Land & Block Clearing

Land and Block Clearing in Melbourne's South East

Before a slab can be poured, a driveway laid or a subdivision started, the trees and vegetation on the site need to come out. Razor Blade Tree Specialists clears residential blocks and development sites across Melbourne's South East, removing trees, shrubs and stumps and chipping the material on site.

We are a family owned business based in Narre Warren North, working in the area since 2006, and our clients include construction firms and businesses as well as homeowners.

What block clearing covers

Every site is different, but a clearing job usually involves:

• Tree removal. Felling or dismantling trees across the block, including large trees close to boundaries or neighbouring buildings.

• Shrub and scrub clearing. Removing overgrown garden beds, hedges, weeds and undergrowth.

• Stump grinding. Grinding stumps out below the surface so the ground is ready for excavation, footings or landscaping.

• Chipping on site. Branches and green waste go through our chipper on site, which cuts down the number of loads leaving the property.

• Clean-up. The block is left clear and clean, ready for the next trade.

We can clear a whole block, or remove only the trees and vegetation inside the building envelope while leaving trees you want to keep.

How we do it

We start with a site visit and a free, no-obligation quote. We walk the block with you or your site manager, mark out what is being removed and what is staying, and look at access for our truck, chipper and stump grinder.

Our own crew does every job. We do not use subcontractors, and a Level 5 qualified arborist oversees the work. That matters on a clearing job, because removing trees close to boundaries, fences and neighbouring houses needs the same care as any residential tree removal.

Before stumps are ground or any digging begins, underground services need to be located. Before You Dig Australia (formerly Dial Before You Dig) is a free referral service: you lodge an enquiry online and the owners of underground assets near your site send you their plans. We recommend this is done for every clearing job.

Once the trees are down, material is chipped on site. Stumps are ground out with our stump grinder. You can read more about the process on our stump grinding page.

Permits: what to check before clearing in Victoria

Clearing land in Victoria is not just a matter of booking a crew. Several sets of rules can apply, and it is the landowner's responsibility to check them before work starts.

Native vegetation (Clause 52.17)

Under Victorian planning schemes, a planning permit is generally required to remove, destroy or lop native vegetation. This includes native trees, shrubs and grasses. In the City of Casey and Greater Dandenong, councils advise that this applies to land larger than 0.4 hectares (4,000 square metres). Some exemptions exist, for example for certain fire protection works and boundary fence maintenance, but most need specific conditions to be met.

Canopy trees (Clause 52.37)

Since 15 September 2025, Clause 52.37 can require a planning permit to remove, destroy or lop a canopy tree in most residential zones (the Low Density Residential Zone is excluded). A canopy tree is more than 5 metres tall, has a trunk circumference over 0.5 metres at 1.4 metres above ground, and a canopy at least 4 metres across. On vacant land, or where a new single dwelling needs only a building permit, the requirement applies anywhere on the lot. This rule catches many development blocks, so check it early.

Overlays and local laws

Planning overlays such as an Environmental Significance Overlay, Vegetation Protection Overlay, Significant Landscape Overlay or Heritage Overlay can also require a permit. Councils may have local laws as well. You can check your property's planning controls through VicPlan or by contacting your council's planning department. Where a permit is needed, councils often ask for a site plan and supporting information such as an arborist report.

Removing protected vegetation without a permit can lead to fines, prosecution, or orders to replant.

Why choose Razor Blade

• Family owned and operating since 2006

• Level 5 qualified arborist

• Our own crew on every job, no subcontractors

• Fully insured with $20 million public liability

• Truck, chipper and stump grinder on site

• Standard hours 7am to 5pm

• Free quotes, no obligation

• Site left clean

• 16 five-star Google reviews

• Clients include construction firms, businesses and homeowners

Areas we cover

We clear blocks across Melbourne's South East, including:

• City of Casey: Berwick, Narre Warren, Narre Warren South, Narre Warren North, Hallam, Hampton Park, Endeavour Hills, Doveton, Cranbourne, Clyde North

• Cardinia: Beaconsfield, Pakenham, Officer, Emerald

• Greater Dandenong: Springvale, Dandenong, Keysborough, Noble Park

• Kingston: Dingley Village, Mordialloc, Cheltenham, Mentone

Block clearing FAQs

Do I need a permit to clear my block?

Possibly. Native vegetation, canopy trees, planning overlays and local laws can each require a permit. Check your property's planning controls with your council before work is booked.

What happens to the trees and green waste?

Branches and green waste are chipped on site. The block is left clear and clean.

Do you grind the stumps out?

Yes. Stumps are ground out below the surface with our stump grinder so the ground is ready for excavation or landscaping.

Can you leave some trees standing?

Yes. We mark out what stays and what goes with you before work starts, and work around retained trees.

Do you work for builders and developers?

Yes. Our clients include construction firms and businesses as well as homeowners.

What should I do before clearing starts?

Confirm any permits with your council and lodge a free Before You Dig Australia enquiry so underground services can be located.

Get a block clearing quote

If you are preparing a block for building or development, we can clear it and leave it ready for the next stage. Call Razor Blade Tree Specialists on 0481 111 804 or email info@razorbladetreespecialists.com.au for a free, no-obligation quote.