Tree Management Plan
A Tree Management Plan (TMP) is your blueprint for building near trees without putting your project (or the trees) at risk.
At TMC Reports, we craft detailed, council-friendly TMPs that keep your site compliant and your build moving across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.
- Prepared by AQF Level 5 consulting arborists
- Compliant with Australian Standards
(AS 4970-2009)
- Tailored to your site and construction methods
- Clear, actionable, and council-friendly
We provide Tree Management Plans for projects across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.
100% Council Compliance or Your Money Back
If your report isn’t accepted due to no-compliance, we refund you. No fuss. No forms. No stress.
What Is a Tree Management Plan?
Think of a Tree Management Plan (TMP) as the rulebook for working near trees during construction. It spells out exactly how to keep retained trees safe while you get the job done without risking fines, delays, or damage.
Councils often make a TMP a condition of your planning permit, especially if your works fall within a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ). It’s also usually backed by a Tree Protection Plan (TPP) - a visual layout showing where fences, no-go zones, and protection measures go on-site.
Put simply: a TMP helps your crew avoid costly mistakes, keeps your trees healthy, and ticks the boxes councils care about.
A ‘Must Have’ For Your Project
Most local councils require a Tree Management Plan as a condition of development approval when construction is proposed near significant or regulated trees.
It may be requested:
- Before permit approval, as part of your planning application
- After an arboricultural impact assessment, to guide safe tree retention
- During construction, if unauthorised encroachment occurs
- As a compliance document, especially when trees are on public land or the site borders a park or reserve
Without a compliant TMP, your project could face costly delays, fines, or rework.
Who Is It For?
Tree Management Plans are essential for:
1. Builders and developers needing council approval
If your project involves excavation, demolition, or construction near retained trees, your local council will likely require a TMP as a condition of your planning permit.
2. Homeowners planning extensions or renovations
Even small home upgrades (like a new driveway or rear extension) can affect nearby trees. A TMP helps you avoid penalties while keeping your build timeline on track.
3. Project managers and landscape architects coordinating multi-trade sites
When multiple contractors are involved, a TMP ensures everyone is on the same page about access, tree protection zones, and no-go areas. It reduces the risk of accidental tree damage that could hold up the job.
4. Schools or government bodies required to protect established tree assets
Educational campuses and public spaces often include heritage or significant trees. A TMP outlines how to manage construction safely without jeopardising long-standing vegetation.
If you’re working within the Tree Protection Zone of a regulated tree, chances are your council will ask for a TMP before giving the green light.
Need a Tree Management Plan in Your City?
We provide council-compliant TMPs across Australia’s major metro areas:
Tree Management Plan Melbourne
Tree Management Plan Sydney
Tree Management Plan Brisbane
Tree Management Plan Gold Coast
Get expert help tailored to your local council’s requirements.
What’s Included in a Tree Management Plan?
A Tree Management Plan (TMP) isn’t just a formality - it’s a detailed, site-specific guide to protecting trees during construction.
At TMC Reports, every TMP we deliver includes…
Protective fencing specs
Clear instructions on fence type, height, and placement to establish compliant Tree Protection Zones (TPZs).
Access and construction protocols
Defined routes for machinery, material storage zones, and no-go areas to prevent accidental damage.
Timing of works
Recommendations on when to carry out high-risk activities like excavation to minimise tree stress.
Root protection strategies
Low-impact methods like boring or no-dig zones where works encroach on roots.
Supervision and monitoring
Guidance on whether an on-site arborist is needed for compliance or council reporting.
Remedial measures
Optional tree care strategies like mulching, watering, or soil treatment for stressed trees.
All plans comply with
AS 4970-2009 and are designed to help you meet council requirements without delays.
Why Choose Us?
When it comes to council approvals, experience matters, and our team has it in spades. From Certificate 5 and 8 arborists to seasoned managers and rising stars, TMC Reports brings together some of the most qualified consulting arborists in the country.
Every Tree Management Plan we produce is backed by deep industry knowledge, hands-on site experience, and a real passion for getting things right, for both you and the trees.
Want to see who’s behind your report?
Sydney’s 5-Star Rated Arborists (Just Ask Our Clients)
“Nick and the team were professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to answer all my questions about tree care. They arrived on time, worked efficiently, and ensured everything was done to perfection. I highly recommend them!”
—
Douglas Stefadouros ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I have used TMC a few times now and they have always been professional and taken the time to make sure that I was fully informed of all my options before they went ahead and did any work for me which I really appreciated. If you are looking for an arborist with integrity, this is the company you should use!”
—
Colin Isles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Nick from TMC Reports has been an absolute gem in the process of getting a permit approved from the council for a diseased tree to be removed. The whole painstaking process with the Monash council unfortunately took over a year, but thankfully Nick was there to help me through it the entire time!”
— Cheryl G ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“As a draftsman I recommend TMC as they produce quality reports with high levels of detail, the team delivers timely service and great communication skills.”
— Matthew Vitale ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
FAQs
What’s the difference between a Tree Management Plan and an Arborist Report?
An Arborist Report (like an Arboricultural Impact Assessment) assesses tree health and risks. A Tree Management Plan goes further, outlining how to actively protect those trees during construction.
Often, councils require both to approve a development.
When should I organise a Tree Management Plan?
Ideally, before you lodge your planning permit application. Some councils may also request it after an impact assessment, or if tree-related compliance issues arise during construction.
The earlier you have it, the fewer delays you'll face.
Can a Tree Management Plan help me avoid fines or stop-work notices?
Absolutely. A well-prepared TMP is one of the key documents councils look for to ensure you’re managing tree protection responsibly. Without one, you risk breaches of local laws, leading to penalties, rework, or project delays.
Is a TMP needed for small projects like home renovations or landscaping?
Yes, if the works are near protected trees or fall within a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ). Even minor excavation or driveway changes can harm roots if unmanaged.
A TMP ensures you're covered, even on small-scale jobs.
What happens if my council rejects the TMP?
It’s rare, but if it does happen, we’ll work with you to revise the plan based on council feedback at no extra stress to you.
Our goal is to get your approval over the line, fast.
View more of our services
Tree Management Plan
Learn more
Root Investigation
Learn more
Arboricultural Impact Assessment
Learn more
Prelim Arboricultural Report
Learn more
Need Other Reports Too?
We often bundle Tree Management Plans with:
Let us know your project needs and we’ll tailor the right mix of reports to keep your approvals smooth and your site protected.