Kingston City Council Tree Regulations

Check Tree Regulations Before You Start

Before pruning or removing any trees, make sure to review the City of Kingston’s tree laws. These rules apply to properties in suburbs including Aspendale, Bonbeach, Carrum, Chelsea, Cheltenham (part), Clarinda, Clayton South, Dingley Village, Mentone, Moorabbin, Mordialloc, Oakleigh South (part), Parkdale, Patterson Lakes, and more.

Common Trees in Kingston

English Oak (Quercus robur), Pin Oak (Quercus palustris), and Lemon-Scented Gum (Corymbia citriodora) are popular choices in Kingston yards. With ongoing development, professional tree pruning and stump removal have become increasingly important to maintain property boundaries and safe landscapes.

Heritage & Protected Trees

Some trees receive extra protection due to their size, age, rarity, ecological, or cultural significance. These “significant trees” can be single specimens, avenues, or hedges, on public or private land. Check the Council’s Significant Tree Register to see if your tree is listed click here

Pruning and Removing Trees

In Kingston, you must obtain a permit to prune or remove a tree on your property or business address if the tree meets either of the following criteria:

The tree has a trunk circumference greater than 110 cm measured at its base, or
It is a multi-stemmed tree where the combined circumference of its exterior stems at the base is 110 cm or more.

CLICK HERE to download the Kingston tree removal permit application form.

Exemptions

Residents may not require a permit if:

The tree has a trunk circumference of less than 110 centimetres at its base, or
The tree is an environmental weed species listed in Schedule 6 of the Local Law. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
- Mirror Bush (Coprosma repens)
- Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum)