Tree information
Identification, location, dimensions, health, structure, condition and useful life expectancy where relevant.
Planning permits · Tree removal · Melbourne
Understand the controls. Present the evidence.
Site-specific arboricultural reporting for planning applications, tree removal and pruning permits.
An independent arboricultural report identifies the relevant trees, assesses their condition and significance, and provides clear evidence to support a permit application or council response. Reporting is tailored to the property, the proposed work and the applicable planning or local-law controls.
Independent evidence
What the arboricultural report provides.
The report turns a site inspection and the available planning information into clear, tree-specific evidence for the application.
Application context
The proposed removal, pruning or development impact considered against the relevant planning or local-law controls.
Site evidence
Photographs, observations and an explanation of the tree's relationship with the property, proposal and surrounding land.
Practical options
Reasonable retention, pruning, design or management alternatives where they are practicable and relevant.
Recommendations
Clear arboricultural conclusions and recommendations that respond to the application or council request.
Protection requirements
Suitable controls for trees to be retained where work, access or construction may affect them.
The reporting process
Clear evidence. A better-informed application.
- 01
Review
Confirm the property, proposed work, available documents and likely authority requirements.
- 02
Inspect
Record the tree, its condition, dimensions, setting and relationship with the proposal.
- 03
Consider options
Assess retention, pruning, removal and reasonable alternatives where they are relevant.
- 04
Report
Prepare the arboricultural evidence, conclusions and recommendations for the application or council response.
- 05
Respond
Address further arboricultural questions from the responsible authority where an additional response is agreed.
Property controls → Tree inspection → Arboricultural evidence → Council application
Planning controls explained
Different controls require different evidence.
Planning scheme overlays
Vegetation, landscape, environmental, heritage, neighbourhood-character and erosion overlays may include vegetation controls in their schedules. The applicable schedule, exemptions and decision guidelines must be checked for the property.
Clause 52.37 Canopy trees
Clause 52.37 seeks to protect and increase canopy tree cover in residential areas. It applies in the Mixed Use Zone, Township Zone, Residential Growth Zone, General Residential Zone, Neighbourhood Residential Zone and Housing Choice and Transport Zone. An existing canopy tree is defined as a tree at least 5 metres high with an average canopy diameter of at least 4 metres. Subject to the exemptions and application pathways in the clause, a planning permit is required to remove, destroy or lop an existing canopy tree.
Where an application is required, Council may need a site plan and photographs, the location and dimensions of relevant trees, details of the proposed removal or lopping, the reason for the work and any related development plans. A suitably qualified assessment is required where tree health or stability is relied upon. For development proposals, Clause 52.37 also sets canopy-cover targets according to site area and includes requirements for retaining or planting canopy trees with suitable deep-soil or planter space. The applicable zone, exemptions, site conditions and proposal must be checked before work proceeds. An arboricultural report can provide the tree-specific evidence needed to support that assessment. The responsible authority determines the application.
Clause 52.17 Native vegetation
Where Clause 52.17 applies, The Suburban Arborist can provide tree-specific arboricultural assessment and evidence to support the application. Ecological assessment, biodiversity requirements and native vegetation offsets are outside the service scope and may require a suitably qualified ecological consultant.
Council local laws
Local-law permit triggers and assessment requirements vary between municipalities. The report is tailored to the relevant council requirement and the evidence available for the tree and proposal.
VicSmart pathways
Some applications may be eligible for a streamlined VicSmart pathway. Eligibility and information requirements depend on the applicable control and proposal, and should be confirmed before relying on that process.
Bushfire planning context
Bushfire controls and exemptions may materially affect vegetation-management decisions. Where these issues arise, arboricultural evidence can describe the tree, while bushfire and planning advice may need to be provided by the appropriately qualified consultant.
Information to provide
Start with what is available.
Missing information can be identified during the initial review.
- Property address and a short description of the proposed work
- Council correspondence, further information request or permit conditions
- Planning Property Report, if available
- Feature survey, site plan or relevant design drawings
- Current photographs and any previous tree reports
- Local-law or planning documents already identified
- Required timeframe and current application stage
Important: An arboricultural report provides independent evidence and professional recommendations. It does not guarantee that a planning or local-law permit will be granted. The final decision remains with the responsible authority.
Frequently asked questions
Permit and tree removal questions.
How do I know whether a permit is required?
The property controls, relevant overlays, particular provisions, exemptions and council local laws need to be checked. A planning or council enquiry may be needed before work is arranged.
Can an arboricultural report respond to a council request?
Yes. Provide the council request and available application documents so the required arboricultural scope can be confirmed.
Can pruning be considered instead of removal?
Yes. Where pruning may reasonably address the concern, the report can assess and describe an appropriate scope consistent with AS4373:2007 Pruning of amenity trees.
Do you prepare reports under Clause 52.17?
The service is limited to tree-specific arboricultural assessment and supporting evidence. Ecological assessment, biodiversity requirements and native vegetation offsets require an appropriately qualified ecological consultant.
Does a dead, declining or hazardous tree automatically qualify for removal?
Not necessarily. The applicable controls and exemptions still need to be checked. The report documents the tree-specific condition and risk evidence for the responsible authority.
Does a report guarantee approval?
No. The report provides professional evidence and recommendations. The responsible authority makes the permit or local-law decision.
Start with the property
We will confirm the right scope.
Share the property address, proposed work and any council correspondence or available documents.
[email protected] 0401 766 127Consulting across Melbourne & Victoria
Subject to service-area eligibility.
Service area note: Consulting work cannot currently be accepted for properties within Maroondah municipality due to a professional conflict-of-interest requirement.