stay compliant, safe and ready for council approval before any work begins.
You’ll likely need a permit if your tree is over 5 meters high, 0.5-meter trunk circumference, a 4-meter spread or within a 6-meter front or 4.5-meter rear boundaries.
Under Clause 52.37, trees over 5 meters tall, 0.5-meter trunk circumference (at 1.4 meter) or 4-meter canopy spread are classed as canopy trees. If they’re within 6 meters of the front or 4.5 meters of the rear boundary, council approval is required before removal or heavy pruning.
If a tree is dead or poses risk, a permit may not be required, but a Level 5 Arborist assessment is still needed. Trees posing immediate danger are stabilised and made safe immediately.
When a tree is unstable or hazardous, our Level 5 Arborists can stabilise it on-site and document its condition for council. Even if removal seems urgent, most councils still require written confirmation from a qualified Level 5 Arborist before approving works.
We assess, photograph and provide a council-ready report confirming decay, failure or imminent risk, ensuring you stay compliant and safe while urgent removals proceed without delay.
Yes. We provide fast Level 5 Arborist Reports for developments and DAs that are fully compliant with council and Clause 52.37, ready within days or sooner.
Our development reports are prepared by Level 5 Arborists familiar with every Melbourne Council. We deliver council-ready documentation for DAs, CDCs and building permits, including TPZ/SRZ mapping, site photos, and risk assessments.
We work directly with builders, designers and homeowners to ensure your project proceeds smoothly and on time. Fast-track turnaround is available for urgent submissions, with same-day or 24-hour options when deadlines are tight.
Most reports are completed within a few days, with fast-track options available for urgent removals or council submissions.
Turnaround depends on how many trees are involved and site complexity. Our team can deliver reports for urgent removals to council within the same day or 24-hour turnaround, providing fast documentation for council submission or safety concerns.
