Do you need a permit to remove a tree in Wyndham?

Can I cut down trees on my property in Victoria?

Sometimes, but check first. In Wyndham the planning scheme protects native vegetation, and overlays or restrictions on your title can protect other trees. Council notes that in some circumstances non-native trees are protected too, so ask before you assume a tree is exempt.

What trees can be cut down without permission?

Wyndham City gives one common example of an exemption: a permit isn't required to remove, destroy, trim or prune native vegetation, including dead vegetation, on a lot smaller than 4,000 square metres (0.4 hectares), provided the land title has no restrictions with tree protection controls. Whether that exemption covers your tree also depends on any overlay on the land, so confirm it with Council.

How do I check if my Wyndham property has a tree overlay?

Search your address on VicPlan. It's free and shows the zone and any overlays. Wyndham City says you'll likely need a permit to remove native vegetation if your property is in an Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO), Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO) or Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO), or is part of a Conservation Area, a Precinct Structure Plan or the Western Grassland Reserve.

For the controls in writing, Council accepts an Application for Planning Controls and Information, which asks for the tree's species (botanical name). Council doesn't give out zoning or overlay information over the phone.

Do I need a permit to remove a dead tree?

Possibly. Wyndham City says yes if it's a large standing dead tree, with a trunk wider than 40 cm in diameter, or if it's in a protected overlay.

Who removes a nature-strip tree in Wyndham?

Council does. Wyndham City is responsible for maintaining nature strip trees, and removing a street tree without Council approval is an offence under the Community Amenity Local Law (2023), with an infringement for each tree. If a street tree worries you, for example limbs over your property, raise a Tree Assessment Request or call 1300 023 411. Council says it will send a tree expert to inspect, free of charge.

Council also lists reasons it won't remove a street tree, including personal preference, leaf litter and limbs extending over private property.

Do I need an arborist report for a permit?

Council may ask for one to support a permit application, and a report is also common for development sites. If you've been asked for a report, send us the exact wording and see arborist reports in Werribee for what a report covers.

What happens if I remove a tree without a permit?

Wyndham City says you may face enforcement action, including restoration orders or fines. If you're not sure, check with Council before the work is booked.