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Kingston City Council Tree Regulations

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.

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

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

 

 

Kingston City Council 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.

Neighbouring trees

Occasionally tree pruning or removal is required for trees 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 law. Once you have a permit from the 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.

Need Help?

Permit applications and dealing with council can be a confusing and time consuming task. If you have any queries related to the paperwork itself or need a hand with the application or if you would prefer that we handle the whole 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 department, simply fill in your details on our contact page and we’ll do the rest.