Tree Removal Services
Safe, efficient tree removal service across Melbourne – from small backyard trees to large specimens near structures, power lines, and tight access sites
When a tree on your Melbourne property needs to come down, the job demands more than just a chainsaw. Our tree removal service delivers a fully managed process - from site assessment and council permits through to stump treatment and final cleanup. Every job is handled by qualified arborists with public liability insurance and the right equipment for the task.
Whether you're dealing with a dead tree in a backyard, a storm-damaged branch over the roof, or a large specimen blocking a development site, we handle it safely and with as little disruption to your property as possible.
When Is Tree Removal Necessary?
Trees add value to any property, so removal is never the first recommendation. But there are situations where leaving a tree in place creates risk or actively harms the property. These are the conditions that typically require removal.
Structural Failure Risk
Codominant stems, large cracks in the trunk, or a significant lean toward a structure indicate the tree may fail without warning. An arborist assessment can determine whether the risk can be managed through pruning or whether removal is the only safe option.
Dead or Dying Trees
A dead tree loses structural integrity quickly and becomes unpredictable. Brittle branches drop without warning, and the trunk can fail under its own weight during wind events. Dead trees typically need to be removed within weeks, not months.
Storm Damage
A major storm can split trunks, shear off large limbs, or partially uproot trees. A storm-damaged tree that remains standing is often more dangerous than one that has fallen, as internal wood failure may not be visible from the outside.
Root Intrusion
Aggressive root systems from species like liquidambar, fig, and large eucalyptus regularly crack foundations, lift paving, block drains, and damage pool surrounds. When roots have already caused structural damage, removal followed by physical root barriers is the recommended solution.
Construction Clearance
Building extensions, adding a pool, installing a driveway, or subdividing often requires clearing trees that fall within the approved building envelope. We handle pre-construction removals with the documentation required by your building surveyor and council.
Pest or Disease Infestation
Severe infestations of borers, scale, or fungal pathogens like Armillaria can compromise a tree to the point where recovery is not viable. Diseased trees that are left in place can spread pathogens to neighbouring trees and should be removed and disposed of carefully to prevent further spread.
Our 6-Step Tree Removal Process
Every tree removal we carry out follows a structured process designed to protect your property, your neighbours, and our crew. Nothing is left to chance.
Site Assessment
We inspect the tree on site - measuring height, trunk diameter, canopy spread, lean angle, proximity to structures, power lines, and access constraints. This determines the safest dismantling method and what equipment is required.
Permits and Documentation
If your council requires a permit, we advise you on the process and can connect you with a consulting arborist to prepare the required report. We don't start work until all approvals are confirmed, protecting you from potential fines.
Site Preparation
Drop zones are established, barriers set up if the site is near a road or public footpath, and adjacent structures protected where needed. We confirm the work plan with you before anything is cut.
Sectional Dismantling
Trees near structures, fences, or overhead lines are removed in sections from the top down. Our climbers use rigging systems to control each piece as it comes down. For open sites with clear drop zones, directional felling is used where safe.
Stump Treatment
Once the tree is removed, the stump can be ground below ground level using a stump grinder. This is typically quoted separately but recommended to prevent regrowth and eliminate a tripping hazard. Chemical stump treatment is an alternative for accessible stumps.
Site Cleanup
All branches are fed through the wood chipper. Timber can be left on site as firewood, chipped for mulch, or removed entirely. We rake and blow down the area before we leave. The site is left clean and safe.
Tree Removal Cost Guide for Melbourne
Pricing varies based on tree size, species, site access, and whether council approval is required. The ranges below reflect typical Melbourne pricing for straightforward residential removals. Complex jobs with crane requirements, tight access, or power line proximity will fall toward the upper end.
Small Tree
Fruit trees, small ornamentals, young natives. Half-day job for a two-person crew. No crane required.
Medium Tree
Bottlebrush, liquidambar, mid-size gums. May need a cherry picker in tight access situations.
Large Tree
Mature eucalyptus, elms, oaks. Requires climbers or EWP and wood chipper. Often a two-day job.
Extra Large Tree
Heritage gums, large pines, Moreton Bay figs. Crane hire likely. Road closures may apply.
Note on stump grinding
Stump removal is quoted separately in most cases. Expect $150 - $600 depending on stump diameter and root spread. We offer a combined discount when stump grinding is booked alongside the removal.
What Impacts the Cost of Tree Removal?
Two trees of the same height can have very different removal quotes. These are the main factors that push prices up or down.
Access to the Site
Open access where a truck and chipper can park close to the tree keeps costs down. Narrow side gates, rear-only access, or steep terrain require manual carry-out, adding significant time to the job.
Proximity to Structures
Trees next to houses, fences, sheds, or pools cannot be felled in one piece. They must be climbed and dismantled section by section using rigging systems, which takes considerably more time.
Overhead Power Lines
Trees within falling distance of live power lines require coordination with the electricity distributor (CitiPower, Powercor, AusNet, or Jemena). This adds time and in some cases a line clearance levy to the job.
Tree Condition
Counter-intuitively, dead and structurally compromised trees cost more to remove. They cannot be safely climbed and require crane assistance, with unpredictable behaviour during dismantling adding to risk and time.
Urgency
Planned removals booked in advance can be scheduled at standard rates. Emergency callouts outside business hours or during storm periods attract after-hours rates and availability premiums when every arborist in Melbourne is booked.
Permit Requirements
If your tree sits under a council overlay and requires a permit, the process adds arborist report fees ($200 - $700) and permit application fees ($75 - $300), plus the assessment timeline before work can start.
Emergency Tree Removal Melbourne
Storm damage doesn't wait for business hours. When a tree falls on your property or a limb is hanging over the roof, you need a crew on site fast. We respond to emergency tree removal calls across Melbourne and can mobilise within hours for genuine hazard situations.
What qualifies as an emergency
- Tree or large limb fallen onto a house, fence, or vehicle
- Partially uprooted tree leaning against a structure
- Split trunk with a major limb still attached and suspended
- Storm-damaged tree blocking a driveway or access
- Tree in contact with live power lines - call your electricity distributor first (SES: 132 500)
Our 24-hour response service covers make-safe work, which typically involves removing the immediate hazard and securing the site. Full removal and cleanup is then scheduled for daylight hours. This approach gets you safe quickly while managing the job properly.
For non-emergency situations, a scheduled removal is always the most cost-effective approach. Emergency rates reflect after-hours labour, priority scheduling, and the additional risk management required when site conditions haven't been assessed in advance.
Call us now for 24-hour emergency response
Residential vs Commercial Tree Removal
Tree removal service for residential and commercial properties share the same core process but differ significantly in scope, documentation, and coordination requirements.
| Factor | Residential | Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| Site Scale | Single tree or small group, one-day job typical | Multiple trees, staged over days or weeks |
| Access | Residential street, standard equipment | Often wider access, may allow cranes and larger machinery |
| Documentation | Council permit if required, arborist letter | Development application, arborist impact assessment, tree protection plans |
| Scheduling | Flexible - evenings and weekends possible | Coordinated with site managers, may need after-hours work |
| Insurance | Standard public liability | Higher PI cover, SWMS, site induction requirements |
| Waste Disposal | Chipped on site or removed by skip | Bulk removal coordinated with site waste management plan |
For commercial and development projects, we work directly with project managers, building surveyors, and arboricultural consultants to deliver documentation that meets planning permit conditions and AS4970 protection standards.
Equipment Used in Tree Removal
The right equipment makes the difference between a safe, efficient removal and a job that damages your property. Here is what we deploy depending on the tree and site conditions.
Cranes
Used for large specimens in confined spaces where there is no room to lower sections by rope. A crane lifts each section directly out of the work zone, eliminating swing risk and minimising ground impact.
Cherry Pickers (EWP)
Elevated work platforms are used when a tree cannot be safely climbed, particularly dead trees and those with structural damage. They give the operator a stable working platform at height without loading the tree.
Professional Chainsaws
Commercial-grade chainsaws in a range of bar lengths for trunk sectioning, precision cutting near structures, and processing timber on the ground. All operators hold chainsaw certification.
Wood Chippers
Tow-behind drum chippers process branches on site into mulch, eliminating the need for multiple truck trips to remove green waste. Output can be left on site as garden mulch or removed.
Stump Grinders
Ride-on and walk-behind stump grinders remove stumps to 200-300mm below ground level. This eliminates the visible stump, stops regrowth, and allows turf or replanting over the area.
Rigging Systems
Block and tackle rigging systems allow large sections to be lowered with precision in areas where a freefall drop would damage structures, gardens, or underground services.
Council Permit Requirements for Tree Removal in Melbourne
Melbourne's 31 councils each have their own rules around tree removal. Getting it wrong means fines up to $500,000 under the Planning and Environment Act. Here is an overview of how permits work across common Melbourne municipalities.
Boroondara
One of Melbourne's strictest councils for tree removal. Even dead trees may require a permit if they fall under a Significant Landscape Overlay. Expect 4-6 weeks for assessment. An arborist report is mandatory.
Stonnington
Heritage overlays across Toorak, South Yarra, and Malvern apply additional scrutiny. Neighbour notification may be triggered for street-visible trees. Budget 4-8 weeks for permit approval.
Bayside
Strict protection of native species and foreshore vegetation. Council requires documented proof that removal is the only practical option. Coastal sites face additional assessment requirements.
Whitehorse
Council employs its own arborist who checks all submitted reports. A poorly prepared arborist report will be rejected. Level 5 AQF arborists are recommended for any application here.
Manningham
The SLO covers large portions of Doncaster, Templestowe, and Warrandyte. Canopy coverage calculations are frequently required. Replacement planting is often a permit condition.
Knox
Generally reasonable for dead or dangerous tree applications. Amenity tree removal applications require stronger justification. Eastern suburbs with canopy overlays have longer assessment timelines.
Permit process and timeframes
The standard permit process involves: confirming whether your tree is under an overlay (check your council's planning map), obtaining an arborist report, lodging the permit application, waiting for assessment (typically 4-12 weeks), and receiving the decision with any conditions. Emergency removals where there is genuine risk to life or property can sometimes be processed on an urgent basis - contact your council directly in these cases.
We can advise on permit requirements for your specific property and connect you with a consulting arborist for the report. Call 0413 393 720 to discuss your situation.
Rules summarised for general guidance only. Overlay requirements override general local laws. Always verify your property's specific overlays on your council's online planning map before engaging any arborist.
What Happens After Tree Removal?
Once the tree is down and the site is cleared, there are several options for what comes next. The right choice depends on your plans for the space and any conditions attached to your council permit.
Stump Grinding
The stump is ground to 200-300mm below the surface using a petrol or hydraulic stump grinder. The remaining void is filled with the grindings mixed with topsoil. The surface is then ready for turf, paving, or planting within a few weeks.
Replanting Options
If council issued a permit with a replanting condition, a replacement tree must be planted - typically within 12 months. We can advise on suitable species for your site, soil type, and available space. Native species in the same vegetation community are often preferred by councils.
Site Restoration
Large tree removals leave behind disturbed soil, exposed root channels, and sometimes void spaces underground where the root ball was. We can arrange topsoil backfill, turf repair, or compacted gravel fill depending on what the site is being used for.
Timber and Mulch
If you want to keep the timber for firewood, we can cut logs to length and stack them on site. All branch material can be chipped and spread as garden mulch - free of charge and much better for your soil than bagged mulch from a hardware store.
Tree Removal Services - Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Melbourne?
It depends on your council and whether your property or tree falls under a planning overlay. In many Melbourne councils, trees of a certain height or trunk diameter require a permit before removal. Trees under a Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO), Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO), or Heritage Overlay almost always need council approval. The quickest way to check is to look up your property on your council's online planning map and look for active overlays. If in doubt, call us - we can advise based on your suburb and tree type.
How long does tree removal take?
A small tree removal is typically a half-day job. A medium tree in a straightforward residential site takes most of a full day including cleanup. Large trees, particularly those requiring sectional dismantling near structures, often take two days. Very large specimens with crane involvement may require an additional day for stump grinding and final cleanup. We give you a realistic timeframe when we quote so you can plan accordingly.
Is stump removal included in the tree removal quote?
Stump grinding is almost always quoted as a separate item. This is because some clients want to keep the stump for various reasons, and the equipment and time required differs significantly from the removal itself. We offer a discount when both are booked together. Stump grinding in Melbourne typically costs $150 to $600 depending on stump diameter. We'll include it in the same site visit where possible to save you a second mobilisation fee.
What happens to the wood and green waste?
All branch material goes through the wood chipper on site. You can keep the chips as mulch for garden beds - they're excellent for moisture retention and soil health, and free. Logs can be cut to firewood length and left if you have a fireplace or fire pit. If you want everything removed, we can arrange full green waste removal for an additional fee depending on volume. We discuss your preference when quoting so there are no surprises.
Do you remove trees in difficult access situations?
Yes. Difficult access is something we deal with regularly - narrow gates, rear-of-property trees, hillside properties, steep block allotments, and sites with no vehicle access at all. In these cases we use a combination of hand tools, rope systems, smaller equipment that fits through standard gates, and in some cases a crane operated from the street. We will tell you honestly at the quote stage what access challenges exist and how we plan to manage them. Difficult access does add cost, but it doesn't make a job impossible.
Can a council tree removal permit application be rejected?
Yes, councils can and do reject applications, particularly for healthy significant trees where the grounds for removal aren't strong enough. A rejected application can be appealed through VCAT, but that process is time-consuming and costly. The best approach is to submit a thorough, well-documented arborist report from a qualified AQF Level 5 consulting arborist. Weak reports with vague assessments are the most common reason for rejection. We can connect you with experienced consulting arborists who know what specific councils are looking for.
Do you provide a written quote before starting work?
Yes, always. We provide a written scope of work and quote before any tree removal proceeds. The quote will specify what is included - tree removal, stump grinding, green waste disposal, and any additional services - so you know exactly what you're paying for. We don't start work until you have confirmed acceptance in writing or by phone. For emergency make-safe work, we'll give you a verbal estimate on arrival and confirm in writing immediately after.
Are you insured for tree removal work?
Yes. We carry public liability insurance covering tree removal operations. We can provide a certificate of currency on request. Never allow uninsured operators onto your property for tree work - if anything goes wrong, you may be liable for the cost of property damage. Before hiring any arborist, ask for their insurance certificate and verify the policy covers tree removal specifically.
Tree Removal Service Areas Across Melbourne
We provide tree removal services across the Melbourne metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs. Our crews are based centrally and can reach most Melbourne suburbs quickly.
Get a Quote for Tree Removal in Melbourne
Call us for a free on-site assessment or send through photos and your address for a preliminary estimate. We respond the same day.
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