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.