If you’ve got a tree that needs to go, the first question on your mind is probably the same one everyone asks — how much does tree removal cost in Melbourne?
The honest answer is that prices vary quite a bit. A small bottlebrush in your front yard is a very different job from a 20-metre gum tree overhanging your roof. One might cost you $400. The other could run past $5,000. And everything in between depends on a handful of factors that most people don’t think about until they’re already getting quotes. That’s exactly why we put this guide together. Whether you’re dealing with a dead tree, storm damage, or a tree that’s simply outgrown its space, understanding what drives tree removal prices in Melbourne puts you in a much better position to make the right call — and avoid overpaying.
In this guide, we break down average tree removal costs across Melbourne and Victoria, explain what pushes prices up or down, and give you a clear price table so you know what a fair quote looks like before you pick up the phone.
Let’s get into it.
What Is the Average Tree Removal Cost in Melbourne?
Most residential tree removal jobs in Melbourne fall somewhere between $500 and $3,500. That is a wide range, and for good reason. No two trees are the same. The height, species, site access, proximity to structures, and whether stump grinding is included all affect the price.
The cost of tree removal in Melbourne has also risen by 4.8% in Q1 2026, driven by strong construction demand across the western growth corridor and ongoing trade shortages. If you received a quote 12 months ago, it is worth refreshing it.
A quick rule of thumb: budget $126 per hour for standard residential arborist work in the Melbourne metro area. Most jobs require a crew of at least three, so hourly rates multiply quickly once you factor in travel, equipment, and green waste disposal.
What Factors Affect Tree Removal Prices?
Understanding why tree removal prices vary so much comes down to a handful of key variables. These apply across Melbourne and all of regional Victoria.
Tree Size and Species
Larger trees require more crew, heavier machinery, and longer hours. Species also matters. Hardwoods like eucalyptus, ironbark, and blackbutt take longer to cut and chip. Palm trees require specialized disposal methods due to their fibrous material.
Site Access
This is the single biggest cost driver after tree size. A tree at the front of a property with driveway access for a chipper and tip truck is the most affordable scenario. A backyard tree accessed only through a narrow side gate — especially in Melbourne’s older inner suburbs — significantly increases labour time and cost.
Proximity to Structures
Trees overhanging a roof, pool, conservatory, or power lines cannot simply be felled. They require careful sectional dismantling, rigging, and often an Elevated Work Platform (EWP). This adds both time and equipment cost to the job.
Green Waste Removal
Most professional quotes include green waste removal. If you have a wood heater and want the logs left on site as firewood, mention this when getting your quote — it can reduce the price, as the arborist saves on disposal fees.
Insurance and Licensing
Reputable Melbourne and Victorian arborists carry up to $10 million in public liability insurance and pay workers’ compensation, adding roughly 9% on top of wages. Always verify insurance before work starts. Many home insurers will void a damage claim if the contractor is uninsured.
Tree Removal Cost by Tree Size — Melbourne & Victoria
| Tree Size | Height | Removal Cost (incl. GST) | Common Examples |
| Small | Up to 6m | $250 – $950 | Bottlebrush, fruit trees, small natives |
| Medium | 6 – 10m | $650 – $1,499 | Melaleuca, Wattle, Lilly Pilly |
| Large | 10 – 20m | $1,499 – $3,499 | Gum trees, Pines, large natives |
| Extra Large | 15m+ | $3,500 – $10,000+ | Mature Gums, large eucalyptus |
Note: These figures assume the tree is cut to a low stump. Stump grinding cost in Melbourne is typically quoted separately.
Stump Grinding Cost in Melbourne
Most tree removal quotes stop at the stump. If you want the area clear for replanting, paving, or laying turf, you will need stump grinding as an add-on service. Stump grinding in Melbourne typically costs between $150 and $900+, depending on stump diameter and species. Melbourne arborists apply a minimum callout fee of $180 to $220 for stump-only jobs, so it is usually cheaper to include it in the original tree removal quote.
| Stump Diameter | Stump Grinding Cost | Notes |
| Under 30cm | $150 – $315 | Softwood, easy access |
| 30 – 60cm | $200 – $525 | Common residential stump |
| 60cm+ | $525 – $900+ | Hardwood, eucalyptus varieties |
Eucalyptus and hardwood stumps dominate in Melbourne’s western suburbs and regional Victoria. These take longer to grind and wear down equipment faster — which is why hardwood stumps can cost twice as much as softwood at the same diameter.
Do You Need a Council Permit? What Does It Cost?
In most Melbourne councils, you will need a permit to remove a significant tree. The rules vary by council, but the general triggers are:
- Trunk diameter over 30cm at breast height
- Native species, regardless of size
- Trees listed on a council’s vegetation overlay
- Properties in a Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) or Vegetation Protection Overlay (VPO)
Victoria introduced updated canopy tree permit rules effective 15 September 2025. If you have not checked your council’s requirements recently, it is worth doing so before you book any work.
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
| VicSmart Permit (1 tree) | ~$226.90 | 2025–2026 financial year rate |
| Arborist Report (if required) | $700+ | Required to prove disease or risk |
| Fine (illegal removal) | Tens of thousands | Varies by council — do not skip this step |
Skipping the permit process is a serious risk. Fines for illegal tree removal in Melbourne can run to tens of thousands of dollars — far exceeding the cost of tree removal itself. A licensed arborist can help you identify what approvals are required and assist with documentation.
How to Get a Fair Quote for Tree Removal in Melbourne
Getting three quotes is the standard advice — and it is good advice. But knowing what to compare matters just as much as the price itself.
When reviewing quotes for tree removal cost in Melbourne, check the following:
- Green waste removal included? Some low quotes exclude tip fees and chip removal.
- Stump included or separate? Always ask — it changes the comparison entirely.
- Fully insured? Request the certificate of currency for public liability.
- Permit assistance? A good arborist will flag any permit requirements upfront.
- Fixed price or hourly? A fixed price is generally safer for complex jobs.
At All Tree Removals, we offer free, no-obligation quotes with transparent, fixed pricing. No hidden fees, no nasty surprises. Contact us today, and we will have someone with you promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does tree removal cost in Melbourne?
Tree removal in Melbourne generally costs between $250 and $10,000, depending on the size, species, and location of the tree. Small trees up to 6 meters typically cost $250 to $950, while large trees between 10 and 20 meters range from $1,500 to $3,500. Complex or hazardous removals involving trees near structures or power lines can exceed $10,000. The best way to get an accurate price is to request a free on-site quote from a qualified local arborist.
What is the cheapest time of year to get a tree removed?
Late autumn and winter (May to August) tend to be quieter for arborists in Victoria, which may offer more flexibility on pricing and scheduling. Some operators offer discounts during this period. However, if a tree is dangerous, do not delay — the cost of damage from a fallen tree far exceeds the tree removal cost.
How do I find a cheap tree removal service in Melbourne?
The best way to find affordable tree removal services in Melbourne is for homeowners to obtain three quotes from certified local arborists. Homeowners who evaluate multiple estimates save an average of 28 per cent, according to research. However, you should treat extremely low price estimates with caution because contractors who provide them usually lack insurance and proper qualifications, and they intend to compromise safety.
How long does it actually take to remove a tree?
A small to medium tree might only need two or three hours of work. However, a large, complex removal requiring intricate rigging can easily take a full eight-hour shift.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Melbourne?
In most cases, yes — particularly for trees with a trunk diameter over 30cm, native species, or trees covered by a council vegetation overlay. Check with your council or ask your arborist to confirm requirements. Penalties for unauthorized removal can be substantial.
Is stump grinding included in tree removal quotes?
Usually not. Stump grinding is almost always quoted separately. Always ask upfront if you want the stump removed, especially if you are planning to replant, pave, or lay turf over the area.
Can I save money by keeping the wood?
Absolutely. If you have a fireplace, we can “block up” the trunk into firewood-sized rounds for you to split later.
Final Thoughts
Tree removal in Melbourne is not a one-size-fits-all job, and neither is the price. The guide demonstrates that tree removal cost for front-yard trees start at a few hundred dollars and reach more than 10000 dollars for hazardous tree removal. The size of the tree, access to your property, proximity to structures, and whether stump grinding or a council permit is required all play a role in what you’ll ultimately pay.
Contact us today for a free on-site quote and see why Melbourne homeowners trust All Tree Removals for all their tree removal needs.
