Let’s fight tree poisoning

Trees are a major, and much-loved, part of our neighbourhood. The protection of trees, both in the public realm and on private land, is vital to maintaining our City’s leafy character and environment. 

Unfortunately, in recent months we have seen an alarming rise in incidents of tree poisoning on private property. We are committed to fully investigating these incidents and will take legal action against those found guilty of deliberately killing or removing canopy trees.

Like trees in public spaces, trees on private land enhance Boroondara’s environment and neighbourhood character. Our Tree Protection Local Law contributes to the retention of significant and canopy trees on private land with an approach that balances the protection of healthy trees with the need to remove trees in certain circumstances. 

We are one of just a handful of councils to have a local law requiring permits to remove canopy trees on privately owned land. Canopy trees have a circumference of: 

If the tree has multiple stems, the circumference is the total of the stems.

If you believe a tree on private property is being damaged or removed illegally, please call our Statutory Planning team on 9278 4888 so we can investigate immediately. 

You can also lodge concerns online.