A five-kilometre stretch along Scotts Lane has had more than 30 trees removed.

Porcupine Ride resident and former Department of Sustainability native vegetation consultant Tanya Loos said seven of the trees felled were more than 100 years old.

Last month the Department of Planning and Community Development introduced legislation that allows the "removal, destruction and lopping of vegetation" to construct a boundary fence or to maintain an existing boundary fence now allows for a combined clearance distance of four metres.

Ms Loos said that despite the legislation it was important landholders realised there was usually no need to clear such a wide area to erect a new fence.

"Adjoining landholders on Richardsons Lane erected a fence last year through a similar area of roadside vegetation, with large old manna gums and peppermints," she said.

"In that case, the contractors were told to avoid tree removal.

"All large old trees were retained, and the landowners have a secure new fence."

Ms Loos said the new laws threatened animal habitat along fencelines.

"These trees are essential for wildlife as they are the biggest trees we have left," she said.

Large old trees with hollows provide homes for native wildlife such as rosellas, owls and possums and sugar gliders. Large old trees also provide more nectar for honeyeaters, and are preferred by koalas.

"I urge the Hepburn Shire to act swiftly to ensure that the rich biodiversity and beauty of the area is not compromised by this serious threat," said Ms Loos.

Hepburn Shire operations manager Andrew Bourke said the property had been inspected and the clearance was within the limits allowed by the legislation.

"We encourage both landowners and anyone that has concerns about the new native vegetation to contact council," he said.

The Advocate was unable to contact the owner of the Scotts Lane property.