New Victorian Tree Canopy Protection Rules (2025): What Homeowners and Developers Must Know About Planning Permit
Introduction: A Greener Future for Victoria
On 15 September 2025, the Victorian Government introduced sweeping changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions through Amendment VC289, creating an entirely new framework under Clause 52.37 – Canopy Trees – VC289
These reforms mark one of the most significant environmental and urban-planning updates in decades, placing tree canopy protection at the forefront of residential and urban development policy.
The purpose is simple yet powerful: to protect and enhance canopy tree cover in Victoria’s residential zones, cool our suburbs, support biodiversity, and balance housing growth with green space.
For homeowners, builders, and developers across Melbourne and regional Victoria, this means new permit requirements, new responsibilities, and stricter compliance measures.
At Safeguard Tree Services, we understand the complexity of arboricultural compliance. This guide breaks down the new canopy tree protection rules, explains what they mean for you, and shows how our qualified arborists can help you stay compliant while enhancing your property’s value and environmental footprint.
For the official government release, visit: Protecting and Enhancing Our Tree Canopy – Planning Victoria.
What Changed on 15 September 2025?
Before this reform, tree protection rules varied across councils, creating confusion. Amendment VC289 now introduces statewide consistency, focusing on:
Clear definitions of “canopy trees.”
Permit requirements for removal, lopping, or destruction.
Minimum canopy tree planting obligations for developments.
Decision guidelines prioritising tree health, urban cooling, and biodiversity.
Exemptions for emergencies, bushfire safety, and infrastructure projects.
This ensures all Victorians — from Pakenham to Dandenong, Geelong to Ballarat — are covered by the same canopy tree protections.
Defining “Canopy Trees” Under Clause 52.37
According to the new law, a canopy tree is defined as:
A height of more than 5 metres above ground level.
A trunk circumference greater than 0.5 metres, measured at 1.4m above ground.
A canopy spread of at least 4 metres.
A new canopy tree (to be planted) must be expected to reach at maturity:
At least 6 metres tall.
At least 4 metres canopy diameter.
A special category applies to Boundary Canopy Trees — those within 6m of a front boundary or 4.5m of a rear boundary.
This means many common backyard species in Melbourne — gums, elms, oaks, maples, liquidambars, pittosporums — fall under protection.
Permit Requirements: Do You Need Permission to Remove a Tree?
From 15th September 2025, a planning permit is required to remove, lop, or destroy a canopy tree in these zones:
Residential Growth Zone (RGZ)
General Residential Zone (GRZ)
Neighbourhood Residential Zone (NRZ)
Mixed Use Zone (MUZ)
Township Zone (TZ)
Housing Choice and Transport Zone (new consolidation areas)
When a Permit Is Not Required
Exempt under Clause 52.37-8 (dead trees, emergencies, noxious weeds, etc.).
Covered by a valid building permit lodged before 15 September 2025.
Routine pruning (up to one-third of foliage), provided the tree remains above height/canopy thresholds.
⚠️ Key Change: Pruning large limbs that reduce canopy spread may now require a permit unless it qualifies as maintenance.
Minimum Canopy Tree Requirements for Development
New developments must now meet strict canopy cover ratios.
Table 1 – Minimum Canopy Tree Requirements
1 tree: up to 100 sqm lot
2 trees: 101–200 sqm
3 trees: 201–500 sqm
4 trees: 501–700 sqm
6 trees: 701–1000 sqm
Lots above 1001 sqm → canopy cover must equal at least 20% of site area
Example: On a 2000 sqm site with 30% existing canopy cover, the required cover is 25% (20% + half of the excess 10%).
Planting Standards for New Trees
Minimum deep soil area: 12 sqm with 2.5m dimensions, or
Planter: 12 cubic metres soil volume, 0.8m minimum depth.
Larger canopy species (>8m spread) may require greater soil volumes.
This change makes canopy trees a mandatory planning element, not an afterthought.
Application Requirements
Permit applications must include:
Site plan & photos marking all canopy trees.
Tree details (species, height, canopy diameter).
Proposed new plantings (species, expected size, soil, irrigation).
Justification for removal.
Arborist assessment if removal is due to health or safety.
Decision Guidelines for Councils
Councils must now assess:
Contribution to urban cooling and biodiversity.
Impacts on buildings, foundations, solar access, and services.
Bushfire safety (defendable space where required).
Tree health, stability, and safety risks.
These stricter guidelines give councils stronger grounds to refuse tree removals unless justified.
Exemptions in Detail
Permits are not required for:
Dead trees.
Emergency works (by councils, utilities, or during storms).
Immediate danger to people or property.
Fire protection activities (fuel breaks, bushfire clearance).
Public authority works (roads, rail, transport).
Traditional owner agreements.
Extractive industries (low-impact mining, geothermal, gas sequestration).
Noxious weed trees under Catchment and Land Protection Act.
Routine maintenance pruning (≤1/3 foliage).
Transitional Provisions
If you lodged a building or planning permit before 15 September 2025, or within 12 months with prior surveyor engagement, the new rules may not apply.
This ensures fairness for ongoing projects.
What This Means for Homeowners
Removing a gum tree? You’ll likely need a permit.
Planning renovations? Tree retention must be considered.
Dangerous tree? Removal requires arborist evidence.
Routine pruning? Still allowed — provided thresholds remain.
Homeowners should now treat trees as protected community assets, not disposable features.
What This Means for Developers & Builders
Must design projects with minimum canopy ratios.
Must integrate deep soil zones into site plans.
Must provide arborist reports for tree removals.
May face refusals if designs ignore canopy retention.
Developers should consult qualified arborists at concept stage, not post-design.
Environmental and Community Benefits
Reduced urban heat island effect (vital in suburbs like Pakenham, Dandenong, and Melbourne’s north-west).
Biodiversity corridors for birds, pollinators, and wildlife.
Higher property values linked to green cover.
Community health benefits — cooler suburbs, lower energy bills, improved wellbeing.
How Safeguard Tree Services Can Help
At Safeguard Tree Services, we assist clients across Melbourne’s South-East with:
Arborist Reports (Level 5 AQF) – compliant with AS 4970 and AS 2303.
Permit applications – including site plans, risk assessments, and council liaison.
Tree Removal & Tree Pruning Melbourne-wide – fully permit compliant, following AS 4373.
Emergency Tree Services in Melbourne – for storm damage and safety risks.
Tree planting programs – selecting resilient Victorian natives and climate-adapted species.
See our services:
FAQs
1. Do I need a permit for tree removal in Melbourne under the new rules?
Yes. From September 2025, most tree removal in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs requires a planning permit if the tree meets the canopy tree thresholds (over 5m tall, 0.5m trunk circumference, 4m canopy). Only exempt cases such as dead trees, emergency removals, or noxious weeds avoid permits.
2. What is a “boundary canopy tree” and how does it affect tree removal in Pakenham?
A boundary canopy tree is a tree located within 6m of the front boundary or 4.5m of the rear boundary. These are especially important for streetscape amenity in growth areas like Pakenham. If you’re planning tree removal in Pakenham, boundary canopy trees will be heavily scrutinised, and council approval is more likely required.
3. Can I prune or lop my trees in Melbourne without council approval?
Yes, but with limits. Routine tree pruning in Melbourne is allowed without a permit if you remove no more than one-third of foliage and the tree stays above canopy thresholds. Any significant lopping or structural pruning, especially near boundaries or powerlines, may require a permit.
4. Are fruit trees included in Victoria’s canopy tree protection rules?
Yes, if they qualify as canopy trees. Large figs, macadamias, and citrus may fall under the new protections. Smaller backyard fruit trees usually won’t. For tree removal in Melbourne or tree pruning in Pakenham, always check if your fruit tree meets canopy thresholds before proceeding.
5. What happens if I remove a tree in Melbourne without a permit?
Unauthorised tree removal in Melbourne or anywhere in Victoria can result in hefty council fines, compliance orders, and potential VCAT action. It can also increase your obligation to replant canopy trees. Engaging a professional arborist before removal ensures compliance and avoids penalties.
6. How many canopy trees do I need to plant when building in Pakenham?
Under the new laws, lots in Pakenham and across Melbourne must meet minimum canopy tree numbers:
1 tree for lots ≤100 sqm
2 trees for 101–200 sqm
3 trees for 201–500 sqm
4 trees for 501–700 sqm
6 trees for 701–1000 sqm
≥1000 sqm = 20% canopy cover
Developers must plan tree placement early to meet these canopy requirements.
7. What documents are required for a tree removal permit in Melbourne?
Permit applications for tree removal in Melbourne need:
Site plan showing all canopy trees.
Photos and details of tree species, height, canopy spread.
Justification for removal (e.g., safety, development).
A Level 5 Arborist Report (mandatory for health/safety removals).
Safeguard Tree Services provides professional Arborist Reports Victoria-wide to support compliant applications.
8. How do the new canopy tree rules impact developers in Melbourne?
Developers in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs must integrate canopy tree retention and planting into site design. Councils now reject developments that fail to meet canopy ratios. Working with an arborist ensures compliance with AS 4970 Protection of Trees on Development Sites and smooths permit approvals.
9. What exemptions apply for emergency tree removal in Melbourne?
Emergency tree work is still exempt. If a tree poses immediate danger (e.g., storm damage, fallen limbs), emergency tree removal in Melbourne can proceed without a permit. Safeguard Tree Services provides 24/7 emergency arborist services and liaises with council to confirm compliance.
10. Who can prepare an arborist report in Victoria for tree removal or pruning?
Only a qualified Level 5 arborist can prepare compliant reports. Councils across Victoria, including Pakenham, Berwick, Dandenong, and wider Melbourne, require these reports to assess applications for tree removal or tree pruning. Safeguard Tree Services provides expert Arborist Reports Victoria-wide, ensuring faster council approvals.
11. How do the new canopy tree rules affect tree removal in Melbourne suburbs?
In Melbourne suburbs, including growth areas like Pakenham, Clyde, Dandenong, and Cranbourne, the new laws mean that most tree removals now require a council permit if the tree meets the canopy thresholds. Residents planning tree removal in Melbourne should first check their local planning scheme and obtain an arborist assessment to avoid penalties.
12. Can I still remove a tree in Pakenham without a permit?
In Pakenham and other Cardinia Shire suburbs, canopy trees are now protected under Clause 52.37. You will need a planning permit unless the tree is dead, poses immediate danger, or falls under another exemption. For safe and compliant tree removal in Pakenham, it’s best to engage a qualified arborist who understands both state rules and local council guidelines.
13. Does Safeguard Tree Services provide emergency tree removal in Melbourne?
Yes. While most removals require permits, the law recognises emergency exemptions. If a tree falls during a storm or presents an immediate safety hazard, our team can provide emergency tree removal in Melbourne and liaise with council to ensure the removal complies with the new planning laws.
14. How do the new canopy rules impact tree pruning in Melbourne?
Routine tree pruning in Melbourne is still allowed without a permit if you remove no more than one-third of the foliage and the tree remains above the canopy thresholds. However, more significant lopping (structural pruning or canopy reduction) may now require a planning permit. To avoid issues, homeowners are encouraged to hire professional arborists to prune safely and legally.
15. What if I need an arborist report in Victoria for a planning application?
Under the new canopy tree protection laws, most applications to remove or lop canopy trees will require a professional arborist report. Our AQF Level 5 arborists provide detailed reports for councils across Victoria, including Pakenham, Dandenong, Berwick, and wider Melbourne. These reports include tree health assessments, root zone mapping, and compliance with AS 4970 Protection of Trees on Development Sites.
16. Can developers in Melbourne’s growth corridors meet canopy cover rules easily?
In suburbs like Pakenham, Officer, and Clyde North, where large subdivisions are common, developers must now provide minimum canopy cover in line with site area. This often means retaining existing trees where possible and planting new ones in deep soil zones. Our arborists assist developers by preparing tree management plans and recommending suitable Victorian native species for long-term compliance.
17. What services can an arborist provide to help comply with the new rules?
At Safeguard Tree Services, our team provides:
Tree removal in Melbourne & Pakenham (permit-compliant).
Tree pruning and canopy management to retain healthy trees.
Arborist reports Victoria-wide for planning applications.
Emergency tree services for storm damage.
Tree planting programs that meet the new canopy tree requirements.
18. How does tree removal in Melbourne differ under the new law compared to before?
Before September 2025, tree protection varied by council. Some councils had strict overlays, while others had little regulation. Now, the new rules create statewide consistency — meaning whether you’re in Pakenham, Dandenong, or Montmorency, you must apply for a permit for canopy tree removal (unless exempt). This removes confusion but also increases responsibility for homeowners.
19. Can I replace a removed canopy tree with a smaller ornamental tree?
No — if you remove a canopy tree, you must replace it with a new canopy tree species capable of reaching the minimum size thresholds (6m tall, 4m canopy). Small ornamentals like dwarf citrus or Japanese maples won’t meet requirements. Our team can recommend appropriate native or climate-resilient canopy species for your property.
20. Why choose Safeguard Tree Services for tree removal in Pakenham and Melbourne?
We are a locally based arborist company in South-East Melbourne, specialising in:
Safe tree removal in Pakenham and across Melbourne, fully compliant with the 2025 planning rules.
Large team capacity, enabling us to handle emergencies and scheduled jobs simultaneously.
Expert arborist reports for council approvals.
Affordable, transparent pricing backed by AQF-certified crews.
By choosing Safeguard Tree Services, you’re ensuring your project is completed legally, safely, and in alignment with Victoria’s new tree canopy protection laws.
Conclusion
Victoria’s new canopy tree protection rules (2025) are a game-changer for property owners and developers. They place tree cover at the centre of urban planning, safeguarding future generations against heat, habitat loss, and unsustainable growth.
For homeowners, developers, and councils, compliance is now non-negotiable.
At Safeguard Tree Services, we combine expert arborist reports, permit support, and professional tree services to keep you compliant while protecting the environment.
📞 Contact Safeguard Tree Services today for Tree Removal in Melbourne, Tree Removal in Pakenham, Arborist Reports Victoria, or Emergency Tree Services Melbourne — and ensure your property meets the new Victorian canopy tree rules.