Tree removal permits in Keilor
In 1994 most of the old City of Keilor joined most of Sunshine to become Brimbank. South of the Calder Freeway, Brimbank's rules apply: a canopy tree may need a planning permit under clause 52.37, and a tree on Brimbank's significant tree register needs a separate Significant Tree Works Permit to be removed, lopped or damaged.
Brimbank's register criteria include a trunk 50 centimetres or more across at 140 cm, a height of 15 metres or more, or 100 square metres of canopy. When someone applies, council sends an independent arborist to inspect and report at its own cost, and it says healthy trees won't be approved for removal.
North of the freeway you're in Hume, where private trees are protected through the planning scheme: overlays, heritage controls, native vegetation rules and clause 52.37. Ask Hume what applies at your address. Both councils are covered by the Victorian permit page.
Tree removal in Keilor: what's local
A basin cut by the river
Keilor sits in an alluvial basin carved by the Maribyrnong River, with steep valley sides below basalt-capped hilltops. Sloping blocks change how a tree has to come down and how the wood gets out.
Flood plain streets
Part of the suburb is on the Maribyrnong's flood plain. Wet ground and old river trees are worth an arborist's look after a long wet spell or a big storm.
An old village
Keilor village was gazetted in 1850, and an 1887 account described exotic trees planted extensively around its houses. The Keilor Iron Bridge, the Keilor Hotel and Overnewton are on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Powercor
Powercor's St Albans zone substation supplies Keilor. For a tree touching a street line, keep away and call Powercor.
Storm damage and fallen trees in Keilor
Keep everyone away from split or hanging branches, and stay at least 8 to 10 metres from any fallen power line. If someone is hurt or in danger, call 000. If a fallen tree has damaged your house or car, or blocks you getting in or out, call VICSES. A tree that's still standing is a job for an arborist once the area is safe.
Hiring an arborist in Keilor
Find the Calder Freeway on the map first, because it decides your council. If you're in Brimbank and the tree is big, ring council and ask whether it's on the register before you pay for anything, since council arranges its own inspection. On a steep block, ask each arborist to explain how the tree comes down and where the gear will sit.