Trees

Trees are a big part of the Peninsula's character and biodiversity. Learn more about all thing's trees and vegetation, including:

  • how do we care for and protect trees
  • if you have a question or observation about a tree, who do you contact?
  • how to report a Shire tree observation or concern to the Shire and other authorities

In case of an Immediate Risk or Danger with a tree call our Customer Service team on 1300 850 600 (which includes our after-hours service). 

Before you do work on the nature strip or road reserve along your property, check out the Nature strips (roadside reserves) page.

Thinking of planting? Think local. You can discover what's plants are native to your area of the Peninsula using our Mornington Peninsula Plant Guides and purchase plants from the Shire nursery.

 

In a weather emergency, always keep clear of trees and fallen powerlines.

Who to contact when trees fall as a result of the weather:

  • PRIVATE PROPERTY: Fallen or dangerous trees on private property need to be reported to the SES on 132 500.
  • SHIRE TREES: Fallen or dangerous trees on Shire land including road reserves, bushland should be reported to the Shire on 1300 850 600 or via web chat.
    You can also Report a Tree Concern online.
  • VICROADS: Fallen or dangerous trees on roads managed by VicRoads (main arterial roads) should be reported to VicRoads on 131 171 or on their Report a road issue page.

Find out more about emergencies on our Emergency Information page.

Vegetation from private property encroaching on safe and maintained pedestrian or bicycle paths is the responsibility of the property owner.  

Vegetation on Shire-managed land: If the tree or vegetation is on public land, use the Report a Problem form on the right of this page.

Please note: if a fallen tree or branch is unsafe or potentially dangerous, please call: 1300 850 600.

Did you know that the Shire has three Tree Response Crews that undertake pruning, branch pickups and other maintenance across the Peninsula?  The crews work in all townships across the Peninsula, with each focusing on a geographic region to improve efficiency and reduce travel times. 

Once we receive a report, the task will be prioritised. When an outcome can be achieved in the short term, works are scheduled for Direct Action. If a case requires more extensive work or is complex, a Referral is made to the tree management team for further investigation and response.  In some instances, our qualified tree inspectors will then attend to the case.

Vegetation from private property encroaching on safe and maintained pedestrian or bicycle paths is the responsibility of the property owner.

Residents concerned with overhanging vegetation from their neighbours' property, should in the first instance speak to their neighbour.  

Find out more about the laws on cutting or pruning neighbours' trees.

If you believe that vegetation is being removed without the required permissions or illegally, report it on 1300 850 600.

The Shire has an obligation to keep trees and vegetation clear of powerlines and electrical infrastructure within the declared urban area on Shire property only, the clearances requirements are in accordance with Electricity Safety (Electric Lines Clearance) Regulations 2020.

The program includes vegetation pruning to achieve clearances around powerlines in declared areas such as High Bushfire Risk Areas (inspected and pruned on an annual basis) and Low Bushfire Risk Areas (inspected annually and pruned on a 2 yearly cycle).

LBRA Powerline Clearance (ELC) 2 Year pruning Program
Year 1- 2025-2026 Pruning
Sorrento July - August
Capel Sound August-September
Bittern September
Crib Point September
Dromana October-November
Hastings December-February
Safety Beach February
McCrae February
Tootgarook March
Rosebud March-June
Rye April-June
Year 2 - 2024-2025 Pruning
Mount Martha July-August
Mornington August-October
Baxter September
Somerville October
Tyabb November
Mount Eliza November-April
Balnarring December
Balnarring Beach December-January
Merricks Beach January
Flinders February
Shoreham February-March
Somers March-April
Blairgowrie April-May
Portsea May-June

For further information download the Shire's Electrical Line Clearance Management Plan 2024-2025(PDF, 6MB)

Powerlines on private property

To understand the obligations of United Energy and private property owner's responsibilities please refer to United Energy on 1300 131 689 or visit the Vegetation management - United Energy.

For private property in undeclared high fire risk areas please contact United Energy on 1300 131 689or visit the United Energy website.

Roadside tree pruning program

Download: Area Vegetation Program (AVP) Block Map(PDF, 2MB)

Block Number Block Name Year Program Year Proposed Order
5 Rye South 2024-2025 4 1
33 Balnarring 2024-2025 4 2
44 Boneo 2024-2025 4 3
26 Somers 2024-2025 4 4
38 Main Ridge 2024-2025 4 5
32 Tuerong 2024-2025 4 6
9 Rosebud West 2024-2025 4 7
39 Baxter 2024-2025 4 8
7 Tootgarook 2024-2025 4 9
24 Hastings 2024-2025 4 10
Block Number Block Name Year Program Year Proposed Order
43 Tyabb 2025-2026 5 1
4 Rye West 2025-2026 5 2
42 Merricks 2025-2026 5 3
15 Dromana West 2025-2026 5 4
34 Merricks North 2025-2026 5 5
36 Dromana East 2025-2026 5 6
40 Pearcedale 2025-2026 5 7
46 Shoreham 2025-2026 5 8
19 Mornington North 2025-2026 5 9
11 Rosebud South 2025-2026 5 10
20 Mornington South 2025-2026 5 11
Block Number Block Name Year Program Year Proposed Order
1 Blairgowrie 2026-2027 1 1
28 Point Leo 2026-2027 1 2
14 Flinders Township 2026-2027 1 3
31 Somerville 2026-2027 1 4
47 Flinders 2026-2027 1 5
25 Crib Point 2026-2027 1 6
8 St Andrews Beach 2026-2027 1 7
29 Moorooduc 2026-2027 1 8
3 Portsea 2026 - 2027 1 9
Block Number Block Name Year Program Year Proposed Order
16 Safety Beach 2027-2028 2 1
13 Cape Schanck Township 2027-2028 2 2
35 Red Hill 2027-2028 2 3
45 Cape Schanck 2027-2028 2 4
41 Red Hill South 2027-2028 2 5
37 Arthurs Seat 2027-2028 2 6
22 Mount Eliza West 2027-2028 2 7
2 Sorrento 2027-2028 2 8
21 Mount Eliza East 2027-2028 2 9
Block Number Block Name Year Program Year Proposed Order
23 Somerville Township 2028-2029 3 1
6 Rye East 2028-2029 3 2
18 Mount Martha South 2028-2029 3 3
30 Fingal 2028-2029 3 4
17 Mount Martha North 2028-2029 3 5
12 McCrae 2028-2029 3 6
27 Balnarring Beach 2028-2029 3 7
10 Rosebud North 2028-2029 3 8

Trees are part of the Peninsula's character.  The Shire undertakes maintenance programs that include tree inspections, vegetation pruning, street tree replacement, bushland management and much more.  

Tree Pruning on Public Property

All pruning should comply with Australian Standards 4373 – Pruning of Amenity Trees.  Pruning should only be completed as identified to action the following:

  • Remove structurally unsound limbs.
  • Remove dead or diseased material.
  • Maintain prescribed clearances from service and traffic thoroughfares.
  • Maintain tree form through removal of misshapen limbs.
  • Minimise future problems.
  • To remove an immediate safety risk to the public.

Pruning of large limbs of Council-owned trees is not permitted by anyone other than Council staff service providers engaged by Council.

Learn about:

Pruning of Council-owned trees

Pruning of large limbs of Council-owned trees is not permitted by anyone other than Council staff service providers engaged by Council.

If you have a tree or vegetation issue, please report it. 

Tree or vegetation removal on your property

The Mornington Peninsula Planning Scheme provides for the protection of native and exotic vegetation. 

Learn more about tree and vegetation removal on your property.

When Shire undertakes tree and vegetation removal

Trees are identified for removal through an arborist inspection and then listed as a recommendation for removal.  These trees are given a priority order based on risk. Recommendations for removal can include trees that impact powerlines or damage infrastructure.

The following reasons are not considered for removal under this program:

  • Provide or maintain views from private properties
  • Branch growth over adjacent properties
  • Leaf or nut litter is a natural occurrence
  • Lack of grass growth under tree
  • Trees causing minor damage to infrastructure