City of Stonnington Council Tree Regulations

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Before pruning or removing any trees on your property, it’s important to ensure you are not in breach of Stonnington City Council’s tree laws and regulations.

These rules apply to properties located in Armadale, Toorak, Kooyong, Malvern, Prahran, and Malvern East. They may also apply if you live in parts of South Yarra, Windsor, or Glen Iris, where council controls are in place.

The London Plane tree (Platanus × acerifolia) is one of the most frequently planted species by Stonnington Council, while many homeowners also have gum, oak, and liquidambar trees established in their gardens. With the steady increase in developments and apartment complexes throughout the area, the demand for professional tree pruning and stump removal has also risen in order to accommodate tighter property boundaries and a growing residential base. 

Unlike some councils, Stonnington does not maintain a separate heritage or significant tree register outside of the Neighbourhood Character Overlay (NCO1) and Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) zones. Instead, any tree that meets the permit size requirements outlined above is automatically considered significant and is therefore protected under council regulations.

How to Determine if a Tree is Significant
Under the General Local Law, any damage, removal, or pruning of a significant tree and its Tree Protection Zone—the area around the trunk containing its roots—requires adherence to the law. A tree or palm is considered significant if it meets the following criteria:

• At ground level: single trunk circumference of 180 cm or more, or total circumference of multiple trunks equals 180 cm or more
   
• At 1.4 m above ground: single trunk circumference of 140 cm or more, or total circumference of multiple trunks equals 140 cm or more
   

It is recommended to keep a record of the tree’s measurements and photographs for future reference.

When You Need a Planning Permit
Check whether you require a planning permit before removing, lopping, or destroying a tree. A permit is required if the tree is classified as 'Significant' or if your property is located in any of the following areas:

• Significant Landscape Overlay: Schedule 1 – Yarra River Corridor Environs
   
• Neighbourhood Character Overlay: Schedule 1 – Hedgeley Dene Precinct or Schedule 8 – Lalbert Crescent Precinct
   
• Heritage Overlay with specific tree controls
   

In these areas, a planning permit is needed for all tree works, regardless of whether the tree is classified as ‘significant’. A separate Tree Works Permit is not required. For properties outside these zones, a Tree Works Permit may still be necessary if you are undertaking other activities, such as a house extension, that involve tree removal or pruning. Use the council’s interactive map to confirm your land’s overlays and schedules.

CLICK HERE to apply for a Stonnington Council tree removal/Pruning permit