How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Melbourne? A South East Guide
Updated: 2 days ago
"How much will it cost?" is the first question almost everyone asks about tree removal. The honest answer is that it depends on the tree and the site, and any business that quotes a firm price without seeing either is guessing. This guide explains what actually drives the price in Melbourne's South East, the council costs that can sit on top, and how to keep your bill down.
What sets the price of tree removal
Height and trunk size. A small garden tree can often come down in an hour or two. A large gum may take a full crew most of a day, with more cuts, more lowering and far more material to process.
What is underneath it. A tree in an open backyard can sometimes be felled in one piece. One leaning over a roof, pool, shed, fence or power line has to come down in small, controlled sections, which takes longer and needs more rigging.
Access. If our truck, chipper and stump grinder can get close, the job is faster. Narrow side paths, steep blocks and backyards with no vehicle access mean everything is carried out by hand.
Species and condition. Dead, split or rotten trees can be less predictable to work on. Some species, such as palms, have heavy or spiny fronds that need extra handling.
Stump grinding. Removing the stump is usually quoted as an option. Grinding it below ground lets you replant, lay turf or build over the area.
Clean-up and green waste. Branches are chipped on site. Keeping the mulch or firewood can reduce what needs to be taken away.
Urgency. After-hours storm and emergency work is a different job from a planned removal booked in advance.
Council permits and fees
On top of the tree work itself, some removals need council approval. The rules are different in every council area, and fees are paid to council, not to us. These are the current published figures for the areas we cover:
City of Kingston: a local law permit is needed for trees over 110 cm around the base. Council lists a fee of $130 per tree (waived for pensioners), or $233.10 where a planning permit applies. See our City of Kingston page.
City of Greater Dandenong: a permit is needed for trees with a trunk diameter of 40 cm or more at 1.4 metres. Council lists $113 per tree plus an $85 application fee, and asks for an arborist's report. See our Greater Dandenong page.
City of Casey: a permit may be needed if your land has certain overlays, if the tree meets the canopy tree size, or on larger blocks with native vegetation. See our City of Casey page.
Cardinia Shire: canopy tree rules, overlays and native vegetation on land of 4,000 square metres or more can all trigger a permit. See our Cardinia Shire page.
Across Victoria, Clause 52.37 of the planning schemes has, since 15 September 2025, also been able to require a planning permit to remove a canopy tree in most residential zones: a tree over 5 metres tall, with a trunk circumference over 0.5 metres at 1.4 metres above ground and a canopy at least 4 metres wide. If a permit is needed, an arborist report may be part of the application.
How to keep the cost down
Send photos first. A photo of the whole tree, the base of the trunk and the access path helps us plan the job and avoid surprises.
Do several jobs in one visit. Having a removal, some pruning and a hedge trim done together saves a second trip.
Keep the mulch or firewood if you can use it.
Check permits early so the job is not held up once it is booked.
Do not wait for a small problem to become an emergency. A split limb is cheaper to deal with before it comes down in a storm.
Our services
Tree removal, including large trees close to houses
Tree pruning, from crown lifting to weight reduction
Emergency tree removal, 24/7
Areas we cover
City of Casey: Berwick, Narre Warren, Narre Warren North, Narre Warren South, Hallam, Hampton Park, Endeavour Hills, Doveton, Cranbourne, Clyde North. Council rules.
Cardinia Shire: Beaconsfield, Pakenham, Officer, Emerald. Council rules.
Greater Dandenong: Springvale, Dandenong, Keysborough, Noble Park. Council rules.
City of Kingston: Dingley Village, Mordialloc, Cheltenham, Mentone. Council rules.
Get a free quote
Razor Blade Tree Specialists is family owned and has worked across Melbourne's South East since 2006. A Level 5 qualified arborist leads the work, our own crew does every job, and we carry $20 million public liability insurance. Quotes are free and come with no obligation. Call 0481 111 804 or email info@razorbladetreespecialists.com.au.
Get a free quote or call 0481 111 804.
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