Compare tree removal quotes in Lara

Lara sits in the City of Greater Geelong area

In Greater Geelong, a planning permit is required under clause 52.37 (Canopy Trees) of the planning scheme to remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree in the Mixed Use, Township, Residential Growth, General Residential, Neighbourhood Residential and Housing Choice and Transport Zones, where the tree exceeds the clause's height and trunk circumference thresholds. Trees may also be protected by heritage or environmental overlays such as the Significant Landscape Overlay. Eligible canopy tree applications can be fast-tracked through the VicSmart process, and exemptions can apply, for example where a suitably qualified person declares a tree dead, dying or an immediate risk to people or property, or where trees are within a specified distance of buildings.

How it works in VIC

Tree controls sit in each council's planning scheme, mainly through overlays such as the Significant Landscape Overlay, Vegetation Protection Overlay, Environmental Significance Overlay and Heritage Overlay, plus state-wide native vegetation removal provisions. On 15 September 2025, Amendment VC289 added clause 52.37 (Canopy trees) to all planning schemes, requiring a permit to remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree (over 5 metres tall with a trunk circumference over 0.5 metres at 1.4 metres above ground) in most residential zones in specific circumstances.

A qualified arborist quoting your job will usually know whether your tree is exempt, permit-dependent or urgent, and many handle the council paperwork as part of the quote.