Perth’s leafy suburbs and vibrant urban forest are more than just aesthetic—they are vital for cooling our city, improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and creating healthier environments for residents. However, like many fast-growing cities, the Perth metropolitan area has experienced ongoing pressures on its urban canopy due to development, pests, and private landowners removing trees.
In response, local councils across Perth are implementing or expanding tree protection policies to safeguard significant trees and increase overall canopy cover.
In this guide, we explore:
✅ Where tree protection policies apply in Perth
✅ What the rules and regulations are
✅ How suburb-specific policies affect tree removal, pruning, and development
✅ Practical tips for homeowners and developers
Let’s dive in.
Perth’s Urban Greening Strategy: A Regional Blueprint
Before exploring suburb-specific rules, it’s important to understand the broader strategic context shaping tree protection across Perth.
The Western Australian Government has committed to the Perth and Peel Urban Greening Strategy, a long-term plan aimed at increasing vegetation and tree cover in both public and private spaces across the region. The strategy seeks to:
- Increase Perth’s urban tree canopy to 30% by 2040
- Plant one million trees by 2035
- Embed greening principles into planning and development processes across all scales of housing and infrastructure
This strategy influences how local councils develop their own tree protection policies and how state planning policies are updated to account for vegetation in urban design.
The Current State of Tree Protection Laws in Perth
It’s critical to understand that Western Australia does not currently have a statewide law that uniformly protects trees on private land.
While street trees and trees in public parks are protected under specific council policies (such as the City of Perth Tree Protection Policy), trees on private property often fall into a legal grey area unless a local government policy explicitly regulates them.
This means protection varies widely between suburbs depending on the local council’s stance and whether they have adopted a formal tree retention or tree protection policy.
Suburb-Specific Tree Protection Policies in the Perth Metro Area
Across Perth, many councils are adopting new policies to curb canopy loss and regulate tree removal on private property. Here’s what you need to know about the suburbs where these policies are already in place or progressing.
City of Nedlands
The City of Nedlands has introduced Local Planning Policy 3.3 – Tree Retention, which requires property owners to obtain approval before undertaking tree-damaging activities—including removal—on defined “regulated” trees.
Key Elements:
- Applies mostly to low-density residential areas (R20 and below).
- Defines a regulated tree based on size and canopy.
- Clearing tree removal and major pruning generally require development approval.
- The policy’s focus is on retaining trees that contribute significantly to the local canopy.
This approach reflects a growing trend of councils taking proactive measures to preserve neighbourhood canopy and character.
City of South Perth
South Perth has adopted Local Planning Policy 3.2 – Tree Retention which brings regulated trees under planning control.
What You Should Know:
- A regulated tree must meet specific criteria such as height, canopy width, trunk size, or species.
- Removing or damaging a regulated tree requires a development approval from the council, even if other works might normally not need approval.
- The policy also influences how developments and subdivisions integrate trees into design.
Notably, South Perth’s approach makes it clear that trees are considered during development and planning, not simply left to post-construction landscaping.
Town of Victoria Park
Victoria Park’s Local Planning Policy 47 – Tree Retention applies across the entire town.
Policy Highlights:
- Regulated trees must meet specific size criteria (e.g. 8m+ height, canopy diameter >6m, or trunk circumference >1.5m) to be protected.
- Development approval is required for removing or damaging these trees unless exempt (e.g. pruning for safety).
- Applications usually require surveys and arborist reports demonstrating the need for removal.
- Penalties for unapproved removal can be significant and may include prosecution and orders to replace trees.
Victoria Park’s policy is among Perth’s most detailed, setting clear rules on submissions and considerations for council assessment.
City of Fremantle
The City of Fremantle has adopted the WALGA-model Tree Retention Policy, which makes it an offence to significantly prune or remove mature trees over a certain size without council approval, and often requires replacement planting.
Key Takeaways:
- Mature trees taller than 8 metres usually fall under protection.
- A development application must be lodged before removal or major limb pruning.
- Fremantle also aims for tree replacements when removal is approved—typically two trees planted for every one removed.
This model reflects a broader approach encouraged by the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) to harmonise tree protection standards across councils.
Other Councils – Status of Tree Policies
Several Perth councils are at various stages of tree policy development:
| Local Government | Policy Status |
|---|---|
| Bassendean | Tree protection adopted |
| Cambridge | Policy in effect |
| Bayswater | Policy adopted, awaiting final approvals |
| Claremont, Cockburn, Mosman Park | Draft policies out for consultation |
| Melville, Canning, East Fremantle | Discussions underway but no formal policy yet |
This patchwork of regulations highlights why understanding your specific suburb’s rules is essential before planning any tree removal or significant pruning.
What Counts as a “Regulated” or Protected Tree?
While definitions vary slightly between councils, a regulated tree generally:
- Meets certain size thresholds: Typically defined by height (e.g. 8m+), canopy diameter, or trunk girth.
- Is not a listed weed or unwanted species
- Has ecological, aesthetic, or canopy value
These criteria aim to balance private property rights with the public benefit that large, mature trees provide in urban environments.
When Do You Need Council Approval?
Understanding when you need approval is critical. Common scenarios requiring consent include:
- Tree removal and significant pruning – for most regulated trees, approval is mandatory.
- Tree-damaging activities during development – even if you are building or renovating.
- Work near or affecting tree root systems – may require arborist input.
Even in older suburbs where no formal policy exists yet, councils often require tree protection measures as part of development applications if they consider the tree significant.
Exemptions: When Approval Isn’t Required
Most policies recognise that not all tree work needs approval. Common exemptions include:
- Routine maintenance pruning, like trimming lower branches or shaping for health.
- Urgent work for public safety, such as removing dangerous limbs.
- Trees that clearly fail the definition of regulated trees (e.g. small shrubs).
However, what counts as “routine” can depend on council policy wording, so it’s always best to check before commencing work.
Penalties for Removing Trees Without Approval
Removing a regulated tree without approval can lead to serious consequences, such as:
- Fines from local council
- Orders to replace trees
- Prosecution under the Planning and Development Act 2005
For example, Bassendean enforces fines that can reach significant amounts (e.g. up to $2,000 for some infringements), and more serious breaches may involve legal action.
In addition, councils such as South Perth have specific local laws that classify public trees as council property, meaning damaging them can prompt enforcement actions beyond just tree-related fines.
How Councils Assess Tree Removal Applications
When you apply to remove a regulated tree, councils typically consider factors such as:
- Tree health and structural stability
- Whether the tree poses a risk to people or property
- Potential for redesigning development to retain trees
- Replacement planting plans
- Arborist reports supporting removal
This process can be more detailed than simply paying a fee — it involves planning officers reviewing the impact on the neighbourhood canopy and environment.
Practical Tips for Homeowners and Developers
If you’re planning tree work in Perth, here are practical steps to follow:
Check Your Local Council Policy First
Before any cutting starts, visit your council’s website and search for tree protection or tree retention policy.
Measure and Document
Record your tree’s height, canopy spread, species, and condition — this helps determine whether it’s regulated.
Engage an Arborist
For larger or older trees, a qualified arborist report can support your application and demonstrate the necessity where removal is proposed.
Plan for Replacement
Some councils may require replacement planting—so include suitable tree species in your plan.
Consider Street Trees Too
Even if your tree is on private land, council-owned street trees may be protected, and injuring them (even unintentionally) can trigger enforcement action.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Growth and Greenery
Perth’s expansion and urban infill are undeniable. However, trees are not just decorative — they are essential infrastructure that cools our city, supports biodiversity, and improves community wellbeing. Local tree protection policies are evolving to reflect this value and give residents, developers, and councils a framework to protect and grow Perth’s urban forest.
Whether you live in Fremantle, South Perth, Nedlands, Victoria Park, or another Perth suburb, understanding your local tree protection rules will help you make informed decisions about tree removal or pruning—avoiding fines and contributing to healthier, greener neighbourhoods.
