Port Phillip City Council Regulations

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 Before pruning or removing any trees on your property, it’s essential to check the Port Phillip Council tree regulations to ensure compliance with local laws.

These rules apply to properties located in Albert Park, Balaclava, Elwood, Melbourne (part), Middle Park, Port Melbourne (part), Ripponlea, South Melbourne, Southbank (part), St Kilda, St Kilda East (part), St Kilda West, and Windsor (part).

 The London Plane tree (Platanus × acerifolia) is one of the most commonly planted species by Port Phillip Council, while many homeowners also retain gum trees and palms in their gardens. With increasing development and new apartment construction in the area, the demand for professional tree pruning and stump removal has grown to manage tighter property boundaries and a growing residential base. 

 Port Phillip Council consider any tree that is above the permit regulation sizes to be a significant, and therefore protected, tree. 

A permit is required to prune or remove a tree on your property or business if it meets the following conditions:

•  A significant tree on private land with a trunk circumference of 150 cm or more, measured 1 metre above the base
   
• A multi-stemmed tree where the total circumference of the outer stems is 1.5 metres or more, measured 1 metre from the base
   
• If a tree has already been removed, a trunk circumference of 150 cm or more at its base

CLICK HERE to apply for a tree removal/pruning permit for Port Phillip City Council

When a Permit is Not Required

You may be exempt from a permit if pruning is necessary to address any of the following:

• The tree interferes with Council infrastructure, such as drains
   
• The tree overhangs a footpath or road used by pedestrians up to a height of 2.1 metres
   
• The tree poses a safety risk to vehicles or pedestrians, or hinders the safe use of the road
   
• The tree blocks visibility at intersections or between vehicles and pedestrians
   
• The tree obscures traffic signs, signals, or street lighting
   

If pruning under these exemptions, it is highly recommended to take photos before the work to document the obstruction or hazard.