Arborist Report Requirements
Arborist Report Requirements
Arborist Report Requirements
Arborist report information requirements for development on private property, tree damaging activities and verge tree removal.
Last updated on: 16 September 2025
What is an arborist report?
An arborist report is a document prepared by a suitably qualified and experienced arboriculturist with a minimum qualification of Diploma of Horticulture (Arboriculture) Australian Qualification Framework (AQF 5) or equivalent, and with demonstrated experience in high level tree assessment and diagnosis.
The report must demonstrate that a site inspection has been undertaken and provide a true and accurate account of all relevant vegetation and the condition of trees on site and in proximity to the development site.
When is an arborist report required?
An arborist report is required where development proposes works (including demolition and site works) and the subject site contains existing trees that meet the criteria of a Regulated Tree, being any living tree that:
- is 8m or more in height and/or
- has an average canopy diameter of at least 6m and/or
- has a trunk circumference of at least 1.5m (measured 1.4m above ground level) and/or
- is a development that involves foundations or slab works that occur within the structural root zone of a regulated tree on an adjoining site and/or
- includes a new crossover/vehicle access point that is proposed within 1.5m of an existing street tree, or requires removal of a street tree and/or
- proposes tree damaging activity or removal of a regulated tree and
- is not a species listed on a State or local weed register.
*The City may waive or require a report on a case-by-case basis, depending on the scale of development and the site's vegetation irrespective of the above criteria.
What is an arborist report required to address?
The report is to provide a comprehensive assessment of all regulated trees on site (and within proximity to the site) and must clearly identify:
- tree details and condition
- the likely impact of proposed development works
- the arborist's professional recommendation for each tree (retention, removal, transplantation, or new planting)
Reports are to address matters in AS4970 - Protection of Trees on Development Sites (as amended) and must include the following sections (where appropriate):
Required Information
The below information serves as a general guide for the required information to be contained within an arborist report. Additional information may be required based on site constraints, the nature of the development proposed, or the type of trees on site.
Plans
- Existing site plan showing:
- all trees on site and adjoining verges, labelled and referenced
- tree canopy width and trunk circumference (measured 1.4m above ground level)
- existing structures
- Proposed site plan showing:
- trees proposed for removal, transplantation, and retention.
- tree Protection Zones (TPZ) and Structural Root Zones (SRZ).
- location of proposed structures and setbacks to retained trees.
Trees proposed for retention
- Required detail:
- photograph and species identification
- height, canopy spread, trunk dimensions, estimated age
- statement of tree health and structural integrity
- expected lifespan
- SRZ and TPZ dimensions
- Recommendation must address:
- The arborist's opinion on the likelihood of the tree surviving proposed works.
- Methodology for protection during demolition and construction, including maintenance and watering schedules.
- Contingency measures if the tree declines or fails post-development.
Trees proposed for removal
- Required detail:
- photograph and species identification
- height, canopy spread, trunk dimensions, estimated age
- statement of tree health and structural condition
- expected lifespan
- Recommendation must address:
- Reasons why the removal is necessary.
- Assessment of whether redesign or modification could enable retention.
- Evidence that alternatives (such as transplanting) have been considered and are not viable.
Trees proposed for transplantation
- Required detail:
- photograph and species identification
- height, canopy spread, trunk dimensions, estimated age
- statement of tree health and condition relevant to transplanting suitability
- Recommendation must address:
- Transplantation methodology (preparation, relocation, re-establishment).
- Post-transplant care plan (watering, maintenance, monitoring).
- Contingency if transplant fails, including replacement planting details.
New planting (replacement or additional trees)
- Required detail:
- species, pot size/height at planting, and anticipated mature height and canopy
- expected lifespan
- photograph/example of species once established
- Recommendation must address:
- Justification for species selection (suitability to location, contribution to canopy).
- Planting procedure and establishment methodology (including watering schedule).
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