The Planning Rules Have Changed for Removing or Pruning Canopy Trees in Victoria

Written by John McKenna on 27 October, 2025

If you want to prune the canopy of a large tree, you may now need a permit due to changes in the planning rules for removing or pruning canopy trees in Victoria.

This guide to Victoria’s new canopy-tree rules is written by John McKenna, Head Arborist and Director of Tree Range Arborists in Emerald, with 15+ years’ experience in technical canopy work across the Dandenong & Yarra Ranges.

So the big question is, can I remove or prune my tree in Victoria now? Below, we’ll cover the new rules in as simple terms as possible. If, by the end, you’re still not clear, feel free to give us a call, and we’ll be happy to help you.

Quick Answer & TL;DR

• From 15 September 2025, many “canopy” trees on residential land will now need a planning permit to remove or lop.
• You may need a planning permit to remove or lop a canopy tree on residential land.
• A canopy tree is all three of: over 5 m high, trunk circumference over 0.5 m at 1.4 m height, and canopy at least 4 m across.
• Some straightforward jobs can be fast-tracked under VicSmart.
• Many sites must retain and or plant enough trees to reach a minimum canopy cover. As a guide, a 700 m² block often needs about 4 canopy trees at maturity.
• We’re Emerald-based arborists working across the Dandenong and Yarra Ranges and Eastern Suburbs, and we can help you check what applies to your property and handle the paperwork legally and fast.

What Tree Pruning Rules Actually Changed on 15 September 2025

A new state planning rule, Clause 52.37 (Canopy trees), now applies across most residential zones in Victoria. It aims to protect and grow tree canopy cover in suburbs. The Low Density Residential Zone is the main exception.

Do I Need a Permit?

You usually need a permit in these common situations on residential land:

• Vacant land: Any canopy tree anywhere on the lot.
• Existing home (with or without an extension): Any canopy tree within 6 m of the narrowest street frontage or within 4.5 m of the rear boundary.
• A permit is being assessed for one or more new dwellings: The same 6 m and 4.5 m distances apply.

If you are not sure, we can check your address and measure for you.

What Counts as a “Canopy Tree”?

• Height: over 5 metres
• Trunk: circumference over 0.5 metres, measured 1.4 metres above ground
• Canopy: 4 metres or more across

How Fast is the Permit?

If your job qualifies for VicSmart, the council aims to decide it in about 10 business days. These applications are not advertised, and the information required is clearly set out.

Will I Have to Plant Replacement Trees?

Often yes. The goal is to keep or improve the overall canopy cover on the site.

• Up to 1,000 m²: about 10% canopy cover
• Over 1,000 m²: about 20% canopy cover

Example: 700 m² block → around 4 canopy trees at maturity.

New trees must be species that will reach at least 6 m high with a 4 m canopy.

Councils can accept fewer trees if you choose larger species that meet the same canopy cover.

If you need to plan additional trees to replace the removed canopies, we can design a simple plan that meets the target without over-planting.

Other Rules Still Apply

This rule does not replace overlays or local laws. You may still need to comply with vegetation protection overlays, environmental or landscape overlays, and bushfire requirements. We always check your zones and overlays first.

What Council Looks At

For these applications, the council uses the specific decision guidelines in Clause 52.37. The decision should be proportionate and fair. It is focused on the clause rather than wider policy.

How Tree Range Can Help You

We fully appreciate that navigating planning permits in regards to tree removals or pruning can be complicated and we can help you with whatever your particular tree needs are, including:

1) Free check

We confirm whether your tree meets the canopy definition and whether the trigger distances apply. We also pull your Planning Property Report or check VicPlan for zones and overlays.

2) Permit pathway

If a permit is required, the homeowner will need to submit the application. We can assist by preparing the necessary documentation and information to support it, ensuring everything aligns with what council expects. Councils have designed the process to be as straightforward as possible, making it easier for homeowners to apply with confidence.

3) Safe works

Legal pruning and tree removal are carried out by qualified arborists in full compliance with local laws and the Australian Standards for Pruning (AS 4373). Our approach is informed by respected scientific research to ensure the long-term health and safety of each tree. We can also assess and provide documentation to support whether a tree is hazardous and may be exempt from a permit application.

4) Replanting plan

We design replanting solutions that meet the required 10% or 20% canopy cover target with the fewest trees needed, often using larger species to achieve faster, lasting results.

Wherever possible, we prioritise tree retention through the use of our professional support systems, including bracing, cabling, and propping. We’re passionate about preserving the existing landscape and maintaining the natural character of each site.

Simple Homeowner Checklist

Here’s a simple checklist that can help determine whether you’ll be affected by the new rules:

• Measure the tree: height, trunk at 1.4 m, and canopy width.
• Measure distances: to street frontage (6 m) and rear boundary (4.5 m).
• Check your property controls: Planning Property Report or VicPlan.
• Draft a canopy plan: retain some trees and or plant new ones to hit your target.
• Ask us to confirm and lodge: we handle the legal steps and the work.

For more information, see the complete list of changes on the Planning Victoria website .

FAQs

Do I need a permit to prune or remove a canopy tree in Victoria?

If the pruning is considered lopping of a canopy tree and the trigger distances apply, you will likely need a permit. We can confirm on-site.

Can I plant fewer replacement trees under Victoria's new canopy tree rules?

Often yes. If you choose species that grow larger at maturity, councils may accept fewer trees that still meet the canopy cover target.

Do canopy tree permit rules change if I’m in a bushfire overlay area?

Possibly. Overlays still apply and can change what is allowed. We check this before any application.

Ready for Help?

Book a site check in Emerald, the Dandenong Ranges, Yarra Ranges or the Eastern Suburbs. We will confirm the rules, assist with any permit, and complete the work legally and safely, with a simple replanting plan that keeps the council happy.