Tree Removal Mentone
Razor Blade Tree Specialists works throughout Mentone, from the Italian-named streets such as Cremona, Florence, Venice, Milan and Naples to homes along Balcombe Road, Como Parade West, Mentone Parade and Lower Dandenong Road. With the beach on one side and the Nepean Highway through the middle, Mentone gardens range from salt-exposed bayside lots to quieter inland blocks. 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
Mentone is entirely within the City of Kingston. Unlike neighbouring Cheltenham, it is not split with Bayside, although Beaumaris, just across the boundary, is a Bayside suburb. That matters because the two councils have different permit thresholds. Mentone is about 21 km south-east of the CBD and had 13,197 residents at the 2021 census across 4.7 square kilometres.
A resort town. Mentone was founded as a seaside resort and named after the Italian spelling of Menton in France, which explains the run of Italian city names in its streets. The post office opened in 1884. Tom Roberts, Frederick McCubbin and Arthur Streeton of the Heidelberg School painted at the beach in 1886 and 1887, and Charles Conder painted A holiday at Mentone in 1888. Mentone Beach runs along Beaumaris Bay from the cliffs at Beaumaris to Warrigal Road, where it meets Parkdale. Landmarks include the Mentone RSL in a building dating from 1884 to 1886, and the former Mentone Hotel overlooking the bay, now converted into apartments.
Coastal gardens. Kingston's indigenous plant guide describes coastal soils as generally dry and sandy, low in nutrients and exposed to salt spray. It recommends species such as Coastal Banksia, Coastal Tea-tree and Drooping She-oak for those conditions, with Coastal Manna Gum suited to dry sandy soils. Trees exposed to coastal wind can grow unevenly, so pruning near the beach is often about rebalancing weight over roofs and paths.
Kingston's rules. The Community Local Law requires a permit to remove any tree with a trunk circumference greater than 110 cm measured at its base, multi-stemmed trees whose combined stems reach 110 cm or more at the base, and any tree planted as a condition of an earlier permit. Environmental weeds listed in Schedule 6, including Sweet Pittosporum, Mirror Bush and Hawthorn, are exempt. Since 15 September 2025, Clause 52.37 may require a planning permit instead for canopy trees at least 5 metres tall, with a 4 metre canopy and a trunk circumference above 0.5 metres at 1.4 metres, located within 6 metres of the front boundary, 4.5 metres of the rear boundary, or on a vacant lot.
Neighbours and overhanging branches. Kingston says it cannot help with private tree disputes between neighbours. You can prune overhanging branches on your side of the boundary, but only to Australian Standards. Council warns that lopping, topping or cutting everything back to the fence line is generally not appropriate and recommends engaging a qualified arborist. For disputes that cannot be settled, council points residents to the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria. Kingston's vegetation officers are on 1300 653 356.
What We Do
Mentone work often involves mature trees on older blocks and wind-shaped trees near the beach. We prune overhanging and heavy limbs to the Australian Standard, reduce trees that have grown lopsided toward houses, remove trees that have outgrown the garden, take out palms, grind stumps and trim hedges. We also clear environmental weeds such as Sweet Pittosporum, handle storm and emergency work, remove bamboo, prepare arborist reports for Kingston permit applications, and provide mulching and green waste removal.
Why Razor Blade
In a suburb where many trees are close to houses and boundary fences, it matters who is doing the pruning. Our Level 5 qualified arborist works to the Australian Standards that Kingston expects, and our own crew does the work, with no subcontractors. We are family owned, have been operating since 2006, and are fully insured with $20 million public liability. We have 22 five-star Google reviews. Standard hours are 7am to 5pm, with emergency call outs available 24/7. Quotes are free, with no obligation, and we leave the site clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mentone in Kingston or Bayside?
Mentone is entirely in the City of Kingston. It borders Beaumaris and Cheltenham, which are wholly or partly in Bayside, so check your address if you are near the boundary. Kingston's vegetation officers are on 1300 653 356.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Mentone?
Under Kingston's Community Local Law, yes, if the trunk is more than 110 cm around at its base, if it is multi-stemmed and the stems total 110 cm or more at the base, or if it was planted as a permit condition. Clause 52.37 can require a planning permit instead for canopy trees near boundaries.
My neighbour's tree hangs over my fence. Can I cut it back?
You can prune overhanging branches on your side of the boundary, but the work must meet Australian Standards. Kingston warns that lopping, topping or cutting everything back to the boundary is generally not appropriate. We can prune it correctly, and the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria can help if you and your neighbour cannot agree.
How much does tree removal cost in Mentone?
It depends on size, species, condition, access and what is underneath. Older Mentone homes often have trees close to the house, which can mean sectional removal. We quote free on site, and Kingston's permit fee is separate.
Which trees cope with Mentone's coastal conditions?
Kingston recommends indigenous coastal species such as Coastal Banksia, Coastal Tea-tree and Drooping She-oak for dry, sandy, salt-exposed soils, and Coastal Manna Gum for dry sandy ground.
Will Kingston make me plant a replacement tree?
Most approved removals of protected trees come with a replacement planting condition, and council asks for a photo of the new tree within 30 days of planting.
Who handles storm damage in Mentone?
For trees on your property, call us on 0481 111 804 for 24/7 emergency call outs. Kingston cannot act on storm-damaged private trees and directs emergencies to the SES on 132 500.
Can I send photos first?
Yes. Email info@razorbladetreespecialists.com.au or text 0481 111 804 with photos of the tree, the base, and anything it overhangs.