❓ What is a consulting arborist?

A consulting arborist is a qualified tree expert (typically AQF Level 5 or higher) who provides independent, professional advice on tree health, structure, and risk. They assess trees in the context of development, safety, legal disputes, and planning applications. At Arboriculture Victoria, our consulting arborists specialise in Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs) and council-compliant reporting.

❓ What is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)?

An Arboricultural Impact Assessment is a detailed report required during the planning or development process. It identifies how proposed works may affect trees on or near a site and recommends measures to protect significant vegetation, in accordance with AS4970-2025 standards. Most Melbourne councils require an AIA for planning approval when trees are involved.

❓ Do I need an arborist report for a planning permit in Melbourne?

Yes — if your development affects existing trees or is near protected vegetation, you’ll likely need an arborist report for your planning permit application. Each council (like Merri-bek, Banyule, Boroondara, etc.) has its own rules, but a Level 5 consulting arborist report is usually required to meet their planning conditions.

❓ What is a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ)?

A Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is a calculated area around a tree where development and soil disturbance must be restricted to prevent damage to the tree’s roots and health. TPZs are defined by the Australian Standard AS4970-2025, and are an essential component of every Arboricultural Impact Assessment we produce.

❓ What qualifications should a consulting arborist have?

A consulting arborist should hold a minimum AQF Level 5 Diploma of Arboriculture and have extensive experience in tree assessment, reporting, and compliance with local council requirements. At Arboriculture Victoria, our arborists meet and exceed these qualifications.

❓ What types of arborist reports do you provide?

We offer a full range of Level 5 arborist services, including:

• Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA)

• Tree Protection Management Plans (TPMP)

• Tree Health & Risk Assessments

• Tree Retention & Removal Plans

• Pre-Development Site Inspections

• Construction Supervision & TPZ Monitoring

❓ Which areas of Melbourne and Victoria do you service?

We provide consulting arborist services across Greater Melbourne and regional Victoria, including suburbs like Oakleigh, Airport West, Northcote, Springvale, Eltham, Bayside, Merri-bek, Banyule, South Yarra, Carlton, Armadale, Prahran and more. Not sure if we cover your area? Contact us for a quick response.

❓ How long does it take to get an arborist report?

Most reports are completed within 2–4 business days after a site visit. Urgent reports can often be arranged faster, depending on availability and complexity. Contact us to book an inspection.

❓ How much does a consulting arborist report cost?

Costs vary depending on the size of the site, number of trees, and the type of report required. A typical Arboricultural Impact Assessment starts from around $850+GST, but we’ll provide a tailored quote after reviewing your project or plans.

❓ Are your reports compliant with Melbourne councils?

Yes — all of our arborist reports are prepared in line with AS4970-2025 and tailored to meet the planning requirements of your specific council. We have extensive experience dealing with Merri-bek, Banyule, Boroondara, Whitehorse, Darebin, and other local councils across Victoria.

❓ What is AS4970-2025 and why is it important?

AS4970-2025 is the updated Australian Standard for Protection of Trees on Development Sites. It outlines best practices for calculating Tree Protection Zones (TPZs), conducting Arboricultural Impact Assessments, and managing trees during construction. Councils across Melbourne require reports that comply with this standard. Our arborist reports strictly follow AS4970-2025 to ensure full compliance.

❓ Can a consulting arborist help me avoid tree-related delays in my planning application?

Yes — a qualified consulting arborist can identify and mitigate potential tree issues early, helping you avoid costly delays, permit refusals, or non-compliance fines. We work closely with developers, architects, and planning consultants to streamline approvals across Victorian councils.

❓ Do I need an arborist report if I’m removing a tree on private property?

It depends on your local council’s regulations. Many Melbourne councils (like Merri-bek or Banyule) have tree protection overlays (TPOs) or significant tree registers that require a permit — even for tree removal on private land. A Level 5 arborist report can assess the tree’s significance, health, and risk, and support your application for removal if appropriate.

❓ What’s the difference between a tree risk assessment and an arborist report?

A tree risk assessment focuses on the likelihood of a tree or limb failure and the potential hazard to people or property. An arborist report may include this risk component but usually also covers broader factors such as tree health, structural integrity, retention value, and development impact. We offer both services, depending on your needs.

❓ Do you provide arborist supervision during construction?

Yes — we provide on-site arboricultural supervision to monitor works within Tree Protection Zones. This ensures compliance with the AIA and prevents unauthorised tree damage, which can lead to council fines or stop-work orders. Our team documents each stage for your records or as evidence for council audits.

❓ What happens during an arborist site inspection?

During the site visit, a Level 5 arborist will:

• Identify and number all relevant trees

• Measure DSH (Diameter at Standard Height), height, canopy spread, and species

• Assess health, structure, and retention value

• Determine NRZ and SRZ calculations

• Inspect for decay, defects, or risk features

• Take photographs and site notes

This data forms the basis of your report, tailored for planning, development, or legal use.

❓ What is the SRZ (Structural Root Zone) and how is it calculated?

The Structural Root Zone (SRZ) is the minimum area required around a tree to maintain its stability. It's calculated using a formula from AS4970-2025, based on trunk diameter and tree species. Unlike the TPZ, the SRZ is typically smaller but must not be disturbed, even during deep excavation or footing installation. We calculate both NRZ and SRZ for every development site we assess.

❓ How do I book an arborist report?

Booking is easy — simply contact us via our enquiry form, call 0437475763, or email us at arboriculturevictoria@gmail.com. We’ll ask for:

• Your address or site plan

• A copy of your proposed development drawings (if available)

• Any council correspondence

• Your deadline or planning timeframe

From there, we’ll arrange a site visit and confirm a quote.

❓ How can I get my arborist report accepted by council?

The best way to ensure council acceptance is to:

• Use an AQF Level 5 qualified arborist

• Ensure the report complies with AS4970-2025

• Include TPZs, SRZs, retention value assessments, and construction recommendations

• Respond to specific council requests (we’re familiar with requirements across Melbourne councils)

We prepare every report to meet these standards and liaise with your planner or architect where needed.

❓ What sets Arboriculture Victoria apart from other arborists?

• We specialise in Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIAs)

• All work is carried out by qualified AQF Level 5 arborists

• Fast turnaround — most reports delivered in 2-3 business days

• Clear, council-compliant reporting

• Experience with tree protection laws across all major Melbourne councils

• Friendly, responsive service with a strong reputation