How much does a tree removal cost in Melbourne?
Tree removal in Melbourne costs $260–$840 for a small tree (under 5m), $840–$2,625 for a medium tree (5–10m), and $2,625–$6,300 for a large tree (10–15m). Extra-large trees over 15m can cost up to $15,750 depending on location, access, and complexity.
We've compiled pricing from arborists and tree services across Melbourne, plus leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Detailed Pricing — Melbourne 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small tree removal (under 5 m) | $260per tree | $525 | $840 |
| Medium tree removal (5–10 m) | $840per tree | $1,575 | $2,625 |
| Large tree removal (10–15 m) | $2,625per tree | $4,200 | $6,300 |
| Extra-large tree (15 m+) | $5,250per tree | $8,400 | $15,750 |
| Palm tree removal | $260per tree | $630 | $1,250 |
| Stump grinding (small <30 cm) | $160per stump | $210 | $315 |
| Stump grinding (medium 30–60 cm) | $260per stump | $370 | $525 |
| Stump grinding (large 60 cm+) | $420per stump | $630 | $945 |
| Tree pruning / trimming | $210per tree | $470 | $840 |
| Hedge trimming (per m) | $5/m | $13 | $26 |
| Arborist report | $315per report | $470 | $735 |
| Emergency / storm damage | $525per job | $1,575 | $4,200 |
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Get Melbourne quotes →Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What to Know About Tree Removal Work in Melbourne
Tree removal in Melbourne sits anywhere between $250 for a small backyard tree to over $5,000 for a large gum near power lines or buildings. The single biggest cost driver isn't the tree itself but everything around it — height, drop zone, access for trucks and cranes, traffic management, council permits, and how much of the cleanup you take on.
In Melbourne, demand peaks in autumn (March–May) when homeowners get ahead of winter storms, and again in spring as overgrown branches become obvious. Booking outside those windows usually gets you 10–20% off the same job. Bushfire-prone parts of Victoria also see surge pricing in late summer as homeowners scramble for clearance work before fire season.
Most Melbourne councils require a permit for any tree taller than 5m, and some require approval to touch any tree at all if it's a protected species (significant gums, native eucalypts, heritage-listed). A reputable arborist quotes you knowing this, and either sorts the permit themselves or refuses to remove until you have one. If a quote seems suspiciously cheap, ask explicitly whether the permit is included.
What Affects Tree Removal Costs in Melbourne
Tree size and height
Small trees under 5m sit at $250–$700 in Melbourne. Medium trees (5–15m) run $700–$2,000. Large trees over 15m, or anywhere near power lines, jump to $2,000–$5,500+. Height above 20m or a trunk diameter over 60cm typically requires a crane and can push pricing to $7,000+ for a single tree.
Site access and drop zone
If a truck can't get within 30m of the tree, gear has to be carried in and timber carried out — that's 1–3 hours of extra labour. Tight Melbourne blocks, fences, and overhead wires all reduce the safe drop zone, forcing the arborist to dismantle the tree section by section. That alone can double the price of the same tree on an open block.
Council permits and protected species
Permit costs vary across Victoria councils — typically $50–$200 per tree, but heritage or protected species can require an arboricultural assessment ($300–$600) before approval. Removing a protected tree without a permit can attract fines of $5,000+, so this isn't a step to skip.
Stump grinding and cleanup
Stump grinding is usually quoted separately at $150–$500 per stump depending on diameter and root spread. Full cleanup (chipping, removal of timber and debris) adds $200–$800 to the base quote. Keeping the timber for firewood — if the species is suitable — is one of the easiest ways to save.
How to Save Money on Tree Removal in Melbourne
Tree removal pricing has unusually wide spread between quotes — getting three written quotes for the same scope routinely saves 20–35%. Beyond that:
- Sort the permit before quoting. Arborists pad the price when permit status is unclear. Showing up with the permit in hand removes that risk and unlocks a better quote.
- Book in autumn or winter. Demand drops sharply outside spring and storm season. Arborists with empty calendars in June–August often quote 15–25% lower than the same work in October.
- Keep the timber. If the species is suitable for firewood and you have somewhere to store it, ask the arborist to leave the cut timber on site. That can save $200–$500 on cleanup.
- Skip the stump grind if you can. If the stump's in a low-traffic area, having it ground 30cm below grade isn't always necessary. Leaving it to rot saves $150–$500 and many Melbourne homeowners just plant over the top.
- Group with neighbours. If the arborist is doing one tree on your property and one next door, the call-out and setup costs are shared. A coordinated booking with two or three neighbours can cut 15–20% off everyone's bill.
- Check insurance. Always confirm the arborist holds public liability insurance ($10–$20M minimum). Cheap quotes from uninsured operators expose you to massive liability if something goes wrong — not a saving worth chasing.
Tree Protection Overlays drive Melbourne pricing
Melbourne councils (Yarra, Stonnington, Boroondara, Bayside) actively enforce Tree Protection Overlays. Mature eucalyptus, oak, and significant trees of 8m+ height typically require permits. Permit-required removal: $800–$2,500 once arborist report, permit fee, and removal work are combined. Standard non-protected removal: $400–$1,500. Bayside and Mornington Peninsula coastal salt-affected pines drive volume work in summer.
Inner-Melbourne narrow laneways and shared driveways frequently require manual rig-down rather than chipper access — adds 30–50% to job cost. Storm-damage callouts spike after winter cold-fronts (June–August). Arborist reports for council submission run $300–$600; sometimes worth getting before quote stage so multiple tradies can quote against a clear scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no commercial relationship with any service provider. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed May 2026. Read our full methodology →