Tree removal permits in St Albans
Brimbank runs its own significant tree register for private land under its General Local Law 2018. A tree only counts if it meets the policy's criteria and is individually listed on that register. Works to a listed tree need a Significant Tree Works Permit.
Separately, larger trees near the front or rear boundary can need a planning permit under clause 52.37, the statewide canopy tree rule. Brimbank says the two are different permits, so a tree that isn't on the register can still need planning approval.
Brimbank's policy was under review when we checked on 3 November 2026. Ring council to confirm which applies before you book anything.
Could your tree be on Brimbank's register?
- A trunk diameter of 50 centimetres or more, measured 140 cm above the ground.
- A height of 15 metres or more.
- A canopy covering 100 square metres or more.
- Historical, cultural or spiritual value under the National Trust's criteria, such as a memorial planting.
- Meeting a criterion isn't enough on its own: it has to be listed on the register.
Tree removal in St Albans: what's local
Open land until the 1980s
St Albans was cut off from other suburbs by large areas of open land until the 1980s. The Cairnlea estate on its southern edge added wetlands and lakes that now draw native frogs.
Red gums everywhere
Brimbank lists River Red-gum, Drooping Sheoak and several wattles as common indigenous trees here. In nearby Brimbank Park, Parks Victoria says large red gums along the Maribyrnong River are home to brushtail and ringtail possums.
Private land carries the canopy
Brimbank says 70% of land in the municipality is private, and it's aiming for 30 per cent canopy cover, which is why it protects big trees in backyards.
Power
Powercor runs a St Albans zone substation, and Brimbank's line clearance plan covers both Powercor and Jemena lines. Your bill names your distributor, Powercor or Jemena.
Tree jobs you can do yourself in St Albans
You can
- Ask who is lodging the Before You Dig Australia enquiry before grinding starts.
- Mark irrigation lines, garden lighting cables and anything you've installed yourself, since those won't show on BYDA plans.
- Keep kids and pets well away while the grinder is running.
Leave to an arborist
- Grinding the stump and surface roots below ground level.
- Setting an exclusion zone and checking the area for stones, pipes or metal first.
- Advising whether the hole needs fresh soil before you turf or replant.
Hiring an arborist in St Albans
We'd check the register before anything else, because Brimbank only approves removing a significant tree if it's dead, diseased, dying or dangerous. If the tree is listed and healthy, council won't approve removal, so a good pruning plan is the better use of your time. If it's not listed, we'd still measure it against the canopy tree test before booking the removal and the stump grind together.