Complete Guide to Tree Removal and Arborist Services in Victoria

Jason Ryan

Director

Introduction

Tree care plays a crucial role in maintaining safe, beautiful, and functional outdoor spaces across Victoria. Whether you’re dealing with overgrown branches, storm-damaged trees, or planning a property development, understanding your tree removal options — and the importance of working with a qualified arborist — is essential.

At Drouin Tree Services, we’ve worked with homeowners, farmers, builders, and councils across Gippsland and beyond for over a decade. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tree removal and arborist services — from permits and safety to stump grinding and sustainability.

Why You Might Need Tree Removal

Safety Risks – Dead, leaning, or storm-damaged trees can pose serious threats to buildings, vehicles, and pedestrians.
Development and Construction – Building a new home or extending a driveway often requires professional block clearing.
Disease or Pest Infestation – Infected trees can spread rot or attract pests like termites, posing risks to other trees or structures.
Root Intrusion – Tree roots can damage plumbing, paving, and foundations.
Overgrowth and Shading – Large trees may block sunlight, damage fences, or grow too close to power lines.

The Tree Removal Process Explained

Site Inspection – Our qualified arborists assess the tree, the surrounding environment, and any access challenges.
Council Permits – In many parts of Victoria, tree removal requires permission from your local council. We can guide you through this process.
Safety Planning – We use certified safety procedures, rigging systems, and appropriate equipment — from EWPs (Elevated Work Platforms) to cranes and chainsaws.
Tree Dismantling and Felling – Trees are removed in sections to reduce impact on nearby property or gardens.
Clean-Up and Mulching – We don’t just cut and leave — we offer full clean-up, mulching, and removal of green waste.

Why Hire a Qualified Arborist?

Tree work is dangerous and should never be left to unqualified operators. Hiring a certified arborist ensures:

Compliance with council laws and insurance requirements
Accurate diagnosis of tree health and structural risk
Proper pruning techniques to avoid long-term damage
Safe use of equipment near powerlines, roads, or buildings

Our team includes certified arborists with years of experience working in residential, rural, and commercial settings.

Other Services You May Need

Tree removal often goes hand in hand with related services. We offer:

Stump Grinding – To completely remove tree stumps and prevent regrowth.
Tree Pruning and Shaping – To improve structure, sunlight access, and aesthetic appeal.
Emergency Tree Removal – Available 24/7 across Gippsland for storm-damaged or fallen trees.
Block Clearing – For developments, bushfire preparation, and rural maintenance.
Arborist Reports – Required for many council applications, building permits, and insurance claims.

Choosing the Right Tree Service Provider

Before you hire a tree company, ask these questions:

Are they fully insured and certified?
Do they provide detailed quotes and scope of work?
Can they assist with council permits?
Do they offer clean-up and disposal of waste?
Do they have local references?

✅ At Drouin Tree Services, we tick every box — with a reputation built on reliability, safety, and transparency.

What Happens to the Trees After Removal?

We care about sustainability. That’s why:

All green waste is chipped and turned into premium mulch.
Usable timber is recycled where possible.
Stump grinding prevents unnecessary regrowth or underground decay.
We minimise landfill impact by recycling what we remove.

Ask us about our mulch supply and spreading services to give your garden a fresh boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Victoria?
Yes, most councils require a permit, especially for mature or native trees. We can assist you in navigating local regulations.
How much does tree removal cost?
Prices vary based on size, access, and complexity. We offer free quotes tailored to your specific job.
Can you remove a tree near my house or powerlines?
Yes — we have the equipment and expertise to work in confined spaces and around utilities safely.
Is stump grinding included?
Stump grinding is a separate service but can be bundled with your removal at a discounted rate.

Local Expertise You Can Trust

From Drouin to Warragul, Neerim to Trafalgar, and across West Gippsland — we understand local landscapes, council laws, and environmental conditions better than anyone. We’re proud to serve our community with expert care and fast response times.