Tree Removal in Melbourne: A Homeowner’s Guide for 2025
Thinking about removing a tree this year? Whether it’s crowding your home, damaging paving, or dropping limbs in bad weather, a clear plan will save time, money and stress. This guide explains permits, costs, safety and the step-by-step process so Melbourne homeowners can proceed with confidence.
Why Tree Removal Matters
Trees add shade and character, but when structure declines or roots conflict with assets, removal can be the safest option. The key is doing it properly: plan the work, follow council rules, protect people and property, and finish with a tidy, usable space. If you’re comparing options first, our explainer on the best time of year to prune helps you decide if pruning could solve the problem instead.
Do You Need Council Approval in 2025?
Many Melbourne councils require a permit to remove trees above certain sizes or in overlay areas. Paperwork varies by suburb and species, so check early to avoid delays. Start with our plain-English overview of tree removal permits in Melbourne to understand typical criteria and timeframes.
Safety First: When Removal Can’t Wait
Some signs call for urgent action: fresh cracking at the base, new lean, heaved soil, large deadwood over play areas, or storm damage. Learn the red flags in our guide to signs you may need emergency tree removal and keep people and pets clear until an arborist inspects the site.
The Removal Process: What to Expect
Good crews plan the work before a saw starts. Expect a site assessment, protection for roofs, fences and gardens, and a staged dismantle with controlled lowering. Waste is chipped, and timber is removed or repurposed. For a full step-through from quote to clean-up, read our tree removal process guide.
Powerlines, Boundaries and Access
Branches near service lines are a serious hazard—never DIY near live conductors. Responsibilities are specific in Victoria; review our guide to powerline trimming responsibilities and arrange a qualified team. On tight sites or shared boundaries, your arborist will design a rigging plan to avoid damage and manage neighbour access correctly.
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?
Price depends on height, spread, condition, access, powerlines, traffic control and waste handling. Stump grinding is usually quoted separately. For ballpark figures and the biggest cost drivers, see tree removal costs in Melbourne. If you’re gathering quotes, these tips on choosing the right arborist will help you compare like for like.
Aftercare: Stumps, Replanting and Clean-Up
Once the canopy and trunk are removed, most homeowners opt to grind the stump below soil level to allow replanting or new surfaces. For options and what to expect, visit our page on stump removal in Melbourne. If sustainability matters, you’ll appreciate our approach to chipping and recycling in this guide to eco-friendly tree removal.
Plan Your Next Step
Still deciding between pruning and removal? Start with timing and health. Our overview of expert tree care in Melbourne explains how strategic maintenance reduces risk and cost across the year. When you’re ready, we’ll assess the site, confirm permit needs and provide a clear, itemised quote.
Book a site visit: Contact Dawson Tree Services for friendly advice and a prompt quote.