Frequently Asked Questions
❓ 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:
Tree Retention & Removal Plans
❓ 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
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Tree Protection Management Plans (TPMP)
Do I need a Tree Protection Management Plan for small-scale landscaping?
Yes. Even smaller projects involving excavation, soil movement, or machinery near trees can impact root systems. Many Melbourne councils require a TPMP to be submitted with permit applications when protected trees are within the vicinity of the works.
What is the difference between the TPZ and SRZ?
The Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is the area around a tree that must be protected to preserve health, based on trunk diameter and guided by AS4970-2025. The Structural Root Zone (SRZ) is a smaller radius essential for tree stability—disturbing this area can lead to failure or death. Our TPMPs clearly map both zones.
Who installs and manages the tree protection fencing?
The builder or site supervisor is typically responsible for installing tree protection fencing in line with our plan. Our arborists provide full specifications and can supervise installation to ensure compliance. We also offer ongoing inspections throughout construction.
Are TPMPs mandatory under Melbourne council planning permits?
Yes. Most councils require a TPMP as part of the development approval process when trees—particularly street trees, protected canopy trees, or heritage vegetation—are within proximity of proposed works. We ensure all plans comply with local laws and AS4970-2025.
Can you deliver a TPMP quickly?
Absolutely. We usually provide Tree Protection Management Plans within 3 to 5 business days of inspection. For time-sensitive projects, we can often accommodate faster turnarounds upon request.
What is a tree health and risk assessment?
A tree health and risk assessment is a professional evaluation of a tree’s structural integrity and biological condition. It identifies signs of disease, decay, or structural instability and assesses potential risk to people or property. Our assessments use the VALID Tree Risk methodology, which is objective, transparent, and evidence-based.
What is VALID Tree Risk Assessment?
VALID (Visual Assessment of Likely Risk) is a modern, science-backed framework for assessing tree risk. It uses real-world tree failure data, consistent logic, and public transparency to produce accurate, defensible, and easy-to-understand risk ratings. VALID avoids the subjectivity and inconsistency found in older systems like TRAQ or QTRA.
When should I get a tree risk assessment?
You should book a tree risk assessment if you notice any of the following:
Dead or hanging branches
Visible cracks or cavities
Fungal growth or decay at the base
Trees leaning or uprooted
Recent construction or excavation near roots
Storm damage
Trees located near homes, footpaths, or high-traffic areas
Will the tree need to be removed?
Not always. Our aim is to retain safe trees where feasible. Many structural or health-related issues can be addressed through:
Pruning
Propping or bracing
Ongoing monitoring
Target management (e.g. relocating items or people)
We only recommend removal when risk cannot be acceptably reduced by other means.
Are your risk assessments accepted by Melbourne councils?
Yes. Our arborist reports are written by AQF Level 5 consulting arborists and follow best practice guidelines. All assessments based on the VALID methodology are well regarded for their scientific rigour, transparency, and compliance with council and legal standards.
Arboricultural Impact Assessments (AIA) – Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA)?
An Arboricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is a professional report that evaluates how proposed development will affect existing trees. It includes tree health assessments, Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) and Structural Root Zone (SRZ) calculations, and outlines steps to protect trees during construction. AIA reports are a requirement under AS4970-2025and are often requested by Melbourne councils.
Do I need an arborist report for a planning permit in Melbourne?
Yes. Most Melbourne councils require a Level 5 consulting arborist report as part of the planning permit application when your development may affect trees. An Arboricultural Impact Assessment helps demonstrate how tree protection will be managed and whether any tree removal or retention strategies are needed.
What is a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ)?
A Tree Protection Zone (TPZ) is a calculated area around a tree that must remain protected and undisturbed during any development or construction activity. It ensures the tree's roots and canopy remain healthy and is determined according to the Australian Standard AS4970-2025 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites.
How long does an AIA report take to complete?
Most AIA reports are completed within 2 to 4 business days following the on-site inspection. If your project has tight deadlines, we can often provide priority turnaround on request.
Are your AIA reports accepted by Melbourne councils?
Yes. Our Arboricultural Impact Assessments are compliant with AS4970-2025 and tailored to the specific planning requirements of councils across Melbourne and greater Victoria. This includes municipalities such as Merri-bek, Banyule, Boroondara, Darebin, and others.