Tree Removal Cheltenham
Razor Blade Tree Specialists works right across Cheltenham, from the streets around Charman Road and Cheltenham station to homes near Southland, Park Road and the golf links on the western side. Cheltenham is split between two councils, so the first thing we check on any job is which set of tree rules applies to your address. We are a family business operating since 2006 from Narre Warren North, with a Level 5 qualified arborist and our own crew. Quotes are free.
About The Area
Two councils, two sets of rules. Cheltenham is divided between the City of Kingston and the City of Bayside. Broadly, the eastern side of the railway line and the area north of Charman Road are in Kingston, while the western area towards the golf links, parks and Port Phillip Bay is in Bayside. Boundaries can be hard to judge on the ground, so check your rates notice or the council's property search before applying for anything.
In the Kingston part, the Community Local Law requires a permit to remove a tree with a trunk circumference over 110 cm measured at its base, a multi-stemmed tree whose stems total 110 cm or more at the base, or a tree planted as a permit condition. Clause 52.37, in force since 15 September 2025, can require a planning permit instead for canopy trees at least 5 metres tall, with a 4 metre canopy and a trunk over 0.5 metres around at 1.4 metres, within 6 metres of the front boundary or 4.5 metres of the rear. Kingston's vegetation officers are on 1300 653 356.
In the Bayside part, the threshold is different. Bayside's local law permit is needed for a tree with a single or combined trunk circumference greater than 155 cm, measured 1 metre above ground, and for trees on its Significant Tree Register or planted as replacements. Bayside's Vegetation Protection Overlay also covers parts of Cheltenham. There, native trees over 2 metres high with a trunk circumference over 0.5 metres at 1 metre need a planning permit. Bayside's number is (03) 9599 4666.
The suburb. Cheltenham is about 18 km south-east of the CBD and had 23,992 residents at the 2021 census. Josiah Morris Holloway bought 625 acres at auction in 1852 and subdivided much of it into two-acre blocks, which gave the area its early name of Two Acre Village. The post office opened in 1857 and the railway station in 1881. Cheltenham Pioneers Cemetery on Charman Road dates from 1864, and Cheltenham Park has been used for cricket and recreation since 1872. Westfield Southland opened in 1968 in the north of the suburb, and the Kingston Centre on Warrigal Road began in 1911 as the Melbourne Benevolent Asylum. Cheltenham Golf Club, Sandringham Municipal Golf Links and Victoria Golf Club all sit within the suburb.
Cheltenham is also changing quickly, with apartment projects of 4 to 10 storeys and the Suburban Rail Loop planned to start here. On development sites, tree assessment and arboricultural reports are often part of the planning process.
Species. Kingston's indigenous plant list includes Coastal Banksia, Coastal Manna Gum, Drooping She-oak, Black She-oak, Silver Banksia and Swamp Paperbark.
What We Do
Cheltenham work covers established family homes, units and development sites. We remove trees that are damaging property or have outgrown the block, prune large trees back from roofs and boundaries to the Australian Standard, trim hedges and screening plants, remove palms, and grind stumps for new driveways or extensions. On development sites we offer land and block clearing and arborist reports for planning applications. Storm and emergency work, bamboo removal, and mulching and green waste removal are also available. We confirm whether Kingston or Bayside rules apply before we quote.
Why Razor Blade
Working in a suburb split between two councils means checking the right rulebook every time, and our Level 5 qualified arborist does that before we quote. Our own crew does the work, with no subcontractors, and we are fully insured with $20 million public liability. We are a family business that has been operating since 2006, and we work for homeowners, councils and schools. Standard hours are 7am to 5pm, with 24/7 emergency call outs. Every quote is free and carries no obligation, and we leave the site clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheltenham in Kingston or Bayside?
Both. Cheltenham is split between the City of Kingston and the City of Bayside. Broadly, the area east of the railway line and north of Charman Road is Kingston, and the western side towards the golf links and the bay is Bayside. Check your rates notice to be sure.
What is the permit threshold in the Kingston part of Cheltenham?
A Kingston local law permit is needed for a tree with a trunk circumference over 110 cm at its base, for multi-stemmed trees totalling 110 cm or more at the base, or for trees planted as a permit condition. Call Kingston on 1300 653 356.
What is the permit threshold in the Bayside part of Cheltenham?
Bayside's local law applies to trees with a single or combined trunk circumference over 155 cm at 1 metre above ground. Parts of Cheltenham are also under Bayside's Vegetation Protection Overlay, which covers smaller native trees. Call Bayside on (03) 9599 4666.
How much does tree removal cost in Cheltenham?
It depends on size, species, condition, access and what is underneath. Many Cheltenham blocks are close to neighbours or new units, which affects how a tree has to come down. We give a free on-site quote, and council fees are separate.
What native trees are common around Cheltenham?
Kingston's indigenous list for the area includes Coastal Banksia, Coastal Manna Gum, Drooping She-oak, Black She-oak, Silver Banksia and Swamp Paperbark, several of which council lists as suited to dry sandy or coastal soils.
I am redeveloping my block. Do the trees need assessing?
Often, yes. Trees may need to be assessed as part of a planning application, and an arboricultural report may be required. Clause 52.37 also applies to canopy trees near boundaries in residential zones. We provide arborist reports and land clearing once approvals are in place.
Do you handle storm damage in Cheltenham?
Yes. Call 0481 111 804 for 24/7 emergency call outs. Kingston says it cannot act on storm-damaged trees on private property, and the SES is on 132 500 for emergencies.
Can I send photos first?
Yes. Email photos of the tree, its base and the access to info@razorbladetreespecialists.com.au, along with your street, so we can check which council's rules apply.