In a housing market as tight as Australia’s, owners are looking harder than ever at how to get the most from a block — whether that means presenting a home for sale, freeing up space for a granny flat, or clearing land for a build. Trees sit right in the middle of that calculation. A mature, healthy tree can add genuine value and street appeal, while a dangerous or badly placed one can drag a sale down and frighten off buyers. Knowing the difference is where the money is.

For the practical side of that decision, we spoke with Lakeside Trees and Stumps, a Perth arborist team based in the northern suburbs, about when clearing a tree genuinely helps and when it’s a mistake.

A Tree Can Be an Asset — or a Liability

Established trees are one of the few features money can’t instantly buy. A well-placed shade tree cools a home in summer, softens its street presence, and signals that a property has been cared for over many years. In leafy suburbs, that canopy is often part of what buyers are paying for.

The problem starts when a tree stops earning its place. Dead, diseased, structurally unsound or badly positioned trees introduce risk and ongoing cost, and buyers can sense a future expense. The real question is never “trees or no trees” — it’s whether each specific tree is helping or hurting.

When Removal Tends to Make Sense

Some situations tip a tree firmly into the liability column. Removal is worth considering when:

• The tree is dead, dying or has been judged unsafe by an arborist.
• Roots are lifting paths and driveways or threatening drains and foundations.
•  It blocks a valuable outlook that buyers would pay a premium for.
• Branches overhang the roof or powerlines, hinting at endless maintenance.
• You need to clear the plot for a build, extension or subdivision.

In these cases, removing the tree also removes a mental red flag for buyers — and a red flag avoided is often worth more than a feature added.

When You Should Keep It

It’s easy to over-correct. A healthy, attractive tree that gives shade, privacy or character is usually working in your favour, and pulling it out can reduce value rather than add it. A bare, sun-baked block is a harder sell than a green one.

Often, the answer isn’t removal at all. Careful pruning, thinning or shaping can open a view, let in light and tidy the canopy while keeping the tree’s benefits. Lopping — the heavy cutting-back many people picture — is generally discouraged by arborists, because, done poorly, it damages the tree and invites weak regrowth.

Know the Rules Before You Cut

This is the step owners most often miss. Across Australia, many councils protect trees above a certain height or trunk size, and significant or native species can require a permit before any work. Removing a protected tree without approval can bring substantial fines — the opposite of adding value.

Before touching anything, check your local council’s tree rules, and if the property is subject to strata or heritage controls, confirm what’s allowed. A reputable local arborist will know the requirements and can flag what needs approval.

Why It’s a Job for Professionals

Tree removal is genuinely hazardous work. A large gum coming down the wrong way can put a limb through a roof — an expensive lesson right before an inspection. Qualified arborists carry the equipment, insurance and training to fell trees safely, protect surrounding structures and clean up properly.

There’s judgment in it too. A good arborist will tell you honestly when a tree should stay, when pruning beats removal, and when a stump needs grinding out so the yard shows well. That advice alone can save an expensive mistake.

Don’t Forget the Stump

Tree removal isn't complete until the stump has been dealt with.

Leaving a stump behind can create several ongoing problems:

• Trip hazards
• Pest attraction, including termites and white ants
• New tree shoots and regrowth
• Obstacles for mowing
• Difficulties when paving or landscaping

Old stumps also make vacant blocks appear unfinished.

Professional stump grinding removes the remaining stump below ground level while allowing the area to be levelled and reused.

This leaves the site ready for:

• New lawn
• Garden beds
• Driveways
• Paving
• Outdoor entertaining areas
• Future construction

A clean, level yard presents far better to buyers than one with an obvious reminder of a recently removed tree.

The Bottom Line

Clearing trees before selling or building isn't about removing as many as possible—it's about making informed decisions that maximise the value and usability of your property.

Dead, dangerous or poorly positioned trees often create more problems than benefits and are usually worth removing. Trees that damage foundations, block premium views or prevent future development can also be worthwhile candidates for removal. However, healthy, mature trees that provide shade, privacy and character remain valuable assets that many buyers actively seek.

Before making any decisions, check your local council regulations, obtain professional advice from a qualified arborist, and consider whether careful pruning may achieve the same outcome. When tree removal is necessary, don't forget to have the stump professionally ground to leave the site clean, safe and ready for whatever comes next.

With the right approach, every tree on your property can either contribute to your home's value—or make way for improvements that will.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need council approval to remove a tree in Australia?

Often, yes. Many councils protect trees above a certain size or of particular species, and removing them without a permit can attract fines. Always check your local rules before starting.

Does removing a tree always increase property value?

No. It tends to help when the tree is dead, hazardous, blocking a valuable view or damaging structures. A healthy, attractive tree usually adds value, so removing it can have the opposite effect.

Is pruning better than removal?

Frequently. Professional pruning or thinning can open a view and let in light while keeping the tree’s benefits, which is often the smarter move before a sale.

Why should the stump be ground out?

A leftover stump can attract pests, poses a trip hazard and is hard to build or pave over. Grinding it out leaves the ground ready for future landscaping.