Tree Removal in the Hills District: Council Rules

The Hills Shire's tree controls cover pruning, removal and some changes to ground levels. Tree work on acreage or beside a new build can also involve vegetation or development approvals.

When consent is required

Council's Trees on Private Land guidance (opens in new tab) requires consent for pruning more than 10%, removing non-exempt trees and substantially changing soil levels within 3 metres of a trunk.

The page identifies priority weeds and trees grown for fruit as exemptions, but excludes naturally growing native fruiting species from the fruit-tree provision. Read these alongside the Tree Management Guidelines (opens in new tab) and any property-specific controls. An exemption for one tree does not authorise clearing all surrounding vegetation.

Dead trees, damage and reports

For a dead or dying tree, the guidelines require confirmation from Council’s Tree Management Officer, following an inspection or photographs. Habitat requirements still matter. Dangerous-tree provisions have their own evidence requirements; record the condition from a safe place and confirm which process applies. A dead branch does not establish that the whole tree must be removed.

If Council requests an independent arborist report, confirm its qualification and documentation requirements. AA undertakes the physical tree work, not independent report preparation.

Applications and land clearing

Council's private-land page links directly to the tree-management application and a separate native-vegetation clearing form. Describe the tree, location, proposed cuts or removal, and reasons; provide the requested ownership and supporting information.

The RFS 10/50 scheme applies only where its address-based entitlement and conditions are met. Check the official entitlement tool (opens in new tab) on the day of work and keep the result. Bushfire-prone mapping alone is not permission. Follow the full code: its clearing provisions do not authorise below-surface vegetation removal or soil disturbance, so do not assume they also permit stump grinding.

Tree work across the Hills District

AA provides tree removal, pruning, tall hedge trimming and stump grinding across the Hills District, including Box Hill. Approval conditions and access influence the scope of the work; stump grinding does not include complete root excavation.

Find guidance for another council.

Confirm current requirements with Council before work.