The previous owners of the property may have applied to remove a tree or might have gone through a development process where the land was subdivided.  To gain approval for those activities, the previous owners would have agreed to plant new trees as a condition of their permit.  Because the permit applies to the land, not to the person living there, you are now required to care for that tree or trees. 

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to know. Trees planted as a part of a planning permit are usually a few metres from the boundary or building edge or may be in the middle of a lawn.  They may be native or exotic. 

Check if a planning permit is associated with your property (this may be to the previous property address if a subdivision has occurred). You will need to refer to the landscape plan to determine any trees that must be retained. This is in addition to any overlay controls regarding tree protection. If you do not have a copy of the landscape plan you can request a copy from Council.

If there is a planning permit and you do not have a copy of the landscape plan you can call Council Planning and Building Department on 9262 6333. 

New trees sometimes fail to become established and can die. If that occurs, you should call Planning and Building Department and check the minimum height of the tree or any other specific requirements related to your property.  We can also discuss suitable species with you.

Trees are highly valued by the Whitehorse community for the economic, environmental and social benefits that they bring. In order to achieve a canopy cover that maximises these benefits while our population is increasing, we need trees on private land. Just as there are regulations about how big a new house can be, or where storm water must be discharged, there are regulations around trees to make our neighbourhoods better for all residents.