Keeping Trees for the future.
A proactive investment in the health, safety, and sustainability of the trees that grace our urban forest.
Arborist Reports Merri-Bek
(Planning Permits, AIA & Tree Protection Plans)
Arborist Reports for Planning Applications in Merri-bek
Planning permit applications within Merri-bek will typically require an arborist report where trees may be impacted by proposed works.
This may include:
trees located on the development site
adjoining trees near property boundaries
council-managed street trees
Reports are used to assess impacts and provide clear recommendations for retention, removal or protection.
Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) Merri-Bek
An arboricultural impact assessment evaluates how proposed development may affect surrounding trees.
Key components of an AIA include:
assessment of tree condition, structure and useful life expectancy
calculation of notional root zones (NRZ)
identification of structural root zones (SRZ)
evaluation of likely impacts from construction
Tree Protection Plans & Construction Requirements
Where trees are to be retained, protection measures must be implemented throughout construction.
These typically involve:
installation of protective fencing around the root zone
ground protection to prevent compaction
designated no-go zones for equipment
supervision by the project arborist where required
All measures are prepared in accordance with AS4970-2025 and tailored to council expectations.
Get a Quote – Arborist Reports in Merri-Bek
If you require an arborist report for a development site in Merri-Bek, Arboriculture Victoria can assist.
Plans can be reviewed to confirm scope and provide a clear fee proposal.
Arboriculture Victoria provides arborist reports across Merri-bek City Council for planning permits, development and construction projects.
We prepare arboricultural impact assessments (AIA), tree protection plans (TPP) and provide project arborist services to support council approval and construction compliance.
Sites within Merri-bek commonly involve established canopy trees, adjoining vegetation and constrained urban layouts, all of which require careful assessment during the planning phase.
Tree Removal Permits in Merri-bek
Tree removal may require approval depending on local laws and planning controls.
Local Law Requirements
Under Merri-bek City Council local law, permits may be required to remove or prune trees that meet specified size or significance thresholds.
This can apply to:
established trees on private land
trees contributing to local streetscape character
vegetation identified for protection
An arborist report is often required to support removal applications.
Canopy Tree Controls – Clause 52.37
Recent planning controls relating to canopy trees may also apply to residential land.
These controls can trigger permit requirements based on:
tree height
canopy spread
trunk size
Where applicable, arborist reports are required to support applications involving removal or impact to canopy trees.
You can find more info on the clause here.
When Is an Arborist Report Required?
An arborist report is typically required where:
development requires a planning permit
trees are located within or near the site
neighbouring or street trees may be affected
tree removal is proposed
Why Work With Arboriculture Victoria
consulting arborist focused on planning and development
experience across Merri-bek and inner-north councils
reports aligned with Australian Standards
practical, buildable recommendations
