Tree services

Tree removal across Melbourne.

Council-permit-handled tree removal across the eastern and south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. AQF Level 5 assessment, AS4373 standard, $20M public liability.

Climbing arborist working a mature Melbourne ghost gum with a ground arborist in hi-vis Hilly's longsleeve watching the line
AQF Level 5 arborists$20M public liabilityCouncil permits handledSame-day responseAcross Melbourne
What we do

Assessment, permits, removal, clean-up.

Most healthy mature trees are worth keeping. Storm damage, structural failure, terminal disease, encroachment on a building footprint, and proximity to powerlines are the situations that usually warrant removal. We assess each one against the British Standard tree-risk framework (THREATS) and the Visual Tree Assessment method, then advise on whether removal is the appropriate action.

Where removal is the right call, the method depends on the site. An open backyard with no targets can take a straight fell. A constrained site with structures, powerlines, or protected adjacent trees needs a sectional dismantle with rigging. Clean-up includes chipping all brash on site and removing all woody material from the property.

Since 15 September 2025, the Victorian Government's updated Clause 52.37 has changed how most Melbourne councils regulate the removal of trees on residential land, particularly in established residential zones and on properties affected by a Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO), Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO), Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO) or Heritage Overlay (HO). We assess the overlays affecting your property, write the supporting arborist report to AS4970 standards, and lodge the permit application with council.

What it costs

Honest pricing, no surprise add-ons.

Every removal is different. Size, access, complexity, and permit status all move the price. Here's the range so you know what to expect before the site visit.

Small tree
$400 to $900

Under 5m, straight fell, easy access. Common for backyard ornamentals and small palms.

  • Removal + chip + clean-up
  • Stump option add-on
  • Half-day on site
Mature backyard tree
$900 to $2,500

5 to 15m, sectional dismantle, standard suburban access. The most common residential job.

  • Rigging + lowering
  • Council permit if required
  • Full-day on site
Large or complex
$2,500 to $8,000+

15m+, powerlines, crane required, or heritage overlay. Quoted after a full site walk.

  • Traffic management if needed
  • Crane coordination
  • Multi-day project

All prices include GST. Stump grinding is quoted separately on the day if you want it included.

How we work

The standard process.

Step 01

You call or send a photo

A photo of the tree and a rough size is enough to start. We'll come back the same day with a site-visit time, often this week.

Step 02

Free site visit

AQF qualified arborists walk the site. We talk through whether removal is the right call, what permits are involved, and what the job actually looks like.

Step 03

Written plan in your inbox

A clear quote with scope, price, timing, and the permit pathway. Usually within two business days. No upsells.

Step 04

Removal day

Scheduled removal completed on time, all material chipped and removed from site, written confirmation issued at completion.

Council coverage

We handle the permit. Every council, every overlay.

Most Melbourne councils require a permit to remove a tree over 5m, or any tree on a planning overlay (VPO, SLO, ESO, HO). We assess the overlays, write the arborist report, and lodge the application. You get a copy of everything for your records.

Glen EiraStonningtonBoroondaraMonashBaysideCaseyKnoxWhitehorseKingstonManninghamBanyulePort PhillipYarraMelbourne
Out on the job

Real work, real Melbourne sites.

Climber high in a Melbourne pine, full harness, blue sky
Dramatic upward shot of climber in a mature gum
Climber in eucalyptus with ground arborist watching the line
Suburbs we cover

Across Melbourne, focused on the east and south east.

OakleighCarnegieBentleighCaulfieldMalvernGlen IrisChadstoneElwoodCarrum DownsEndeavour HillsBrightonHawthornCamberwellMount WaverleyAshburtonMurrumbeenaWheelers HillSurrey Hills
FAQs

The questions we get most.

Request a quote

Book a site visit.

Free, on-site, by AQF qualified arborists. Written quote in your inbox within two business days.

0468 077 782ashley@hillystrees.com.auMon to Sun, 24/7 emergency
AQF Level 5 arborists$20M public liability5.0 on Google

Or call 0468 077 782, Mon to Sun.

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