Street and Park trees

You can log a request to get the branches trimmed on your tree if it is:

• to provide access for vehicles and pedestrians
• to ensure the footpath has clear access
• to ensure sight for signs, traffic lights and driveways
• to enhance the health of the tree
• To maintain clearance from powerlines

Council will not prune a tree for solar access, to reduce berries, nuts, leaves, or other tree material, to reduce animal noise and waste, for projections over public open spaces. All tree pruning works by Council follow Australian Standard AS4347-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees. 

You will be notified of the outcome of the assessment via a letter box card.

Tree pruning request card example.
Olive tree pruning sheet.

You can log a request for the removal of a tree if:
•    The tree is dying
•    The tree is dead
•    The tree is diseased
•    The tree is structurally dangerous
 

Council will not remove a tree for solar access, to reduce berries, nuts, leaves, or other tree material, to reduce animal noise and waste, for projections over public open spaces.

REMOVAL FOR MEDICAL REASONS WOULD REQUIRE DOCUMENTATION FROM A HEALTH SPECIALIST.
 

Tree stumps may take several weeks to remove after the tree has been removed.
You will be notified of the outcome of the assessment via a letter box card.

You can log a service request for a new nature strip, streetscape or reserve tree on our website.

New requests can also be logged via customer service on 03 9249 400 or e-mail  info@brimbank.vic.gov.au 

What happens after I log my tree request? 

• An inspecting arborist will assess the nature strip for tree planting suitability, considering above and below ground services and width of the nature strip.
• You will be notified of the approval or non-approval via letter response, this will include the amount of trees and the species that will be planted. Find out how we select your trees  
• If your new tree request is approved for planting, a new tree will be planted the following planting season (generally April to July each year).  Please see Tree Planting Programs for further information about our street tree infill program
• New tree requests must be requested no later than 28 February to be planted in the same calendar year. 

Council currently has a 2-year program to clear branches near power lines which is undertaken by contractors under council supervision. Trees are pruned to maintain required clearance as per state regulations. These pruning works include the power supply wire to property only and not any other cables/wires. If you have concerns over other wires within a tree, please log a service request for an inspection and if works are deemed necessary, they will be arranged.

If works are carried out by Powercor, Jemena or any other contractor the branches will be cleared by them in the coming week. This action is automatically done so you don’t need to log a request.

Relocation – Repositioning of overhead power supply cables – Council must be supplied with supporting evidence of who is requesting this i.e., power company & electricians, drawn plans etc

See our Electric Lines Clearance Management Plan 2025/26

If a branch is blocking a roadway, driveway, or access, please contact Council ASAP.

Out-of-hours calls are directed to Council’s Out of Hours Service.
If deemed an emergency, an Emergency Duty Officer will then allocate works to remove any danger as soon as possible. Please call 03 9249 4000.
 

Unlawfully destroying, cutting, trimming, pruning, or otherwise interfering with trees in public space is an offence Council’s General Local Law 2018. 
If you would like to report tree vandalism, please call us on 03 9249 4000 from Monday to Friday between 8:45am and 5pm.  Calls made outside of opening hours will be directed to our after- hours service. You can also e-mail information.
In order to secure an infringement, we require the following information: 

•    Location illegal works is being conducted
•    Approximate time of the vandalism
•    A witness to the alleged incident
•    If possible and safe to do so, photographic/ video evidence of company name/ vehicle description.  

All reported tree vandalism will be investigated by our local laws team. Where we find that a person has breached the local law, an infringement notice per affected tree will be issued.
 

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to take care of the trees on your property.

Complaints regarding neighbouring property trees are considered civil matters, the Dispute Centre of Victoria can assist with further information regarding Tree laws in Victoria. 
 

Significant trees in Brimbank are important parts of our local environment, valued for their size, age, health, or cultural, historical, and environmental importance. These trees contribute to the character of our neighbourhoods, provide vital habitat for wildlife, and help keep our city cooler, greener, and more liveable.  Through the Significant Tree Register and protections under the Brimbank Local Laws, Council works to ensure these trees are retained and managed responsibly, recognising the vital role they play in supporting biodiversity, enhancing neighbourhood character, and contributing to a healthy, sustainable environment. 

See the significant tree policy page.

Before removing a tree on your property, contact us to find out if there are any controls on your property.

If your recently planted tree is starting to fall or grow on an angle and requires re-staking, you can log a request for this to be fixed. Trees are only re-staked within the first 2 years of planting. If you have concerns about your established nature strip tree leaning, please log a request and a Council arborist will assess the tree. 

Tree growth is strongly influenced by below-ground conditions, including soil type and weather conditions.

If you believe tree roots are affecting your property you can log a request for us to investigate. You may be asked to provide supporting evidence of your concerns as many root related issues are not readily visible. 

Log your request through our enquiry form.

As a tree grows, the bark thickens and the outermost layer dies, causing the bark to crack and shed.

Dry conditions in Summer, Autumn and/or cold Winter conditions may loosen more bark than normal, leading to the heavy loss of bark.

This is very natural process.

Bark on Naturstrips-

• The tree team will not attend to remove bark from naturestrips.

• Bark is a natural mulch, so it can be used in gardens.

• You can put bark into the FOGO bin.

• If there is excess bark  in/on the Kerb, channel, roads, or footpath you can log a request to have this addressed.