Bushfire Season Tree Clearing in Victoria: What Homeowners Are Allowed to Do (and What They’re Not)

As bushfire season approaches in Victoria, many homeowners start asking the same question: What am I legally allowed to clear on my property to reduce bushfire risk?

The rules can be confusing. Clearing too little may increase fire danger, while clearing too much can result in fines or compliance issues. This guide explains what homeowners are generally allowed to do, what requires approval, and how to prepare your property safely and legally before bushfire season.

Why Bushfire Preparation Matters for Your Property

Vegetation plays a major role in how fire behaves. Trees, shrubs, and ground cover can allow fire to spread quickly toward buildings, increase ember attack, and trap heat close to structures.

Preparing your property early reduces:

• Bushfire risk to homes and sheds
• Fuel loads around buildings
• Stress and last-minute decisions during fire danger periods

The key is doing the right work at the right time, within the rules.

What Is Defendable Space?

Defendable space is the area around buildings where vegetation is managed to slow fire spread and reduce ember attack. In many cases, Victorian regulations allow vegetation management within a defined distance of a dwelling for bushfire safety purposes.

Defendable space generally focuses on:

• Removing or reducing flammable vegetation close to buildings
• Managing tree canopies so they are clear of roofs and structures
• Removing dead trees, fallen limbs, and heavy fuel loads

The intent is safety, not land clearing.

What You Are Commonly Allowed to Do

In many situations, homeowners are allowed to carry out vegetation management for bushfire prevention without a permit, provided the work meets specific criteria.

This often includes:

• Removing dead trees or dead branches
• Pruning trees to maintain clearance from buildings
• Removing vegetation that poses an immediate fire risk
• Clearing fallen trees or storm damaged vegetation

However, allowances depend on tree size, location, and whether the property is affected by overlays or planning controls.

What Usually Requires Council Approval

Some vegetation is protected regardless of bushfire risk. You may need approval if:

• The tree is classified as significant or protected
• The property is subject to vegetation protection overlays
• The tree is located away from buildings
• The clearing exceeds defendable space allowances

Clearing protected trees without approval can result in fines, enforcement notices, or requirements to replant.

This is where professional advice becomes critical.

Bushfire Exemptions vs Council Rules

Many homeowners assume bushfire preparation overrides all council rules. This is not always true.

While bushfire safety exemptions do exist, they must be applied correctly. Poorly documented or excessive clearing can still breach planning regulations.

A qualified arborist can assess:

• Whether a tree qualifies for bushfire exemption
• What level of pruning or removal is allowed
• Whether documentation or reports are recommended

Why Professional Assessment Is the Safest Option

Bushfire preparation is not about cutting everything down. It is about strategic risk reduction.

Professional arborists understand:

• Fire behaviour and vegetation structure
• Local council rules and overlays
• Safe pruning and removal techniques
• How to reduce risk without unnecessary clearing

This approach protects both your property and your legal position.

Preparing Early Is Always Better

Waiting until fire danger periods begin can limit what work can be done safely. Early preparation allows:

• Better scheduling
• Safer working conditions
• Proper assessment and approvals if needed

Planning ahead avoids rushed decisions when risk is highest.

Need Help Preparing Your Property for Bushfire Season?

If you are unsure what vegetation can be cleared or pruned on your property, professional advice is the safest place to start.

Drouin Tree Services provides experienced, compliant bushfire preparation services across Gippsland, helping property owners reduce risk while staying within regulations.

Contact us today to arrange an on-site assessment and prepare your property properly for bushfire season.

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