Preliminary Arboricultural Report

The preliminary assessment intended for planners, architects and designers to determine the retention value, protection zones, permit requirements and condition of the assessed trees.

This report is useful for planners, architects and builders to design their development in the most effective way possible, in the event that the assessed trees are required to be protected.

Arboricultural Impact Assessment

The arboricultural impact assessment is intended to determine the potential impact that the proposed development may have on the assessed trees and to provide recommendations to ensure that the assessed trees would remain viable post construction. The retention value, protection zones, permit requirements and condition of the assessed trees is also required to be addressed in this type of report.

This report is useful to determine if any construction measures are required to ensure that the proposed development will not compromise the long-term viability of the assessed trees.

Tree Management Plan

The tree management plan is a step by step guide on how construction must take place in order to ensure that the assessed trees would remain viable. It must be specific and be accompanied by a tree protection plan.

This report is generally a condition in order to comply with a council permit and may be required to be completed in order for the development to be approved.

Tree Protection Plan

The tree protection plan is a plan to scale showing the tree protection measures recommended in an accompanying tree management plan. This must include accurate tree locations, tree protection zones, structural root zones and any protection measures required (e.g. tree protection fencing, ground protection, arborist supervision etc.)

This report is generally a condition in order to comply with a council permit and may be required to be completed in order for the development to be approved.

Root Investigation

Section 3.3.3 of AS4970-2009 ‘Protection of Trees on Development Sites’ states that if the development is considered to be a ‘major encroachment’ the arborist must determine that the tree would remain viable which may require a root investigation.

The root investigation is a process of non-destructive digging (usually undertaken via hydro excavation or compressed air) to uncover the root system of a tree without comprising the tree’s long-term viability. Any encountered tree roots must be documented and detailed in an accompanying root investigation report with a conclusion determining the likelihood of the tree remaining viable post construction.

This service is generally required when development is proposed to be a ‘major encroachment on a tree required to be retained.

Project Arborist Services

Project arborist services may be requested by Council in order for the development to be approved. Project arborist services generally include meetings with site supervisors and contractors, arborist supervision and site inspections. Each time a project arborist is engaged a relative document pertaining to assessment and findings will be provided.

Project arborist services are usually recommended in a planning permit or tree management plan.

Verbal Consultation

A verbal consultation is useful for clients wanting advice on tree retention value, tree protection zones, permit requirements and a brief description on what would be required to ensure that the assessed trees would remain viable.

This service is suitable for clients who are contemplating development or are in the early stages of development who do not require anything in writing.