Tree maintenance

This policy aims to protect large, mature trees in Fremantle because they help shade our streets, improve air quality, support birds and wildlife, and make our neighbourhoods nicer. It ensures that tree retention is considered early in planning and development processes.

All regulated trees are covered by this policy. A regulated tree is one that meets any of these:

• 8 m or taller
• 6 m or more average canopy width
• 1.5 m or more trunk circumference at chest height

These are usually mature canopy trees contributing most to canopy and environment.

Yes, for regulated trees.

If a tree meets the size criteria above, you must apply for development approval before any tree-damaging activity (including removal).

This includes:

• Removing the tree
• Killing or destroying the tree
• Cutting off large branches or roots
• Ringbarking or any other works that may harm the tree’s health

(It doesn’t include minor pruning that doesn’t harm the tree, see next question.)

Yes, you don’t need approval for regulated trees when the work is:

• Routine maintenance pruning that doesn’t harm the tree’s health
• On a tree that doesn’t meet the regulated size criteria
• On land outside the policy area
• When works are part of development already approved
• Emergency works needed for safety or essential services (must provide evidence to the City)
• Tree removal directed by another authority (e.g State agency)

Not necessarily. The City wants to keep existing trees wherever possible because they play an important role in keeping our neighbourhoods green and healthy. When planning a new home or extension, you should carefully consider how your design can work around the trees already on your property as much as possible. If you’re hoping to remove a tree, you’ll need to show why the tree can’t reasonably be kept or how keeping it would create significant challenges for your plans, and how you’ve attempted to consider the tree in your design.

The City will generally not support removing trees from a lot for subdivision land clearing purposes or on vacant land where there is no other development proposed.

Yes, if a qualified arborist’s report clearly shows a tree is unsafe or in decline, the City may support its removal. This still needs to be part of a planning application.

Yes. The policy requires two replacement trees for every approved removal. These trees must be capable of growing into large canopy trees (minimum 30 L pot size and able to reach mature height).

This policy applies to:

• All lots coded R30 and below
• Development Areas
• Land zoned Industrial

If your land fits these descriptions, the rules apply.

You may prune overhanging branches without planning approval as part of routine maintenance pruning that doesn’t harm the health of the tree. Removal of the tree or significant branches, or works likely to lead to the tree’s death require planning approval. In either case, you should start by discussing the issues with your neighbour. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau may provide further assistance.

No. It doesn’t ban all tree removal. The policy ensures trees that meet the criteria are carefully considered before they are removed. Trees that aren’t regulated or are exempt can be removed without approval.

You will need to submit a development application from that includes a site plan showing which tree is to be removed, along with a report by a qualified arborist (minimum qualification of Diploma of Horticulture (Arboriculture) Australian Qualification Framework (AQF 5) or equivalent, and with demonstrated experience in high level tree assessment and diagnosis) demonstrating why the tree needs to be removed. A proposal for tree removal may be included as part of a development application for other works. In this case, the City may request information about how tree retention was considered during the design phase.

The process to submit a development application and a link to the online portal to lodge an application can be found on this page: Before you begin – City of Fremantle