Kingston City Council Regulations for Pruning and Removing Trees
Prior to starting any tree pruning or removal works, it is imperative that you check the City of Kingston tree laws and regulations.
You will need to comply with these regulations if your home or business is located in the following suburbs; Aspendale, Aspendale Gardens, Bonbeach, Braeside, Carrum, Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, Cheltenham (part), Clarinda, Clayton South, Dingley Village, Edithvale, Heatherton, Highett (part), Mentone, Moorabbin, Moorabbin Airport, Mordialloc, Oakleigh South (part), Parkdale, Patterson Lakes and Waterways.
COMMON TREES IN KINGSTON CITY COUNCIL
English Oak (Quercus Robur), Pin Oak (Quercus Palustris) and Lemon-Scented Gum (Corymbia Citriodora) are some of the most commonly planted trees in Kingston, with many home owners having varations of these species residing in their yards; as more and more developments and apartments pop-up in this area the need for stump removals and professional tree pruning have increased in order to respect tighter land boundaries and a growing property base.
CITY OF KINGSTON TREE PRUNING AND REMOVAL LAWS
You will need a permit to remove or prune a tree at your property or business address in Kingston if a tree at your property meets either of the criteria listed below.
The tree has a trunk circumference greater than 110 centimetres measured at its base; or
It is multi-stemmed tree where the circumference of its exterior stems measured at its base equals or is greater than 110 centimetres
RESIDENTS MAY BE EXEMPT FROM REQUIRING A PERMIT FOR TREE WORKS UNDER THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
The tree has a trunk circumference less than 110 cm measured at its base; or
The tree is an environmental weed species listed in Schedule 6 of the Local Law This includes but is not limited to: Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), Mirror Bush (Coprosma repens), Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum). Refer to schedule for complete list.
Violation of council regulations on tree pruning and removing can result in possible penalties such as fines, enforcement at VCAT, or prosecution through the Magistrates’ Court.
SIGNIFICANT/heritage PROTECTED TREES
Kingston City Council have a list of trees that receive a higher level of protection than the laws that apply to canopy trees (seen above). They are given this protection due to impressive size or age, rarity, ecological value, or cultural and historical significance. A significant tree can be a single tree, an avenue of trees, or even a hedge and it may reside on public or private property. To find out if your tree if on the Significant Tree register click here
NEIGHBOURING TREES
Occasionally tree pruning or removal is required for treess that aren’t on your property. When a tree overhangs your property line, but is not your tree, you are still required to conform to Kingston City council tree laws, once you have a permit from council or if the tree is below council regulation size, the tree is covered under Victoria property law.
This law means that you are within your rights to prune or cut anything that overhangs your boundary line, as long as you do not cause irreversible damage to the tree. You do not need your neighbour’s permission to do this, however, we recommend that you engage them along the way, in true neighbourly spirit. For more detailed information regarding tree pruning and removal on neighbouring trees click here.
Kingston council PERMIT APPLICATION FORMS
CLICK HERE to download the Kingston tree removal permit application form.
NEED HELP?
Permit applications and dealing with council can be a confusing and time consuming process. If you have any queries related to paperwork need a hand with the paperwork or would prefer that somebody handled the permit process on your behalf, we would be happy to do so. We have years of experience dealing with Kingston City Council and their arborist team, Fill in your details and we will get the process started for you.
Do you need tree pruning, tree removal, or an arborist report for your property? Fill in your details or Call us on 0478 896 636 for a fast and free quote.