CAV represents the interests of arborists, tree managers and related professions working in local government in Victoria. CAV does not provide specific arboricultural advice or assessments to the general public. The following general information answers some common questions relating to trees and arboriculture.
I have an issue with a tree. Can CAV assist me?
CAV does not provide specific arboricultural advice or assessments to the general public. If you have an issue with a public tree contact your local council. If you have an issue with a private tree contact an independent arborist.
There are several regulations in Victoria that relate to vegetation on private property, such as planning overlays or local laws. You may require a permit to undertake works that involve the removal, destruction or lopping of trees, including undertaking building or works near a tree.
Contact your local council for advice on regulations that apply to trees on your property.
I want to lop, prune, remove or destroy a tree on my property. Am I allowed to do this?
Where can I get information on trees and arborists?
Arboriculture Australia™ is the national body for professional tree workers, arborists, tree managers, urban forestry workers and utility vegetation managers. Their website provides information about trees and arborists.
Independent arborists and arboricultural consultancies can be found using general internet searches.
Council has asked me to provide a report prepared by a suitably qualified arborist. How do I find an arborist?
There are a number of different types of report arborists provide, which can require varying levels of qualification. Clarify the type of report being requested.
If a report is required to assess trees for a development project, then engage an arborist trained with the knowledge and skills to perform the tasks required by Australian Standard AS 4970-2009 Protection of trees on development sites. This level of training requires as a minimum:
AQF Level 5, or
Diploma of Horticulture (Arboriculture), and/or
Equivalent experience
Qualified arborists can be found through Arboriculture Australia™ and general internet searches. Your local council may also be able to provide guidance on how to find local qualified arborists.
I have an issue with a tree, but I don’t know whose it is. How do I find out who owns the tree?
You local council may be able to assist you in determining the address of the property on which the tree is located.
If the tree is on public land, your local council may put you in touch with the responsible authority, or pass on your concerns if the issue is urgent.
If the tree is on private land, your local council is not permitted to disclose any personal information about the owner.
If the tree issue relates directly to maintaining or constructing a dividing fence, you may be able to request your neighbour’s details from your local council.
I have spoken to my neighbour about their tree, but they refuse to do anything about the issue. What are my options?
Local councils do not typically get involved in private tree disputes between neighbours. The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria provides guidance and free mediation services for tree disputes.
I believe a tree is causing damage to my property. What can I do?
Depending on the nature of the damage, you may require the advice of a structural engineer, a geotechnical engineer, and a qualified arborist to determine the cause.
If a tree is found to be causing damage, it may be appropriate to retain the tree and install a root barrier to avoid further damage. In other cases, the tree may require removal in order to repair the damage and avoid further damage.
If you are not the owner of the tree, document the damage and put your concerns in writing to the owner.
How can I get involved in protecting trees and growing the urban forest?
Your local council may have a volunteer citizen scientist or urban forester programme. Alternatively, conservation groups and organisations may also have a focus on trees and the urban forest.
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