Tree pruning schedule
We regularly inspect our street trees for safety on an annual cycle and prune them to improve their health, structural integrity and appearance, and to ensure they are clear of overhead powerlines, footpaths and roads.
Year 1 2025/26
| Suburb | Start date | Finish date |
|---|---|---|
| Avondale Heights | July 2025 | August 2025 |
| Niddrie | September 2025 | October 2025 |
| Airport West | November 2025 | December 2025 |
| Strathmore | January 2026 | February 2026 |
| Essendon | March 2026 | May 2026 |
Year 2 2026/27
| Suburb | Start date | Finish date |
|---|---|---|
| Flemington | July 2026 | August 2026 |
| Ascot Vale | September 2026 | November 2026 |
| Moonee Ponds | December 2026 | February 2027 |
| East Keilor | March 2027 | May 2027 |
Frequently asked questions
Significant trees
We're strongly committed to protecting trees of local significance within our city.
The urban forest, including all the trees and vegetation in our city is critically important to both mental and physical health as these cool, green environments encourage people to recreate and socialise outdoors. As the climate changes and we experience hotter, drier and more extreme weather conditions, our community will be more impacted by heat stress and flood risk. A healthy urban forest is one of the most effective ways to mitigate urban heat island and improve health outcomes in the community.
The Moonee Valley City Council Significant Tree Register can be viewed here .
What is a significant tree?
Trees are classified as 'significant' after being independently assessed against the National Trust Significant Trees criteria, which has 12 categories:
- horticultural or genetic value
- unique location or context
- rare or localised distribution
- particularly old specimen
- outstanding size
- aesthetic value
- curious growth habitat
- historical significance
- connection to Aboriginal culture
- outstanding example of species
- remnant vegetation
- outstanding habitat
Significant trees can be located on both public and private land and can be a singular tree or a group of trees.
Canopy tree
A canopy tree is any tree that meets one of the following criteria:
- has a total trunk circumference of 110cm or more, measured 1.5 metres above ground
- is multi-stemmed, with a combined trunk circumference of 110cm or more at 1.5 metres above ground
- has a trunk circumference of 150cm or more at ground level.
You need a permit:
- to remove a canopy tree
- to carry out works within 2 metres from the tree base.
If you are looking to remove a canopy tree, you must complete a Tree Removal Permit Application. The administration fee is $143.00 per application.
Important: Applying for a permit does not guarantee approval.
Each application is assessed carefully, and Council may grant a permit (with or without conditions), refuse to grant a permit or determine that a permit is not required.
Street tree
We have more than 50,000 street trees, of both native and exotic species.
Learn more in our Tree Management Plan (pdf, 5MB) and Electric Line Clearance Management Plan 2025-26 (pdf, 3MB).
Adopt a tree
Help keep our city green and reduce water consumption by adopting a street tree!
Those who adopt a tree are asked to water it whenever they have a drop to spare. Street trees don’t require much water. In fact, a bucket of reclaimed water from the laundry or shower will help maintain the trees and keep our streets green.
To adopt a street tree, send us an email with your name, address, phone number and the location of your adopted street tree.
You can also call us on 9243 8888.
Nature Strip Landscaping Guidelines
Did you know you can personalise your nature strip with your own plants? We recently adopted a Nature Strip Landscaping Guidelines, so you can makeover your nature strip with grasses, shrubs, ground covers or even raised planter boxes.
Need some tips on what to plant? Read our Wildlife friendly gardening guide (pdf, 6MB).
Council has adopted the Nature Strip Guidelines which gives residents the chance to personalise their nature strips by choosing their own plants.