How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Melbourne?

BEGINNER

What Affects Tree Removal Cost

Tree removal pricing in Melbourne varies significantly based on multiple factors. Understanding these will help you get accurate quotes from local arborists in your area—whether you’re in Dandenong, Berwick, Narre Warren, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Officer, Frankston, or Mornington.

Cost Factor	Impact on Price	Melbourne Example
Tree Height	Primary cost driver. Each metre above 5m adds $200–$500	A 8m gum tree costs more than a 4m apple tree
Trunk Diameter	Thicker trunks (60cm+) require more labour and equipment	Mature eucalyptus often $800+ more than similar height, thinner trees
Access & Clearance	Poor access adds $500–$2,000. Requires longer setup or hand removal	Tree in narrow Dandenong backyard costs more than open suburban property
Proximity to Structures	Near house, pool, or power lines adds $1,000–$3,000 for precision removal	Tree near Frankston home requiring crane work: premium pricing
Protected/Significant Tree Status	Requires arborist report, council approval. Adds $300–$800 in fees	Significant tree overlay in Cardinia Shire increases costs significantly
Stump Grinding	$200–$1,500 depending on stump size and root system	Large gum stump in Officer: $1,000–$1,500
Mulch Removal vs Retention	Leaving mulch saves $300–$600; removal adds cost	Request mulch for garden beds to reduce total bill
Species & Wood Type	Hardwoods (gums, ashes) cost 20–30% more than softwoods	Removing Eucalyptus in Pakenham typically pricier than pine trees
Council Permits	$150–$500 for permit application and assessment	City of Casey, Cardinia Shire, Frankston City fees apply
Emergency/Storm Damage Removal	30–50% premium on standard rates; often available after hours	Post-storm removal in Berwick: expedited but costly

Tree Removal Cost Breakdown

Tree Size	Typical Cost (AUD)	Includes
Small (under 5m)	$300–$800	Felling, cutting, basic site clean-up. No mulch removal unless requested
Medium (5–10m)	$800–$2,000	Professional felling, limb-by-limb if needed, chipping, basic site clearing
Large (10–15m)	$2,000–$4,500	Professional crew (2–3 arborists), sectional felling, equipment hire, site restoration
Very Large (15m+)	$4,500–$8,000+	Specialist arborist team, possible crane hire, detailed planning, council compliance, extended labour
Stump Grinding (Small–Medium)	$200–$700	Grinding to 15–20cm below surface, mulch generated, minor site cleanup
Stump Grinding (Large)	$700–$1,500	Deep grinding, removal of large roots, restoration of soil level
Emergency/Storm Damage Removal	$500–$12,000+	Hazard assessment, rapid removal, often higher hourly rates. Price depends on complexity
Dead Tree Removal	$400–$3,000	Often faster than living trees (no regrowth concern), but brittleness adds risk. No permit usually required
Protected/Significant Tree Removal	$1,200–$6,000+	Includes arborist report ($300–$500), council approval process, professional removal with compliance verification
Full Site Restoration	$500–$2,000	Grinding stump, removing all wood chips and roots, soil levelling and compaction

Council Permit Requirements in Melbourne

Melbourne’s councils have strict rules about tree removal to protect the urban forest and preserve neighbourhood character. These requirements vary across the south-eastern suburbs.

General Rules

• City of Casey (Dandenong, Berwick, Narre Warren, Pakenham, Cranbourne, Officer): Trees over 3m in height within 1km of a residential zone generally require a permit. Significant trees (marked on planning overlays) always require approval. Removal without permission can incur fines of $5,000–$10,000+.
• Cardinia Shire (Pakenham area): Native trees, particularly eucalyptus, are often protected. Trees in significant tree overlays require an arborist report and council approval before removal.
• Frankston City (Frankston, Mornington): Coastal and inland tree protection provisions apply. Significant trees (usually over 6m or 8m diameter) need permits. Dead trees may be exempt but still require notification.
• Protected/Significant Tree Overlays: Check your property’s planning overlay on your council’s website. Trees marked as “significant” or in a “tree protection overlay” cannot be removed without council approval and typically an arborist report.

Arborist Reports & Protected Trees

If a tree is marked as “significant” or falls within a protected overlay, you’ll need an arborist report (cost $300–$700) detailing the tree’s condition, health risk, and removal justification. AQF Level 3 arborists in Victoria can conduct these assessments. The council typically takes 2–4 weeks to respond.

DIY vs Professional Tree Removal

Bottom line: Almost always hire a professional arborist. Tree removal is dangerous and highly regulated in Melbourne.

• DIY (Very Limited): Only small trees under 3–4m with thin trunks (under 10cm diameter) in open spaces away from structures can be tackled by a competent homeowner. Even then, use proper PPE and rent a professional-grade chipper.
• Professional Removal (99% of cases): Any tree over 5m, near structures, or marked as protected must be removed by a qualified arborist with AQF Level 3 certification. Melbourne arborists are insured and trained in hazard assessment and safety systems.
• Pruning vs Removal: Small branches or crown thinning (not lopping) can sometimes be DIY; removal of the whole tree is not.

Common Issues & Solutions

Problem	Cause	Solution
Quoted price doubled after work started	Hidden complications (poor access, root systems, buried utilities) discovered on site	Always get a written quote with a site inspection. Ask for a “not-to-exceed” clause. Request breakdown of assumptions and potential add-ons upfront
Neighbour’s tree dropping branches on my roof	Overhanging branches are neighbour’s responsibility; tree lopping is often the solution	Ask neighbour politely to trim overhanging branches. If they refuse, hire a lopper to trim YOUR side of the property line only (don’t cross into neighbour’s airspace). Cost: $300–$800 for lopping service
Council denied removal permit	Tree may be protected, or council determined it’s not a hazard and shouldn’t be removed	Request written reasons for denial. Consider a second arborist’s assessment or appeal to council. If approved at second assessment, resubmit. Focus on safety/health justification, not aesthetics
Stump keeps sprouting new shoots	Stump not ground deep enough or root system still active	Chemical stump killer ($50–$100) applied to fresh cuts; repeat as needed. Or grind stump deeper and apply herbicide to exposed roots. Professional stump grinding eliminates this issue
Damage to property during removal (fence, gutter, patio)	Contractor negligence or poor planning around obstacles	Document damage with photos. Contact arborist immediately and request repair estimate. Most professional contractors carry liability insurance to cover accidental damage. Get written repair quote from contractor or third party

When to Call a Professional Arborist

You should hire a professional arborist in almost all tree removal scenarios. Here’s when it’s absolutely essential:

• Tree is over 5m tall: Risk of serious injury or property damage is too high for DIY.
• Tree is protected or significant: Requires arborist report and council approval. Only AQF Level 3 arborists can produce legally valid assessment reports.
• Tree is near power lines: Do NOT attempt removal yourself. Contact your electricity distributor (Ausnet Services, Powercor, etc.) for clearance work—they handle this free or at minimal cost.
• Tree is near your home, pool, or neighbour’s property: Professional liability insurance and expertise are essential.
• Tree is dead or shows signs of disease: Dead wood is unpredictable and brittle. Professionals have hazard assessment skills.
• Strata or body corporate property: Apartment blocks and unit developments require approval from body corporate before tree removal. Some require contractor to be on an approved list.
• Emergency storm damage: A professional can rapidly assess hazard and arrange emergency removal (often same-day in Melbourne).